Former Everton FC and Everton’s Players’ Life President Graeme Sharp helped cut the ribbon to officially unveil the new Dockland’s Trail Museum at Collingwood Dock in Liverpool.
The event unveiled a brand-new edition to Liverpool’s northern waterfront which celebrates the City’s maritime heritage including the home of the Club’s new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
The Dockland’s Trail, situated on Collingwood Dock and offers views of Everton’s new stadium site, was set up by retired school friends from Bootle Grammar School and initially launched just before the pandemic. Housed in customised shipping containers, the trail gives visitors the chance to learn more about the pride, resilience and work ethic of the city’s dockers and the key landmarks across the Northern Docks including the Grade II listed Victoria Tower – home to the six-sided clock.
A new exhibit to the trail features Everton’s connection to the docks and more specifically Bramley-Moore Dock. The display includes information on the history of the site, how some of the players were former dockers, the Club’s commitment to enhancing and making public the dock’s heritage features as well as an overview of the new stadium plans and how the Club proposes to make its new home the most sustainable and accessible in the Premier League.
Graeme Sharp, Everton’s Player’s Life President and post-war leading goal scorer said:
“The Dockland’s Trail is a great place to bring some of the history of the docks to life.
“There is so much fascinating information here about how the Club plans to honour and respect the heritage of our city’s maritime history but also breathe new life into Bramley-Moore Dock as part of our new stadium plans. I must admit I was fascinated with what Bramley-Moore Dock was used for previously and how some of our former players were dockers.
“Fans coming down to visit are guaranteed a warm welcome from Les and his team and will learn something new not just about Everton’s connection to the waterfront but also from the other exhibitions about the other docks and their history.”
Visitors to The Dockland’s Trail can read about Scotsman, Patrick Gordon who signed for Everton in 1890 and split his time between his job as a docker and the Club’s first Football League winning season.
Everton Giant, Tommy Wright enjoyed huge success with the Club in the 1960’s and 70’s winning the league and FA Cup. Wright racked up an impressive 373 appearances for Everton and 11 caps for England, including appearances in the 1970 Mexico World Cup, before becoming a docker following his sporting retirement in 1974.
Chair of Trustees of The Dockland’s Trail, Les Ellis said:
“The pandemic got in the way of our initial launch plans, but we’re delighted to welcome Graeme here today to officially open the trail and unveil our dedicated section on the history of Bramley-Moore Dock and it’s future with Everton Football Club.
“For the people who have driven down this way and always wondered what’s on the other side of the big wall, now you can find out!
“The majority of families in Liverpool have a connection to the docks and we’re keen to make sure future generations keep those stories alive.
“We’ve documented a fascinating timeline and now with the new exhibit, we can look to the future with Everton becoming a firm part of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront.”
Entry to the Docklands Trail Museum, based on Regent Road opposite the Titanic Hotel, is free and open on Tuesdays and Sundays between 11am and 1pm.
