Greenbank House - Bequeathed To The University of Liverpool

Bequeathed To The University of Liverpool

The house and remaining estate remained in Rathbone hands until the death of Hugh Reynolds Rathbone on 19 January 1940. Between 1939 and 1948 remaining parts of the estate were donated by Hugh and Emily's children. The house itself was requisitioned by the Admiralty in 1940, but in 1944 it too was donated to the University, originally for the purpose of housing students. It formed an annexe to Derby Hall until 1963-4, when it was converted for use as a student and staff social club. The club was managed by Gordon and Lilian Milne from 1964 until 1982 and underwent extensive renovations in 1968 when the house's upper level was converted from student accommodation to private living accommodation, a kitchen, bar, restaurant/cafe and function room for weddings and other social functions. The club stopped being a social club venue in 1987-88 and was eventually closed to the public, reverting to use as offices for Liverpool University administrative staff. The house is now no longer in use as office space and has remained derelict for some years. The house still belongs to the University but its future use is uncertain.