By the 1800s the Mersey was carrying shipping to a much larger area of North West England (for example, it was possible to navigate to Manchester by 1730) and the Corporation of Liverpool believed it needed additional powers to fulfil its role.
By the 1800s, the Mersey's reach extended beyond its original boundaries, serving a much greater part of North West England (it became possible to navigate to Manchester by 1730), and the Corporation of Liverpool felt it necessary to acquire more authority in order to fulfill its role.