Posted on June 3, 2025

Did you know today marks the anniversary of Liverpool Football Club?

Founded on 3 June 1892 by local businessman and politician John Houlding. Over the decades, the club has become the most successful football team in England, shaping the city’s identity far beyond the pitch.

Liverpool FC would go on to become the most successful football team in the country and are the current Premier League champions. Over the years, Liverpool’s City Halls would be intertwined with the history and figures of Liverpool FC in times of celebration and tragedy.

The Founder & The City’s Highest Honour

John Houlding, the club’s founder, wasn’t just a visionary in football—he also served as Liverpool’s 6th Lord Mayor (1897-98).

Since then, Liverpool’s Town Hall has played a pivotal role in recognising those who shaped the club’s legacy including Bob Paisley, Kenny Dalglish, Steven Gerrard and Bill Shankly and most recently, Jürgen Klopp who was awarded the Freedom of Liverpool in 2022, following his transformative leadership and triumphs.

A Place of Tribute & Triumph

Football is more than a sport—it’s a bond between a club and its people. This was deeply felt in 2016, when the 97 victims of the Hillsborough disaster were collectively awarded the Freedom of Liverpool, honouring their memory after decades of justice-seeking efforts. Liverpool solicitor Elkan Abrahamson was also awarded the Freedom of the City in 2024 in recognition of his work representing many of the Hillsborough families.

Few locations carry as much emotional weight in Liverpool FC’s history as St George’s Hall.

In 1971, legendary manager Bill Shankly stood on the hall’s steps after the FA Cup Final, addressing thousands of fans with the now-famous words:

Since I came here to Liverpool and to Anfield, I’ve drummed into our players time and again that they are privileged to play for you, and if they didn’t believe me, they believe me now.

Fast forward to 2005, when Liverpool FC lifted the Champions League trophy in Istanbul—another unforgettable celebration centring around St George’s Hall, where hundreds of thousands of fans gathered. The iconic parade became so legendary that staff lovingly nicknamed it “The Champions League Roof.”

Liverpool FC and the City Halls share a connection built on triumph, resilience, and community. From hosting freedom ceremonies for footballing legends, to standing as a place for remembrance, joy, and historic moments, these landmarks remain a core part of the club’s legacy.