John Houlding

Lore & Background

John Houlding was a businessman in Liverpool, educated at Liverpool College. He owned a brewery that left him financially comfortable for life. He was elected to Liverpool City Council as a Conservative representing the Everton ward and was appointed Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 1897. Houlding was a member of the Orange Order and a Freemason; he founded Anfield Lodge No. 2215 and attended other lodges, attaining the 33° of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite.

Before founding Liverpool FC, Houlding was president of Everton FC. In 1882, a ruling forced Everton to play at an enclosed ground. A meeting at the Sandon Hotel, owned by Houlding, led to Everton renting a field off Priory Road. When asked to leave, Houlding secured a pitch at Anfield Road, paying rent to John Orrell. Houlding later purchased the land from Orrell in 1885, developed it, and charged rent to Everton. Disputes arose over Houlding's interest rates and his proposal for the club to buy his land and Orrell's land by floating the club. In March 1892, Everton left Anfield for Goodison Park, and Houlding was no longer club president.

After Everton's departure, Houlding founded a new club, initially called Everton Athletic, but the Football Association disallowed the name due to similarity to Everton FC. The club was renamed Liverpool FC. Houlding remained chairman until 1902. Under manager John McKenna, Liverpool won the Lancashire League in its debut season and joined the Football League Second Division in 1893–94. After promotion in 1896, Tom Watson led Liverpool to its first league title in 1901.

Reader's Guide

John Houlding's significance lies in his pivotal role in the formation of two of English football's most historic clubs. His presidency of Everton FC and subsequent falling-out with the club's members led directly to Everton's move to Goodison Park and Houlding's founding of Liverpool FC in 1892. This schism created a lasting rivalry that defines Merseyside football. Houlding's legacy as a football pioneer is commemorated by a bronze bust outside Anfield, unveiled in November 2017 for the 125th anniversary of Liverpool FC. A mural dedicated to him was painted on the Sandon Hotel in 2024. His death in 1902 was marked by a funeral where players from both Liverpool and Everton carried his coffin, reflecting his enduring impact on the city's football culture. A biography by historian David Kennedy was published in 2022, reflecting growing interest in his legacy.

Did You Know?

• John Houlding was Lord Mayor of Liverpool in 1897.
• He founded Liverpool FC after Everton left Anfield in 1892.
• A bronze bust of Houlding was placed outside Anfield in November 2017.