History

Our history

120 Years in Everton. Rooted in History. Here for Every Young Person.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, a small number of England’s leading independent schools began a movement to establish inner-city missions and settlement houses in the most deprived areas of major cities. Motivated by faith, philanthropy and a spirit of social reform, these schools believed that privilege came with responsibility:

young people born into advantage should stand alongside young people born into hardship — not as charity, but as neighbours, mentors and friends.

Shrewsbury School was one of the pioneers of this movement. In 1903, a group of its teachers founded Shrewsbury House in Everton, choosing the area because of its poverty, overcrowding and lack of opportunity for local young people. From the beginning, the mission offered:

safety, belonging and positive activity
learning, structure and aspiration
Christian care and community
friendship across social divides

What started in a modest mission hall soon became a vital part of Everton life. The club was packed every week, and its early football teams became a source of huge pride.

Growing with Everton

As the decades unfolded, Everton changed dramatically from farmland, to grand Victorian villas, to one of Britain’s most densely populated working-class areas, and later through vast slum clearances, tower blocks and the creation of Everton Park.

Through all this upheaval, Shrewsbury House remained a constant.

In the 1970s, the club moved into its current purpose-built centre, which includes the church, the youth club, and a 10-bed hostel and onsite housing for clergy and youth staff. Today, the hostel welcomes visiting students from Shrewsbury School, reflecting a partnership that has endured for more than 120 years.

Who We Are Today

Although founded as a Christian boys’ mission, Shrewsbury House has evolved. Our work is now rooted in inclusion, dignity, community and hope, and we are proud to be a modern youth and community charity that welcomes every young person, of every background, culture and belief.

Our link with Shrewsbury School remains a treasured part of our identity. Their students still visit Everton, and in return, our young people have opportunities to spend time at the school; exchanges that broaden horizons, build confidence and keep alive a meaningful relationship built across generations.

Preserving Our Story

We are proud of our heritage and grateful to all who have helped preserve it. Our growing archive developed by dedicated volunteers, local families, and material from Liverpool Record Office includes photographs and memories from every era, capturing football teams, playschemes, celebrations, street scenes and the changing face of Everton.

If you have memories, photographs or stories connected to Shrewsbury House, we would love you to share them.