The iconic Mathew Street was originally named Mathew Pluckington Street, after a famous merchant and land owner. It began life as a dirt track linking the city to the docks in the 1700s and was called Pluckington Alley for a time. The iconic Mathew Street was originally named Mathew Pluckington Street, after a famous merchant and land owner. It began life as a dirt track linking the city to the docks in the 1700s and was called Pluckington Alley for a time.
The iconic Mathew Street was originally named Mathew Pluckington Street, after a famous merchant and land owner. It began life as a dirt track linking the city to the docks in the 1700s and was called Pluckington Alley for a time. | Local TV

How 13 of Liverpool’s most famous streets got their names - including Hope Street & Penny Lane

Emma Dukes
By Emma Dukes

Digital Journalist

Published 30th Jun 2023, 12:16 GMT

Many of our streets were made famous by the Beatles, but others have interesting origin stories too...

Liverpool is home to some iconic streets, recognised by people all over the world.

From Penny Lane and Menlove Avenue, made famous by The Beatles, to key roads named after prominent figures during the city’s dark history with the slave trade.

While some of the streets we walk down day to day have impressive origin stories, which pay tribute to brilliant people, including the man who fought for swimming to be taught in local schools.

There are many stories to tell about about the origins of Liverpool’s streets...

It is believed that Mann Island was named after John Mann, an oilstone merchant during the mid-18th century.

5. Mann Island

It is believed that Mann Island was named after John Mann, an oilstone merchant during the mid-18th century. | Chris Denny via Wikimedia Photo: Chris Denny via Wikimedia

Lord Street is one of the main streets in central Liverpool and is named after Lord Molyneux, whose family became Earls of Sefton. The peerage was first created in 1771 and the Earls ruled from their seats at Croxteth Hall, Abbeystead House and Woolton Hall.

6. Lord Street

Lord Street is one of the main streets in central Liverpool and is named after Lord Molyneux, whose family became Earls of Sefton. The peerage was first created in 1771 and the Earls ruled from their seats at Croxteth Hall, Abbeystead House and Woolton Hall. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images

Hope Street was named after William Hope, the merchant who built the first house on the site where the Philharmonic is located. Once named the ‘Best Street in the UK’, the road now has a cathedral at either end, is home to a theatre, an art deco concert hall and a pub boasting Liverpool’s best loos.

7. Hope Street

Hope Street was named after William Hope, the merchant who built the first house on the site where the Philharmonic is located. Once named the ‘Best Street in the UK’, the road now has a cathedral at either end, is home to a theatre, an art deco concert hall and a pub boasting Liverpool’s best loos. | Stephen Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Stephen Richards, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Originally known as Shaw’s Brow. William Brown Street was later named in honour of MP and philanthropist William Brown, who, in 1860, donated the land for the construction of the free public library and museum that stand on the site.

8. William Brown Street

Originally known as Shaw’s Brow. William Brown Street was later named in honour of MP and philanthropist William Brown, who, in 1860, donated the land for the construction of the free public library and museum that stand on the site. | sas - stock.adobe.com Photo: sas - stock.adobe.com

Previous
2 / 4
Next Page
Related topics:BeatlesSchoolsHistory
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice