More than a man-made structure, Gwladys Street represents the spirits and souls of millions of Evertonians. The grand old lady of Goodison Park has enjoyed an illustrious life but has never lost her voice or faith. Her special aura has been influenced by her distinctive balcony as well as the colour and humour below.
Gwladys Street has not missed a home game for over a century. She was conceived in the summer of 1892, after Everton had relocated from their rented accommodation in Walton Breck Road, Anfield to the site of a former nursery known as Mere Green Field, Walton, and grew up in the shadows of St Luke the Evangelist. Her formative years were more modest than those of her three siblings, however her structure changed forever after an encounter with Archibald Leitch. As a consequence, her primitive appearance was enhanced by a facelift which has stood the test of time to house Everton's most vociferous fans. Several decades later, Gwladys Street was treated to a new cantilever bonnet and, perhaps during her mid-life crisis, her old concrete terraces were transformed into a sea of blue. Despite these cosmetic changes, her devotion to all things Everton has remained unconditional and undiluted by those attracted merely to success.
While supporting the Boys in Royal Blue has never been easy, to worship with Gwladys Street is a privilege... a pride... a passion of belonging to something unique.
Long may it be so! |
