In the 1850s, after years of political wrangling, Birkenhead docks were opened. They offered several advantages over Liverpool in that they were deeper, more sheltered, and most importantly, land on the Wirral was considerably cheaper than that on the other side of the River Mersey. Birkenhead docks played a key role in the economic growth of the Great Britain, in the late 1890s; over 40% of the UK’s live animal imports came through Birkenhead. The decline of shipping in the 1970s had a dramatic effect in Birkenhead, sending the docks into decline.

Fortunately, trade still continues in the Birkenhead docks. Cargos such as wood and paper are still regularly handled through Birkenhead, the majority of the Main Float is still active, and the docks have been regenerated to handle the regular Irish Sea crossings between Birkenhead and Ireland.

Ref: 1016E

Location: Birkenhead, Wirral

Photographer: Tim Myers