Liverpool was formally inscribed on the World Heritage Site list in July 2004 as the `supreme example of a commercial port at the time of Britain's greatest global influence'. The World Heritage Site includes 15 surviving historic docks, six monumental dockside warehouses and many other important dock structures such as the dock security walls. The port also contains one of the finest, and most complete, Victorian commercial districts in Britain and the stunning trio of buildings at the Pier Head (known as `The Three Graces') form one of the most dramatic and recognisable waterfronts in the world. Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City is the document prepared by the Liverpool World Heritage Site Steering Committee to support the bid for World Heritage status, and is in itself a magnificent and richly illustrated book, published here for the first time. Central to the document is a unique description and history of the area of the Site and its stunning buildings, complemented by a profusion of historic and contemporary illustrations in full colour. The World Heritage Committee reserved particular praise for Liverpool: Maritime Mercantile City in setting a new standard in terms of content and presentation for World Heritage Site Nomination Documents.

Author Biography

The publication was put together by the World Heritage Officer, employed by Liverpool City Council and working under the guidance of the World Heritage Site Steering Group, which consists of representatives of a wide range of public organisations that have management responsibilities within the Site.