Duke Street, Liverpool
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 Duke Street in 2012 | |
  | |
| Location | Liverpool city centre |
|---|---|
| Postal code | L1 |
| Coordinates | 53°24′05″N 2°59′00″W / 53.4014°N 2.9832°W |
| Other | |
| Known for | Offices, shops, pubs, restaurants |
Duke Street is a road in Liverpool, England. Situated in the city centre, it runs between Hanover Street and Upper Duke Street and is part of Liverpool's Ropewalks district.
Chinatown
Duke Street is believed to take its name from the Duke of Cumberland, marking his victories at battles such as Culloden.[1] The street was first set out in the 1720s, containing merchant's businesses and their homes, often above their commercial premises.[2] The street's growth was largely fueled by the opening of the Old Dock in 1709.[3]
In 1827, construction began on a cemetery, known as St James'.[4] Duke Street became home to Liverpool's first public library, which opened in 1852.[5]
Liverpool is home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe, thanks to its status as an important port in the 1800s.[6] Duke Street falls within the Chinatown area, and even has road signs stating the street's name in Chinese (公爵街), to denote its historical importance.
Ropewalks
Duke Street forms part of Liverpool's Ropewalks district, an area where rope for shipping was manufactured.[7] This business dominated the area up until the 19th century.