Anfield football ground, here in LFCs first year at the ground in 1892. Seen from The Kop, mainstand to the left and Kemlyn Road to the right.
Up until a few months before it had been home to Everton FC from 1884 to 1892 before they moved to Goodison Park after a dispute with the club president John Holding, his relationship with Everton soured due to disagreements over rent and his desire to sell his own beer at Anfield. The club, with its roots in the church, was not comfortable with the involvement of alcohol in their finances, leading to a split in 1892.
Everton played their first match at Anfield on September 27, 1884, defeating Earlestown 5-0. They remained at Anfield until 1892, when the dispute with Houlding led to the club’s departure and the subsequent formation of Liverpool FC.
Everton had initially leased the Anfield ground from landowner John Orrell. In 1885, John Houlding purchased the land and became Everton’s landlord, increasing the rent over time. Increasing rent, coupled with other disagreements ( as mentioned above) between Houlding and the Everton committee, led to a major conflict. Houlding, unable to gain full control of Everton, formed Liverpool Football Club in 1892 to play at Anfield. Everton subsequently moved to Goodison Park.
Everton’s final match at Anfield was on April 18, 1892, against Bolton Wanderers.
Sketch drawn by Tony Onslow.
Anfiel Road: 1884 – 1892
Goodison Park: 1892 – 2025
Hill Dickinson Stadium: 2025 –
