Liverpool is home to a great number of higher education institutions. Today, we’re taking a look at one of the largest universities in the UK — Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU). Read on to discover more about the institution’s history and development at liverpool1.one.
From Mechanics’ Institute to Modern University
The university’s history began in 1823 with the founding of the Liverpool Mechanics’ School of Arts. The school continuously evolved, developed, and merged with other institutions over the years. In 1892, the Liverpool Nautical College was established, which would also eventually become part of the university.
By 1970, the institution had become known in the city as Liverpool Polytechnic.
Then, in 1992, it was officially renamed Liverpool John Moores University. The university was named after Sir John Moores, a prominent local businessman and philanthropist who invested heavily in Liverpool’s educational institutions.
The University Today
Liverpool John Moores University is now attended by around 27,000 students from countries all over the world. In 2005, the institution was awarded the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize.
The university is spread across two main campuses. The Mount Pleasant Campus is home to the John Lennon Art and Design Building, the Faculty of Business and Law, and the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies. The city’s Science Park is also considered part of this campus.
The City Campus houses buildings such as the James Parsons Building and the Tithebarn Building, which serve the Faculty of Science and others. It’s worth noting that the Copperas Hill site is located between these two campuses, containing many faculties, the Student Life Building, and the university’s sports facilities.
It’s hard to imagine such a large institution without a library. LJMU has two, with one library dedicated to each campus.
- The Aldham Robarts Library serves the Mount Pleasant Campus. Located on Maryland Street, it primarily caters to students from the Faculty of Business and Law and the Faculty of Media, Arts and Social Sciences.
- The Avril Robarts Library serves students at the City Campus. Situated on Tithebarn Street, it provides resources for three faculties: Health, Science, and Technology and Environment.
Notably, students can use either library, regardless of their campus. There are 1,630 study spaces available to students 24/7. The libraries hold over 68,500 physical books, in addition to more than 16,000 e-books and 5,000 e-journals.
But university life isn’t just about studying; students also enjoy a vibrant social and sporting scene. The university has official teams registered with British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) in badminton, basketball, cricket, football, cycling, hockey, netball, rugby league, rugby union, tennis, volleyball, swimming, and American football, with students regularly taking part in BUCS competitions.
Who Was John Moores?
The university bears the name of the distinguished businessman and philanthropist, John Moores. But who was he, and why was one of the country’s most prestigious universities named in his honour?
John Moores was born in 1896, by which time the Liverpool Mechanics’ School of Arts was already well-established. He grew up in a large family and had to leave school at 14 to start working. His first job was with the Post Office in Manchester.
Moores had a natural entrepreneurial flair and was always devising schemes to make money. In 1920, noticing there was no library nearby, he opened a bookshop, which quickly turned a profit.
Together with some friends, he developed the “football pools” in Liverpool. In time, he would become the sole owner of the venture.
By 1932, John Moores was a millionaire. He stepped back from the football pools and opened the “Littlewoods” mail-order business. Before the Second World War, he had opened 25 stores. His business empire continued to grow after the war.
In 1960, the millionaire became a director of Everton Football Club. He also owned a quarter of Liverpool Football Club.
John Moores passed away in 1993. At the time of his death, his estate was valued at ten million pounds. In 2002, his Littlewoods companies were sold to the Barclay Brothers.
It’s worth noting that John Moores was made a Freeman of the City of Liverpool in 1970. He was also appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and was knighted in 1980.
It is not only the university that bears his name, but also the Plaza office complex in Liverpool city centre.
Liverpool John Moores University is a prestigious higher education institution in the UK. Thousands of students dream of studying here. The university has a rich history and provides a high-quality education.
We hope you found this material informative and learned something new about your home city and one of the country’s largest universities.