Short answers, pulled from the story.
King John issued a charter in 1207 that established Liverpool as a borough. The original seven streets were laid out in the shape of a double cross near the time it was granted this royal charter.
The name comes from Old English words meaning thick or muddy water and pool or creek. A tidal creek known as the Pool provided a natural harbour for ships before the town grew into a small settlement of farmers, fishermen, and tradesmen.
Substantial profits from the slave trade and tobacco helped the town prosper and grow rapidly during the 18th century. By 1750, the population had reached 20,000 people after the first commercial wet dock was built in 1715.
The Luftwaffe made 80 air raids on Merseyside during World War II killing 2,500 people and causing damage to almost half the homes in the metropolitan area. Significant rebuilding followed the war including massive housing estates and the Seaforth Dock which was the largest dock project in Britain.
In the 1960s Liverpool was the centre of the Merseybeat sound whose best-known band is the Beatles. Recording artists from the city have had more UK No. 1 singles than anywhere else in the world.