A Homecoming

Last weekend we boarded the Mersey Ferry at Woodside,

on a bright, but bitterly cold afternoon,

and we crossed the water.

Our destination was the Pier Head at Liverpool, which is a World Heritage Site. 

But we hadn't just come to see the stunning waterfront this time, because a special visitor had returned home.

The Royal Navy destroyer H.M.S. Liverpool had sailed into port for a final trip before it is de-comissioned next year.

So many people had braved the elements to come and take a look.

This is the 7th ship to bear the name HMS Liverpool. She is a type 42 destroyer and has some pretty impressive kit on board. She was deployed to the Persian Gulf during the Iraq war, but often acts as an escort to flagship of the  fleet ..... The Ark Royal

Now, I don't know anything at all about warships, but it looked pretty impressive to me.... although surprisingly small.

This ship was built on the Mersey at the Cammell Lairds shipyards in Birkenhead, which can still be seen from the ferry.

Although ships are no longer made here now, there is still a thriving business of ship repair.... and the flight deck for a new aircraft carrier is being constructed inside this huge building.....

After a quick coffee and cake at the Ferry terminal building we caught the next ferry home, and stayed inside for the sail home. I'd never been so cold in my life! Mr B. spent the whole afternoon moaning about the weather .. and I think "you only want photos for your blooming blog" was muttered a few times!

Still, it was nice to see a piece of Liverpool's naval heritage before she vanishes along with all the other cuts that are happening now. 

Sometimes we forget that Liverpool has such a long maritime history and massive connections with the sea. I think it's because the Mersey doesn't flow through the city like rivers often do in other places ... (like the Thames and the Tyne) and we don't see it unless we take a trip down to the Pier Head..... but my goodness when you do its history is all around you!