New book chronicles history of Greenbank House

A new book has been published that chronicles the history of Greenbank House from its origins as the residence of the Rathbone family in the mid 18th century, to its subsequent use as a University Hall of Residence and then as a popular staff - student club through to its recent major restoration.

`Greenbank House and the University of Liverpool' is written by Adrian Allan, who served as University Archivist until his retirement in 2008. and published by Liverpool University Press.

Greenbank House is a Grade II* listed building which stands within the University's Greenbank Student Village.

It was home to the prominent merchant Rathbone family from 1788 until1944 when they donated it to the University of Liverpool.

The book is illustrated with plans, engravings, photographs, and a Rathbone family tree, and draws on the archives of the Rathbone family to observe the wider political, social, religious and literary relationships they enjoyed, as well as taking into account the observations of visitors, including John Dalton, the eminent chemist, and John James Audubon, the American naturalist and painter.

Recollections of alumni and former University staff contribute to the account of Greenbank's service as an Annex of Derby Hall of Residence, 1947-63, and then as a popular staff-student club, 1963-88.

Greenbank House has recently undergone a major programme of repair and restoration of its distinctive 18th century, Gothic, and Victorian wings, that has brought the building back to its former glory.

A 35% discount is available to University staff who wish to purchase this book. To place an order with staff discount please email [email protected] or alternatively staff can visit the LUP office at 4 Cambridge Street (open Tuesdays) to pick up a copy.