The Mersey Ferries have operated across the River Mersey for over 850 years.

Описание: The Mersey Ferries have operated across the River Mersey for over 850 years, forming an essential link between Liverpool and the Wirral Peninsula.

The service began in 1150 AD when Benedictine monks from Birkenhead Priory established the first ferry from Birkenhead to the small fishing village of Liverpool, primarily to transport travellers on market days. A charter in 1318 confirmed the Liverpool to Woodside route under the Prior of Birkenhead. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the rights passed to secular operators.

Rowed boats dominated until the early 19th century. The first steam-powered ferry, the wooden paddle steamer Elizabeth, entered service in 1815 on routes including Liverpool to Runcorn, marking the start of mechanised crossings. By the 1820s, regular steam services ran to Woodside, with additional routes to Rock Ferry (from around 1660, expanded later) and others developing through the 18th and 19th centuries as Liverpool's trade and population grew.

The 20th century saw significant developments. During the First World War, Mersey ferries participated in the 1918 Zeebrugge Raid, a daring naval operation. In recognition, King George V granted the "Royal" prefix to several vessels, leading to names like Royal Daffodil and Royal Iris.

Wallasey and Birkenhead corporations operated separate fleets until 1969, when the Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive (now Merseytravel) unified them under Mersey Ferries. The current fleet includes vessels introduced in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Royal Iris of the Mersey (originally Mountwood, built 1959 and refurbished in 2001) and others extensively modernised since.

Today, the ferries run primarily between Pier Head in Liverpool, Woodside in Birkenhead, and Seacombe in Wallasey. They serve commuters and have become a major tourist attraction with river cruises showcasing Liverpool's waterfront and history.

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