As the weather was truly grotty last weekend, we decided to delay our narrow boat trip. Instead we spent the weekend trotting around Liverpool. I’ve always been fascinated by the Liverbirds that sit atop of the towers on the Liver building.
Popular legend has it that while one giant bird looks out over the city to protect its people, the other bird looks out to sea at the new sailors coming in to port. Alternatively, local legend states one Liverbird is male, looking inland to see if the pubs are open, whilst the other is female, looking out to sea to see if there are any handsome sailors coming up the river.
Yet another legend, states that every time a virgin walks across the Pier Head, the Liverbirds flap their wings. It is also said that if one of the birds were to fly away the city of Liverpool would cease to exist, thus adding to the mystery of the birds. As a result, both birds are chained to the domes upon which they stand.
The two birds – officially cormorants – have identical and almost traditional poses, standing upright with half-raised wings. They are 18ft high and have a wingspan of 12ft. They each have a sprig of seaweed in their beaks.
My favourite story is the one that says that the male bird looks back on loved one’s left behind in the city, while the female looks out to sea to protect the sailors.
Now that the new canal link has been opened in Liverpool, I’m looking forward to sailing to the Albert Dock and mooring up here on the very edge of the city. You have to book 12months in advance as the bridges are only opened once a day as they cut across busy roads.
And of course the day ended well with a pint of real ale in the Baltic Fleet pub with a nice Italian meal to follow…..Smashin!
Liverpool is such an interesting city, teeming with history and culture, very diverse. I love the place.x
Brilliant! I love Liverpool!! The Liver Birds really are the heart and soul of the city x