Anfield Split - To Buy or Not to Buy?

In 1884 when Everton first went to Anfield, the field it occupied was owned by Joseph Orrell, junior. He rented the field to Everton through Houlding, the Club's representative tenant. Houlding paid rent to Orrell and sub-let the ground to the Club. In July 1888 the Committee asked Houlding for a long-term lease. He refused, but said Everton could stay indefinitely if they paid a fair rent.