Liverpool, one of Great Britain’s principal ports, played a major role in the development of the Royal Navy, particularly in the context of the slave trade and its eventual abolition. This was especially true during the 18th and 19th centuries, a period also marked by strikes and clashes. We’ll discuss the specifics of Liverpool’s involvement in these situations on liverpoolyes.com, and summarise the city’s overall contribution to the British Navy.
Liverpool as a Trading Hub and Its Influence on International Relations
Liverpool was heavily involved in the slave trade until 1807, when the British Parliament passed an act prohibiting the practice. The Navy, widely seen as protecting national interests, was directly involved in these transport operations, escorting vessels carrying enslaved people. This raised several ethical issues for the Navy, as some officers owned plantations in America and even held slaves aboard their own ships.
In 1811, following the abolition of the slave trade, Liverpool became a critical base for the Navy to enforce the new laws. The ‘West Coast of Africa’ station was established, through which Liverpool coordinated the fight against the slave trade in West Africa. This, in turn, strengthened the British Navy and boosted its authority in the region.
Liverpool was also an important hub for the diplomacy accompanying the anti-slavery campaigns. The British fleet, while patrolling African waters, struck agreements with local rulers. This allowed the trade in people to be halted, though the motivations were not always purely altruistic. The situation fuelled Britain’s ambitions to expand its territories. Thus, Liverpool played a significant—but morally controversial—role.
It’s estimated that between 1650 and the aforementioned ban, up to 3 million Africans were transported on British ships to be used as slaves. By the late 18th century, Britain dominated this trade—not least thanks to Liverpool and its vessels. On average, over 150 ships carrying enslaved workers departed annually from the ports of Liverpool, London, and Bristol.
Problems Faced by Liverpool Sailors in the Late 18th Century
In the 18th century, sailors made up a large part of Liverpool’s workforce and enjoyed widespread support among the population. In August 1775, due to the American War of Independence, 3,000 Liverpool sailors were left jobless. Merchants decided to slash the standard rate of pay for fitting out a ship for a voyage from 30 shillings a month to just 20 shillings. When the sailors hired to outfit the ship ‘Derby’ came for their pay, they learned about the wage cut and the surplus of other sailors in the port.
In response, the sailors returned to the ship, cut down the rigging, and left it on the deck. Other ready ships in the harbour met a similar fate. Following the arrest of nine men who were sent to jail, thousands of sailors surrounded the prison and secured the release of eight of them.
They then marched to the Town Hall, where they held peaceful meetings and a march, and a delegation met with the mayor. It was noted that the merchants agreed to pay the rates demanded of them. However, on the same day, they hired armed men to arrest the strike leaders. That evening, soldiers opened fire on the unarmed strikers, killing several people and wounding dozens.
The sailors, outraged by the events, began gathering cannons from ships and prepared to bombard the Town Hall. Raising a red flag, they began the bombardment the following day, resulting in several more deaths. The merchants appealed for military aid from Manchester, and 100 cavalry arrived in Liverpool two days later.
During the funeral of the shooting victims, soldiers arrested between 40 and 60 sailors and sent them to Lancaster to face charges. Only 12 sailors stood trial in Lancaster; eight were found guilty, but all were released on the condition that they joined the Navy. This decision was driven by strong public sympathy for the sailors in the town due to the desperate conditions that led to the uprising.
Subsequently, particularly from the late 18th century until 1807, the country was almost constantly at war. Unsurprisingly, the patrols tasked with fighting the slave trade were neither large nor well-equipped. Initially, two old ships were sent to West Africa, and by 1811, the number of vessels was increased to five. Progress then stalled due to the war with the United States, which lasted from 1812 to 1814.
Few volunteered to serve in the West Africa Squadron, as the mortality rate and danger there were higher than in the Mediterranean Fleet or home waters. The statistics have survived: in the swampy conditions off Africa, fierce fighting meant that an average of 55 sailors out of 1,000 died, compared to just 10 per 1,000 elsewhere.
Thus, Liverpool sailors participated in various military campaigns and died at the same rate as other Britons. During relatively peaceful times, the main naval activities included the capture of ships involved in the slave trade. This was widely reported in the newspapers of the day. Liverpool was also involved in the American Civil War through its spies and secret agents, two of whom are featured here.
Liverpool as a Key Port for the British Navy
Now, we come to the crux of the matter. In the 18th century, Liverpool became one of the most important ports, not just for trade, but for the development of the British Navy. Thanks to its strategic location on the Atlantic coast, the city provided easy access to the sea, making it a crucial point for dockyards and military operations.
Liverpool’s port was equipped to service and build ships of all classes, from small frigates to massive warships. The local shipyards supplied the Royal Navy with the newest vessels, which played a key role in colonial wars and protecting sea lanes. Furthermore, Liverpool was a pioneer in developing modern port management technology, transport systems, and port operation methods.
The city also played a vital role in supplying the fleet with resources—from provisions to weapons and ammunition. Virtually every military conflict Great Britain was involved in included the active participation of Liverpool, which provided the army and navy with everything necessary to conduct hostilities.
The Impact of the Maritime Industry
As the British Navy developed, Liverpool’s local economy and industry also grew. The businesses that built ships, warehouses, and workshops employed thousands of workers, many of whom were involved in the construction and maintenance of naval vessels. Liverpool became an important centre for the fleet and developed its own shipbuilding culture, where craftsmen passed skills down through generations.
The activity of the British Navy, in turn, significantly influenced the city’s infrastructure. New docks, storage facilities, and even fortifications to protect the port were built. This also contributed to population growth and the rapid development of the urban economy, transforming Liverpool into one of Great Britain’s most important industrial and military centres.
In conclusion, Liverpool became a prime example of a commercial port during the height of British global power. Unfortunately, it also played a huge role in organising the transatlantic slave trade. However, the city was also immensely significant for global commerce and for mass emigration to the New World.