Mike Royden – Everton FC Heritage Society

‘Everton FC in Everton Day’ – 9 May 2026 – Noon-2pm

28

Apr

1878-1889, 2020-2029, Events, Ken Rogers, Latest, Mike Royden

‘Everton FC in Everton Day’ – 9 May 2026 – Noon-2pm

On Saturday 9 May between Noon and 2pm, the Everton FC Heritage Society, in tandem with the Friends of Everton Park (FOEP), will once again be opening up the Everton Lock-Up, below Browside, for a special ‘Everton FC in Everton Day.’ All are welcome to join us for this free event and take part in the guided tour and Lock-Up visit. Ken Rogers at the start of his guided tour, May 2025 Mapping the Lock Up and the History of the Everton Crest by Mike Royden All you want to know about the Lock-Up, the Everton crest and its use…

This Prince of Goalkeepers – Lance Corporal Leigh Richmond Roose MM

23

Mar

By Mike Royden

1900-1909, 1910-1919, Film and Media, Latest, Lewis Royden, Mike Royden, Rest in Peace, WW1

This Prince of Goalkeepers – Lance Corporal Leigh Richmond Roose MM

A great deal of research has been carried out by a number of members since the founding of the society, into players on Everton FC books who fell in both wars. This research has also been extended to include the Everton clubs of Chile and New Zealand. In addition, there has also been an ongoing project to research those who had served, but had survived, and in many cases were deeply affected by the conflict, who were never the same again, being affected both physically and mentally. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ The Fallen of Everton FC on Film Our series of films about the…

Mapping the Lock Up and the History of the Everton Crest

19

Mar

By Mike Royden

0 Comments

Articles, Bramley-Moore, Everton Collection, Goodison, Latest, Mike Royden

Mapping the Lock Up and the History of the Everton Crest

Mike Royden Entering into the Park End Captain's Table at Goodison Park minutes after the annual Remembrance memorial, attendees were keen to gather a hot drink and sit down for a moment's respite after escaping from the bitterly cold weather. Paul Walsh While chatting to fellow Heritage Society members, we were approached by Paul Walsh, a life-long Blue, volunteer with the 1878s, and a fan of the work carried out by the Society. He had in his hand a map he had recently acquired, and very kindly wished to donate it to the Society so that something could be made…

03

Mar

By Mike Royden

3 Comments

1878-1889, Articles, Everton Collection, Goodison, History, Latest, Members Work, Mike Royden

In Search of Priory Road 1883-84

In Search of Priory Road Commencing to write this article on the day that government approval was granted for the Bramley-Moore Stadium, social media was awash with good wishes to all those concerned in successfully seeing the project through. There were the inevitable online exchanges, with a great many from the envious dark side, who could see they were now visibly condemned to spend yet another generation in their Big Stand with little chance of expansion, a move, or even a laughable ground-share. Meanwhile, many commented online that this would be Everton’s third stadium build in the city. (pic: Liverpool…

15

Feb

By Mike Royden

1 Comment

Articles, History, Latest, Mike Royden

The Story of Bellefield

From its Early Nineteenth Century Origin to a Seventy Year Association with Everton FC Mike Royden When Everton finally left Bellefield for the last time on 9 October 2007, it brought to an end an eight-decade association with the training complex which commenced in the 1930s. Previously, the senior side had utilised a variety of grounds, including Stanley Park and Walton Stiles, but from the turn of the century, training was centred on the Goodison pitch and the adjacent training ground behind the Park End stand. But how did the club come to use Bellefield and what was the estate…

02

Feb

By Mike Royden

4 Comments

1878-1889, 1890-1899, 1900-1909, Articles, Goodison, Latest, Mike Royden

George and Annie Jane Goodison

Towards the Foundation of a Stadium, and how Classical Egypt came to Waterloo Mike Royden The name ‘Goodison Park’ has always had a touch of class about it, but it so easily could have been called ‘Mere Green’ or possibly ‘Walton Stiles’: Mere Green being the land leased (and later purchased) for the new Everton FC stadium, and Walton Stiles being the ancient footpath that once ran from the Walton Church area, approximately along what is now Goodison Road, down Spellow Lane and on to County Road. But where did the name originate, and how did it become the name…

The Opening of Goodison Park! – A Picnic, a Firework Display, a Friendly, the First League Game

25

Jan

By Mike Royden

0 Comments

1890-1899, Articles, Everton Collection, Goodison, History, Latest, Mike Royden

The Opening of Goodison Park! – A Picnic, a Firework Display, a Friendly, the First League Game

Mike Royden The year 1892 was iconic in the history of Everton Football Club, famous for the dispute with John Houlding, which cumulated in the potentially club-ending gamble of moving to a new, undeveloped site, in time for the opening of the forthcoming 1892-93 season on 3 September. It was a tall order of course, but once the decision had been made, the directors and club officials went into overdrive to ensure their dream move would become a reality in the very short time available to them. Work began in May 1892, contractors were engaged, and the pitch area –…

Pat Nevin – our next guest at the Denbigh Castle

08

Dec

By Mike Royden

0 Comments

1980-1989, 1990-1999, Events, Film and Media, Latest, Mike Royden, Players

Pat Nevin – our next guest at the Denbigh Castle

Everton FC Heritage SocietyHeritage Talks and Social Evenings – Spring Series Programme 2026 We are pleased to announce our new monthly series of social evenings featuring a talk or event related to our club’s history, heritage, culture and community. This new initiative has been introduced by members of the Everton FC Heritage Society, and in a full season will run from September to May on the first Thursday of every month in the downstairs function room of The Denbigh Castle, in Hackins Hey (off Dale Street), Liverpool. All Evertonians are welcome to attend, and we sincerely hope you will support the research…

11

Nov

By Mike Royden

0 Comments

Events, Film and Media, Latest, Lewis Royden, Mike Royden, Rest in Peace

Remembrance at Goodison Park 2025

Armistice Day Service, The Fallen of Everton FC Memorial, Goodison Park https://youtu.be/C1qileWUUcg Remembrance Day 2025 News Report (filmed and edited by Lewis Royden / all photographs by Mike Royden for Everton FC Heritage Society) Many thanks are due again to Paul Kelly of Everton FC Heritage Society (supported by his wife Jean), in organising the service, despite continued poor health – this is an event they have now organised with dedication for over a decade. The service was conducted by the Reverend Henry Corbett, Chaplain to Everton Football Club and Goodison Park. Henry is also a member of Everton FC Heritage Society.…

The Fallen of Everton FC – Corporal Thomas Gracie

07

Nov

By Mike Royden

0 Comments

1910-1919, Film and Media, Latest, Mike Royden, Rest in Peace, WW1

The Fallen of Everton FC – Corporal Thomas Gracie

A great deal of research has been carried out by a number of members since the founding of the society, into players on Everton FC books who fell in both wars. This research has also been extended to include the Everton clubs of Chile and New Zealand. In addition, there has also been an ongoing project to research those who had served, but had survived, and in many cases were deeply affected by the conflict, who were never the same again, being affected both physically and mentally. A series of short biographical films about the players is ongoing and in…