This Saturday (13 May) people will get the chance to feel like royalty by climbing aboard the historic Lord Mayor of Liverpool’s Coach.
For the first time in more than a decade, the Coach – which is similar to those used by the Royal Family in the Coronation last weekend – is being taken out of storage and will be on display at the Royal Albert Dock.
The Coach will be located next to the Miller & Carter restaurant (by the red funnels) from 10am – 3pm, with people getting the opportunity to sit inside it in return for a donation to the Lord Mayor’s Charities.
The Lonsdale Coach originally belonged to the Earl of Sefton, Lord Derby, and was commissioned in 1902.
The bill of sale from Royal coach builders Hooper and Co Ltd shows that it cost 220 guineas – the equivalent of around £22,000 today – and took three months to construct.
The invoice shows Lord Derby, was invited to have an optional lever brake fitted for 8 guineas “as such an appendage is necessary in a hilly country”.
He was also given the option of rubber tyres for a more comfortable ride, similar to those being fitted by the company to His Majesty King Edward VII’s Coach.
The carriage was used for formal occasions and was kept at Croxteth Hall, which had its own stables and garages.
Since its ownership transferred to Liverpool City Council, it has been used at occasional civic events such as the Lord Mayor’s Parade, but has more recently been kept in storage.
Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Roy Gladden said:
“We have many national and international guests in the city this week for Eurovision and this is a great opportunity to show off a remarkable piece of the city’s civic history.
“We are really keen for as many people as possible to come together to see the historic Lord Mayor’s Coach, and also give them a rare opportunity to sit inside it, to raise funds for my charities.”
Estate Manager of the Royal Albert Dock, Sean Morrison, said:
“The Royal Albert Dock is delighted to host the Lord Mayor’s Coach for Eurovision.
“We are also delighted to support the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and his chosen charities.”
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