On the day that Charles III was proclaimed at St James’s Palace, it’s worth remembering that Goodison Park holds a special double distinction when it comes to previous kings. Not only did Everton’s home become the first football ground attended by a reigning monarch, but its record crowd was also for a royal visit.
Departing Anfield in 1892 after a rent dispute with landlord John Houlding – who would subsequently form Liverpool FC to fill the void at his empty venue – Everton constructed Goodison Park as England’s first purpose-built football ground. Early observers couldn’t help but be impressed and when it opened, a writer for the publication Out of Doors enthused: “Behold Goodison Park! No single picture could take in the entire scene the ground presents, it is so magnificently large, for it rivals the greater American baseball pitches.
“On three sides of the field of play there are tall covered stands, and on the fourth side the ground has been so well banked up with thousands of loads of cinders that a complete view of the game can be had from any portion. It appears to be one of the finest and most complete grounds in the kingdom, and it is hoped that the public will liberally support the promoters.”
