Waterfront · Pier Head
Pier Head & the Three Graces
Before the Three Graces, this was George's Dock, opened in 1771 as Liverpool's third dock and too small for shipping by the 1890s. The Port of Liverpool Building (1903–07), the Royal Liver Building (1908–11) and the Cunard Building (1914–16) now stand on its site.
- Before
- George's Dock, 1771
- Royal Liver Building
- 1908–1911, Grade I
- Cunard Building
- 1914–1916, Grade II*
- Port of Liverpool Building
- 1903–1907, Grade II*
George’s Dock, opened in 1771, was the third dock built in Liverpool. By the 1890s it was too small and too shallow for the ships of the day, and it was filled in to make way for new buildings at the Pier Head.
Three rose in quick succession: the Port of Liverpool Building for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board (1903–07), the Royal Liver Building by Walter Aubrey Thomas (1908–11), with its two clock towers and Liver Birds, and the Cunard Building for the Cunard Line (1914–16). Together they became known as the Three Graces.
The Royal Liver Building is Grade I listed and the other two Grade II*. Mersey Ferries sail from the Pier Head landing stage.
- 1771
George's Dock opens, Liverpool's third dock.
- 1890s
George's Dock is too small for modern ships.
- 1907
The Port of Liverpool Building is completed.
- 1911
The Royal Liver Building is completed.
- 1916
The Cunard Building is completed.
How much history this place holds
The Old Town Time Meter
Old Town Time Meter
76/100
Landmark
- Time on this spot255 years, since 1771 (George's Dock)34/40
- Age of the present building115 years, built 191112/20
- Layers of history5 documented chapters15/15
- Heritage protectionGrade I listed15/15
Part of the historic district of Royal Albert Dock · district meter 80/100, Landmark
An index of the documented time and history held by this place, part of Old Town Liverpool's Quantum Energy Mapping. How it is measured.
Old Town Liverpool guides
With the story behind the building
Etsu Japanese RestaurantBeetham Plaza · built Post-war office building, converted 1997–2000
Hawksmoor LiverpoolIndia Buildings · built 1924–1932 · Grade II* listed · NHLE 1218481
Gaucho Liverpool7 Water Street and 3 Fenwick Street (former bank) · built 1896; Water Street block 1934 · Grade II listed · NHLE 1062579
fogo-de-chaoHorton House, Exchange Flags · built 1955 · Grade II listed · Exchange Buildings, NHLE 1245031
Rudy’s Pizza Napoletana – Castle Street3 and 5 Castle Street (former British & Foreign Marine Insurance Company offices) · built 1889- Pho Castle Street | Vietnamese Soul in a Liverpool LandmarkFormer Parr's Bank · built 1901 · Grade II* listed
Make an evening of it
What's on nearby
Things to do
Tours that start nearby
- Bus tours · Sightseeing from £15 per adult City Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour City Explorer Liverpool (Maghull Coaches) Times, prices & meeting point
- Beatles · Bus tours from £20 per adult Beatles Explorer Bus Tour City Explorer Liverpool (Maghull Coaches) Times, prices & meeting point
- River cruises · Sightseeing from £14 per adult Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise Mersey Ferries Times, prices & meeting point
Around Pier Head & the Three Graces
Sources: Wikipedia: Pier Head; Food Standards Agency food hygiene rating data (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 16 October 2026.