Print and Photograph - Approaching James Street Station

In the 19th century, Liverpool became (after London) the second port of the British Empire and was one of the greatest ports in the world. The docks became a gateway for materials and goods to be imported and exported. However, with this growth in trade and industry came issues with traffic congestion and overcrowding around the docks area, resulting in a proposal for an elevated railway in 1852. In February 1893, the Liverpool Overhead Railway opened and provided safe and efficient travel for dock labourers.