Marie Passey will lead this guided tour exploring the Duke Street area of Liverpool. The area represented the first boom in the city’s mercantile economy, with a patchwork of merchants’ houses and warehouses built to serve the Old Dock that opened in 1715. This area represents a crucial stage in the development of the historic port city. It developed a cosmopolitan feel, home to sea captains, merchants, traders, and artisans. Some of the many buildings highlighted on the walk include: the complex of buildings originally built for Thomas Parr - described as ‘one of the best examples extant of the establishment of a first class Liverpool merchant of the period’ - converted later to The Royal Institution—the embryonic University; the former Union News Room, home of Liverpool’s first public library; the Great George Street Congregational Church and the Chinese Arch. Plus, the last extant back-to-back houses in Liverpool (Now converted into apartments).

Marie Passey is an experienced Blue Badge Guide for the Liverpool City region. She often features on Radio Merseyside, sharing her detailed knowledge of the people and places of Liverpool. Marie has given Talks to the Liverpool History Society in addition to providing Guided Tours for the Merseyside Civic Society. Marie Passey worked as a French teacher in Liverpool for some 35 years prior to qualifying as a Guide.

Note—the early start for this Tour is 10 am on Saturday, 1st November 2025

Please wear suitable footwear and clothing for this tour.

The meeting point will be at the Sailors’ Gates, which is adjacent to the John Lewis Store L1 8BJ and close to the Liverpool 1 Bus Station. The nearest Merseyrail Railway Station is Liverpool Central (8-minute walk). The Main Railway Station is Lime Street (15-minute walk). The Liverpool One car park (L1 8LT) is located close to the meeting point, and John Lewis also has a car park.

Duke Street: a tour of Liverpool’s merchant’s quarter with Marie Passey