Liverpool has a history to be proud of when it comes to a city which leads change.
Across the decades, Liverpool has hit the headlines for leading the way. Back in 2020, the city was the first to a lead mass coronavirus testing operation which was the first of its kind in the country.
The 'moonshot' programme saw everyone living or working in Liverpool offered regular covid-19 tests whether they had symptoms or not. The trial happened right here and other places in the country soon followed suit.
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Other firsts in Liverpool include the first Woolworth's, first Girls Grammar School and the first hat trick record. Back in 2016, the ECHO put together a list of things which happened for the first time in Liverpool.
Some of them you may know already, but others may be a surprise. Here is the list of firsts in Liverpool which was compiled with the help of Liverpool History Society.
Building work
St George’s Church in Everton became the first in the world to be built with a cast iron frame. It opened in 1814.
Train shed
The world’s first train shed opened at Crown Street Station in 1830.
Medical breakthrough
The link between sugar and diabetes was first discovered by a Liverpool physician, Matthew Dobson, in 1774.
Girl's grammar school
England’s first girl’s day grammar school was founded in 1844 at Blackburne House.
First subscription library
The Lyceum on Bold Street was the first subscription library in England when it opened in 1758.
Prison
In 1786 Europe’s first purpose built prison opened on Great Howard Street.
First public baths
In 1842, Kitty Wilkinson founded the world’s first public baths and wash-houses on Frederick Street.
World’s first overseas American Consulate
Liverpool became home to the world’s first overseas American Consulate in 1790. A portrait of the first consul, James Maury, still hangs in the town hall.
Football nets
Football nets were used for the first time in 1890 after being invented by Liverpool city engineer John Brodie.
Cycling club
The Liverpool Velocipedes was the first cycling club to be formed in Britain, in 1867.
Art gallery
The Walker Art Gallery became the first British public art gallery when it opened in 1877.
Chess club
England’s oldest chess club was formed in Liverpool in 1857.
Overhead railway
In 1893 the world’s first overhead railway was opened in Liverpool. It was also the first electric elevated railway, the first to use automatic signals and electric colour light signals, and had the first passenger escalator at a railway station.
Tobacco warehouse
The world’s largest tobacco warehouse opened at Stanley Dock in 1900.
Tropical Medicine school
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine was the first in Britain when it opened in April 1899.
Woolworths
In 1909, Britain’s first Woolworths store opened on Church Street.
Crossword puzzle
Liverpool’s Arthur Wynne produced the world’s first crossword puzzle in 1913. It appeared in New York World.
The Royal Liver Building clock face
The Royal Liver Building clock face - the largest in Britain - started for the first time on June 22, 1911 at the precise moment of King George V’s coronation.
Chinese newspaper
Britain’s first Chinese newspaper (Hua Chow Pao) was published in Liverpool in 1944.
Hat trick record
Liverpool FC’s Jack Balmer became the first footballer to score a hat trick in three consecutive games in 1946.
Top of the charts
Liverpool’s Lita Roza was the first woman to top the UK singles chart, with How Much is that Doggy in the Window? In 1953.
