The Royal Liver Building: A Liverpool Icon
A Liverpool Icon
No visit to Liverpool is complete without admiring the majestic Royal Liver Building. Standing proudly on the Pier Head, this Grade I listed masterpiece is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and a symbol of its rich maritime heritage. With Liverpool City Sights, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to learn about the history, architecture, and fascinating stories behind this iconic building.
A Beacon of Liverpool’s Skyline
Completed in 1911, the Royal Liver Building forms part of Liverpool’s famous "Three Graces," alongside the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. Together, they create a stunning waterfront trio that has earned the area its UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
At 98 metres tall, the Royal Liver Building was one of the tallest structures in Europe at the time of its construction and remains a defining feature of Liverpool’s skyline today. Its innovative use of reinforced concrete—one of the earliest examples for a major building—marked a bold step forward in architectural design.
Architecture
The architect of our building was Walter Aubrey Thomas and he was a local man born in Tranmere just over the water in Birkenhead. He trained under the Liverpool architect Francis Doyle and established his own practice in 1876 at the age of around 17.
He was inspired by the Ingalls building in Cincinnati, Ohio, which was completed in 1902/03. The Liver building was then an inspiration to the Wrigley building in Chicago which was completed in 1924.
Walter Aubrey Thomas also designed:
· New Zealand House, Water Street Liverpool, 1893
· Lord Street Arcade, Lord Street Liverpool, 1901, Grade II Listed
· Brooke House, Parkgate Cheshire, 1904, Grade II Listed
· State Insurance Building, Dale Street Liverpool, 1906, Grade II Listed
· Tower Building, Water Street/Strand Liverpool, 1906,
· Crane Building, Hanover Street Liverpool, 1913-15, Grade II Listed
· Dunstan Wood, Burton Cheshire, 1926
· Elmhurst, Neston Cheshire, undated, Grade II Listed
The Royal Liver Building is his only work which has been given Grade I Listed status.
The Liver Birds
Perched atop the building’s twin clock towers are the iconic Liver Birds, mythical creatures that have become synonymous with the city. Legend has it that if the two birds ever take flight, Liverpool will cease to exist. The eastern bird (Bertie) watches over the city, while its counterpart (Bella) looks out to sea, safeguarding sailors and the port’s legacy. It is said that Bella is waiting for the handsome sailors to arrive and Bertie is looking inland waiting for the pubs to open!
Standing over five metres tall, the Liver Birds are a sight to behold.
A Clock Like No Other
The Royal Liver Building’s clock faces are among the largest in the UK, measuring an impressive 7.6 metres in diameter—larger even than London’s Big Ben. Known locally as "George’s Clocks" in honour of King George V, these timepieces have been keeping the city ticking for over a century.
A Modern Legacy
While deeply rooted in history, the Royal Liver Building continues to evolve. It is now a thriving hub of business and tourism, housing modern offices and welcoming visitors to the RLB360 experience, where panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond await.