27/04/2026
Liverpool Palaces of Commerce: A Walk Round Liverpool’s Commercial District
Date: Saturday 16 May, 2026 led by Peter de Figueiredo
Time: 2pm
Venue: assemble at the statue of Nelson in Exchange Flags at the rear of Liverpool Town Hall
Guided tour will take approximately 2 hours
Walking distance just under a mile
Recommend wearing comfortable shoes
Numbers limited
Booking essential via Eventbrite (see site) or by email to [email protected]
There will be notes available on the notable buildings to be included in the walk.
Liverpool’s development as a leading international port was matched in the 19th and early 20th centuries by a correspondingly rapid growth in commerce. From a cluster of narrow streets lined by dwellings and warehouses arose a city of banks and trading exchanges, towering office buildings and insurance houses, each seeking to outdo its neighbour in opulence and display. Along the walk Peter will draw attention to some of the key city centre commercial buildings, their original uses, architects and significance, including the familiar ‘three graces’ at the Pier Head: Royal Liver Building (1908-12), Cunard Building (1914-16) and the Port of Liverpool Building (1903-7).
Peter de Figueiredo is an architect, architectural historian and long-term Victorian Society member. His career has included Head of Conservation and Design at Chester City Council, Historic Buildings Inspector for English Heritage, and self-employed Heritage Consultant. Author/joint author of Cheshire Country Houses; Religion and Place: Liverpool’s historic places of worship; Mersey: the river that changed the world; Victorian Manchester and Salford; The Rows of Chest
