Liverpool’s Liver Birds by Max Brockbank
Most great cities adopt official symbols that are designed to represent their ideals and goals, while reflecting their personalities. It’s not uncommon for major cities to use various animals as their symbols, and birds are immensely popular choices. The city of Liverpool, however, was never content with selecting a symbol that could inadvertently be used by another city; it was determined to choose one that clearly reflected it’s own unique personality and flair. A series of interesting events through the history of Liverpool resulted in the city adopting the Liver Bird as its official symbol – but you won’t find Liver Birds anywhere in nature.
The Origins of the Liver Bird
The Liver Bird – in which “Liver” rhymes with “driver” – is believed to have made its first appearance all the way back in the year 1207. That’s when King John granted the city of Liverpool its City Charter. The seal on that charter featured an eagle that is believed to have been the original inspiration for the Liver Bird. The seal was lost during a siege in the year 1644, however, and subsequent recreations rendered the bird as more of a cormorant than an eagle.
Several years later, in 1797, the College of Arms granted official arms to the city of Liverpool. A bird was featured on the official documents and was described as being a cormorant with a sprig of laver, a kind of seaweed, in its mouth. Historians believe that this is where the Liver Bird got its name. To this day, most people agree that the Liver Bird is a cormorant; more importantly, it is a strong symbol of the city of Liverpool. One saying insists that, “If the Liver Birds fly away, Liverpool would cease to exist.”
Where To Find Liverpool’s Liver Birds
When staying at hotels in Liverpool, make it a point to head over to the Liver Building on the River Mersey. There, the city’s most famous pair of Liver Birds are perched atop the building’s two towers. However, there are two other, lesser-known Liver Birds in Liverpool – and they are within walking distance of several Liverpool hotels. One can be found on the Mersey Chambers office building, which is just across from the Church of Our Lady and St.Nicholas. The other Liver Bird – a small stone one – can be found inside the Merseyside Maritime Museum, where it was placed after being removed from the original St. John’s Market.
About the Author
Max is an author, writer and editor. He is married with two children and a cat and lives in south east London.
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