00:00One of the original seven streets that shaped the city, Castle Street takes its name from the castle that once stood proudly on this very site.
00:11Today it's been transformed into a vibrant hub at the heart of Liverpool's commercial district, lined with bustling bars, stylish eateries and historic focal points.
00:20At the top of Castle Street sits the striking Liverpool Town Hall, home to the Lord Mayor and the city's civic life.
00:26Built in 1749, this grade one listed landmark is bursting with charm and detail from gilded pineapples to a symbolic goddess of wisdom.
00:35The town hall has been the setting for countless significant occasions, hosting freedom of the city ceremonies, royal visits from across the globe and even the Beatles' famous balcony appearance.
00:44For those eager to look inside, the building does occasionally open for guided tours, giving visitors a rare chance to step inside one of the most impressive surviving town halls of the 18th century.
00:54At its rear is Exchange Flags, a historic square that plays a pivotal role in the city's rich mercantile history.
01:02Their name, Exchange Flags, actually dates back to the 19th century when Liverpool was at the centre of the global cotton trade.
01:08This open-air square was once the meeting ground for merchants and brokers who gathered here to share news, strike deals and trade information.
01:16Flags were used as markers, signalling designated spots where business could be conducted.
01:21The long history of Castle Street can also be glimpsed in the Sanctuary Stone, which once marked the boundary of the medieval marketplace that traded here for generations when Liverpool was just a medieval town.
01:35Originally, it would have been a few feet tall, made of course volcanic rock.
01:39In contrast to the native local sandstone these days, you have to look down to get a glimpse of it.
01:44Hidden away from the main thoroughfare is Queen Avenue, an enchanting alleyway so easy to overlook that many would pass it by.
01:52Described as having a fairytale quality, this secret passage is home to a mix of businesses, including an art gallery, wine merchant, hair salon and restaurants.
02:01Though you may not picture Liverpool as a city of castles, one did in fact dominate this very spot from around 2035 to the 1730s.
02:11Built on a sandstone bridge beside a tidal inlet of the Mersey, the medieval castle was central to Liverpool's original street plan.
02:19Records reveal it included its own chapel, bakehouse, brew house and a covered well.
02:23Today, the Queen Victoria Monument stands on the castle's former site here in Derby Square.
02:28This striking great two-listed memorial, unveiled just five years after the monarch's death, features not only her likeness, but 26 additional bronze figures too.
02:38Remarkably, it even survived the devastation of the Blitz, standing firm while the surrounding area was destroyed.
02:44From castles and monarchs to markets, music legends and modern nightlife, this street has seen it all.
02:53And nearly eight centuries on, it remains one of Liverpool's most iconic and enduring streets.
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