Liverpool recently joined the growing rank of cities where O2 4G is now available. So we thought this might be a great time to brush up on our Liverpool knowledge – here’s some facts about our latest 4G debutant.

1.   Founded in 1207, Lyrpole (as it was known) consisted of just seven streets. Over time, it’s grown to become the fourth-largest city in the UK, with an area of over 43 square miles and an estimated population of around half a million people.

2.   One of the world’s first two railway passenger terminals, Liverpool Crown Street, opened on 15 September 1830. The other was Liverpool Road station in Manchester.

3.   Liverpool is recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the World Capital of Pop, its descendants having claimed more number one singles than any other city in the world. The most famous musical accolade held by the city is that of birthplace of The Beatles, but it’s created a plethora of musical talent over the years, including Cilla Back, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Echo and the Bunnymen, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Atomic Kitten.

4.   Ever been rick-rolled? You’ve got Merseyside to thank for that. Rick Astley, the star of one of the internet’s most popular memes, hails from Newton-le-Willows.

5.   The talent doesn’t stop at music – other famous scousers include actors Tom Baker and Ricky Tomlinson, funny chaps Kenny Everett, John Bishop and Ken Dodds, and scary telly queen Anne Robinson. Believe it or not, Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall was born here, too.

6.   When it comes to sports, Merseyside is in a league of its own. Home to top flight football clubs Liverpool and Everton, it’s the most successful footballing city in England. Add that to the likes of Paralympian sledge hockey legend Matt Lloyd and rugby union’s Andy Ripley, and it’s clear that sport is a true passion of Merseyside. Oh, and Sporty Spice. Can’t forget her.

7.   The Pool is also home to some world-beating heavy metal. Great George, the bell housed in Liverpool Cathedral, weighs 15 tons. With a diameter of 2.9m, it’s larger than Big Ben.

8.   The world’s first commercial wet dock was opened in 1715, in Liverpool. Thomas Steer’s Dock – now called Old Dock because, well, it’s quite old – could accommodate up to 100 ships, advancing Liverpool’s status as a world leader in cargo handling.

9.   Since the 12th century, the Liver Birds have been a symbol of Liverpool. The 18-foot copper birds – believed to be cormorants – stand aloft the Liver Building. Legend has it that they mustn’t face each other, for fear that they might fall in love and fly away together, causing Liverpool to crumble and die. Whoever came up with that legend clearly hadn’t met too many Scousers…

Got a fact about Liverpool? Know something you want to share with the world about any of our 4G cities? Let us know in the comments.

Cheers Liverpool – There’s a special surprise for you, from us, right HERE.

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