Liverpool people have been going to the match ever since 1879 when Everton Football Club was formed. The team played at Anfield from 1884 until a dispute over the rent caused them to establish their own ground at Goodison Park. After their departure the owner of the ground decided to establish his own club and so, in 1893, Liverpool Association Football Club was formed.
Loyalties in Liverpool are divided between the two great teams –
"In your bones you know you have no choice, you can't change colours, for better or for worse. Your team is your team, till death do you part"
Hunter Davies
The 'Sporting Life' section of the Mersey Culture gallery explored the role of football in the life of the city. Displays included:
The Grand National is one of the world's most famous steeplechase races, drawing spectators from around the globe and attracting TV viewing figures of over 60 million. It all began in 1839 at a then little-known course at Aintree. Run over a 2 mile circuit, it's a gruelling race with horses and riders tackling all but two of the obstacles twice over.
When the Mersey Culture gallery was open you could:
The race was initiated by William Lynn (1794-1872), proprietor of the Waterloo Hotel and founder of the Waterloo Cup. The most famous fence of the race - Becher's Brook - got its name at the very first meeting in 1839. Captain Becher was a champion cross-country jockey, but his horse Conrad fell at the first brook. Becher re-mounted and continued the race, only to fall at the second brook! He never rode in the race again, but his name lives on.