Bricks, Stones and Straw: Working Horses in Liverpool

Working horses have been a part of Liverpool's history since its beginnings, shaping the city's economic life until steam-powered railways and motorised transport took over. This book examines the history of the working horse in Liverpool and Merseyside, focusing on the work of the carters and drawing on original documentation from the nineteenth century. The carters and their horses were vital in transporting goods from the docks and railways, and their service was celebrated in the annual May Day Parade. Bricks, Stones & Straw: Working Horses in Liverpool explores the role that working horses have played in the city through the ages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Since Liverpool's inception, working horses have played a significant role in its history. The interaction between humans and horses had a profound impact on the city's economic development until steam-powered railways and then motorised transport gradually replaced them. Trades and industries flourished around pack, draft, and Shire horses, goods were transported via horse trains, and the expertise of carters, veterinary workers, and farriers was passed down from generation to generation. In his book, author Peter Sleeman delves into the history of working horses in Liverpool and Merseyside, focusing specifically on the contributions of carters. He draws upon original documentation from the nineteenth century, an ancestor of the author, to provide a firsthand account of the carters' work.

In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Liverpool experienced significant trade growth and a population boom. The carters and their horses played a crucial role in transporting goods from the docks in Liverpool and Birkenhead, as well as the newly constructed railways. Draft horses were a common sight on the streets until the 1960s, working tirelessly throughout the day and night, regardless of weather conditions. Their service was celebrated annually in the annual May Day Parade, where the drivers and their horses paraded through the streets of Liverpool in their finest attire. This tradition continues to this day.

Bricks, Stones & Straw: Working Horses in Liverpool offers a captivating exploration of the vital role that working horses have played in the city throughout its history. The book provides a detailed account of the carters' work, their daily routines, and the challenges they faced. It also sheds light on the social and cultural significance of working horses in Liverpool and Merseyside, highlighting their role in shaping the city's identity and heritage. Through its rich narrative and historical insights, Bricks, Stones & Straw: Working Horses in Liverpool offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the enduring legacy of working horses in Liverpool.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 232 x 165 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398111660