Family 'Cross the Mersey
Published on
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Birkenhead-born John Lawson made an emotional return to the River Mersey this week, visiting the Royal Iris of the Mersey with his daughter, Dawn. It was his first trip back in many years - made all the more meaningful as the ferry marked its final week in service. For the Lawson family, whose story is closely woven into the history of the river, the moment felt especially poignant.
From the 1920s onwards, both John’s father, Bobby Lawson, and his grandfather, Robert Lawson, served as crewmen on the old Birkenhead Ferries - one of the original cross‑river services that operated long before the Mersey Ferries we know today. Their legacy lives on in the memories held by John, now passed down through generations, as the family bids farewell to a vessel that symbolises so much of their past.
Growing up in Wirral and later in Liverpool in the years after the Second World War, John was surrounded by his father Bobby’s unwavering love of boats and sailing. He fondly remembers Bobby’s most ambitious project - constructing a model ship in the cellar of their Anfield home. The vessel was so large and detailed that, once complete, it couldn’t be taken out of the house in one piece.
Following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, John eventually set his own course toward a life at sea by joining the Merchant Navy. His career carried him far beyond the banks of the Mersey, taking him to West Africa, the Arabian Gulf and the East Coast of America.
Yet despite his years of travelling the world, John still treasures the small, vivid memories of his youth on the Mersey Ferries. He recalls one sunny trip to visit an aunt in Birkenhead, when he dozed off on the deck - only to wake later and discover the ferry was already making its way back towards the Pier Head.
Although John left the Liverpool City Region for Aberystwyth in mid‑Wales many years ago, he never truly drifted from his maritime roots. To this day, he still takes to the water, piloting his own boat along the Welsh coast.
During their visit, John and Dawn were welcomed onto the bridge of the Royal Iris to meet Captain Jack Easdown. Together, they chatted about how dramatically the maritime world has changed over the past fifty years - and how the iconic “Ferry ’cross the Mersey” remains woven into the life, culture and identity of the region.
For generations, the Mersey Ferries have played a vital role in the area’s heritage. As the Royal Iris prepares to retire, the Lawsons’ visit stands as a reminder of the countless local families whose stories, traditions and memories have helped keep the ferries’ legacy alive.
We were so happy to welcome John and Dawn on board during this final week of service for the Royal Iris. It was a privilege to hear John’s memories of the ferry and learn more about his family’s long connection to the river. Both visitors mentioned how much they enjoyed their time on board and thanked our staff for going above and beyond to make it such a special experience.
Mersey Ferries Customer Operations Manager