Hiking Highlight
Recommended by 18 hikers
Old archway to Liverpool Docks. Built in 1855 and designed by Jesse Hartley, who also designed the Albert Dock and many buildings in the area.
The Royal Albert Dock is a complex of dock buildings and warehouses in Liverpool, England. Opened in 1846, it was the first structure in Britain to be built of cast iron, brick and stone without any load-bearing timber. This made it the first non-combustible storage system in the world. It was known simply as Albert Dock until 2018, when it was granted a royal charter and the honorary title “Royal” was added to its name.
At the time of its construction, the dock was considered revolutionary in its design, as ships were loaded and unloaded directly to or from the warehouses. Two years after its opening, it was remodeled and equipped with the world's first hydraulic cranes. Due to its open yet secure design, the dock became a popular storage facility for valuable cargoes such as brandy, cotton, tea, silk, tobacco, ivory and sugar. However, despite its advanced design, the rapid development of shipping technology led to the need for larger and more open docks within 50 years, although Albert Dock remained a valuable cargo storage area.
July 27, 2023
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