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 was transporting goods to a much broader region of North West England (for instance, it was possible to reach Manchester by 1730), and the Corporation of Liverpool felt it required extra authority to fulfill its duties.