Liverpool City Hall

This majestic building, with its colonnaded façade and beautiful dome, is the Liverpool City Hall. It owes its design to John Wood, a renowned architect from the city from Bath, who drew up plans for this sublime Georgian building. Sadly, in 1795, a fire ravaged the structure which was partially rebuilt. It was then that James Wyatt, a towering figure in English Gothic architecture, added the dome topped with the statue of Minerva, who, let’s remember, is the goddess of elevated thought, wisdom, and strategic warfare in Roman mythology . The building’s imposing façade was completely renovated in 2015 to revive its former splendour. However, the Town Hall isn’t there just to look pretty. It has witnessed great things and has been the scene of key moments in our history. Did you know that the American Civil War actually ended here? Not in New York, Washington, or even London. But right here in Liverpool. In November 1865, Captain Waddell climbed these steps to meet with the British government. The town hall was also targeted by the Irish secret fraternal organization, the IRB, which attempted to blow it up in 1881. Later, it was bombed by the German army. Fortunately, the building was impeccably restored, making it more majestic than before. On a brighter note, look at the balcony and imagine yourself in the ecstatic crowd, coming to see Queen Victoria, King Edward VII, The Beatles, or more recently, the greatest players of Liverpool FC greeting the people. This historical monument is Grade I listed and described in the list of the most beautiful town halls of the 18th century. Even if you don’t join one of the city’s guided tours, step into the grand hall with its Flemish wooden fireplace, and marvel at the massive staircase beneath the blue and gold dome.