Pier Head

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The Pier Head is a riverside location in the city-centre of Liverpool, England.

Liverpool Pier Head by night
Liverpool Pier Head by night
Image:Pier Head and Mersey Side.jpg
Pier Head and Mersey Side in the early 20th Century

Contents

[edit] Landing stages

The Pier Head is the historic location of Liverpool's landing stages and a trio of landmarks, which around 2001/02 were dubbed the 'Three Graces': Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building.

[edit] Trans-Atlantic shipping

Originally, the Prince's Landing Stage was situated at the Pier Head to serve the trans-Atlantic liner service. It was opened in the later nineteenth century, and scrapped in 1972.

[edit] Mersey Ferries

Only a few months after this stage was opened in 1972 (replacing the Prince's Landing Stage), it had to be refloated, after sinking in freak weather conditions. Similar conditions, and an extremely low tide on 2nd of March 2006, caused it sink again, probably because one of its girder's air pockets ruptured. This time it was destroyed, and a permanent replacement is not expected until late 2007. [1] The Mersey Ferries operate from a floating landing stage adjacent to the Pier Head, owned by Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. Ferries travel to Woodside in Birkenhead & Seacombe in Wallasey.

Liverpool Pier Head, with the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building, as well as the Anglican cathedral in the background
Liverpool Pier Head, with the Royal Liver Building, Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building, as well as the Anglican cathedral in the background

[edit] Isle of Man Ferry

The Isle of Man ferry operates from Pier Head Landing Stage adjacent to the one used by the Mersey Ferries. The Mersey Ferries are currently sharing this stage, until a temporary replacement for theirs can be provided.

[edit] Memorials

The plaque on Canada Boulevard at the Pier Head
The plaque on Canada Boulevard at the Pier Head
Merchant Navy memorial
Merchant Navy memorial

There are several memorials at the Pier Head including one to the Second World War convoy escort group commander Captain Johnnie Walker and one to the engineers who remained at their posts during the sinking of the RMS Titanic, and the Canada Boulevard plaque in memory of Canadians who gave their life in the Battle of the Atlantic. The most recent addition to the memorials at the Pier Head was unveiled on January 23, 2006 and remembers the Chinese merchant seamen who served and died for the United Kingdom in both World Wars. It also records the shameful forced repatriation of these men, many of whom had married local women and fathered children, at the conclusion of hostilities. (See the excellent illustrated page by John Luxton of IrishSeaShipping Liverpool Pier Head Memorials

[edit] Transport links

In addition to the Mersey Ferries, the Pier Head previously served as a major tram and later bus interchange.

The Pier Head was originally served by Liverpool Riverside station, the Liverpool Overhead Railway's James Street station and the Mersey Railway's James Street station a short walk away. Liverpool Riverside has since closed.

Merseytravel are in talks with Liverpool City Council to fast track a multimillion pound ferry terminal at the Pier Head.

[edit] External links

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