The fascinating history of Liverpool’s Smallest House

Did you know that Liverpool was once home to the smallest house in England? 

Our city is full of history, but among its lesser-known treasures is a small relic near Picton Clock in Wavertree: Liverpool’s Smallest House. 

The house can be found at 95 High Street, Wavertree, standing out as an architectural oddity amidst its more traditional Victorian neighbours. 

Measuring just 6ft wide and 14ft deep, what was once a home has intrigued locals and visitors alike for years. It was almost the smallest house in the UK… but narrowly beat by one in Conwy. 

The house dates back to 1850, built during a time when Liverpool’s population was rapidly expanding due to the city’s prominence as a port. 

Wavertree, then a village on the outskirts of Liverpool, was beginning to develop into a suburb. Landowners often sought to maximise their profits by constructing small, inexpensive homes to cater to the growing demand for housing.

Despite its tiny dimensions, the house served as a home for many working-class families over the years. 

While little documentation exists about its early inhabitants, it’s believed that the house provided modest shelter for labourers and their families. Although one story suggests that at one time eight children once lived in the home…

The property features only two rooms – one on each floor – with a steep staircase connecting them. For its occupants, every inch of space had to be utilised efficiently.

In its time however, it was not considered unusual; rather, it was simply a part of working-class life.

The last documented person to live there was Richard Greaves, who worked at Wavertree Town Hall as a cleaner, he sold it to the brewery who owned the neighbouring pub, The Cock & Bottle, supposedly around 1925, where the landlord at the time combined the home to be part of the pub. 

In the late 90’s the façade was restored with fake windows and a door, and it still remains an iconic landmark in Wavertree. 

Today, unfortunately, the house no longer exists as a home, so we are unable to take a look inside. Around 2011 a real door was installed to provide access to flats above the bookies next door. 

While you can’t step inside, the exterior is well-maintained. Its narrow façade, complete with a bright red door, continues to draw attention and serves as a popular spot for history buffs and curious photographers.

A plaque placed above the door, from The Wavertree Society, reads: 

“The Smallest House: Later part of the Cock & Bottle public house, No. 95 High Street was once known as the Smallest House in England.” 

So if you’re ever wandering through Wavertree, take a moment to visit 95 High Street (door now reads 93) and marvel at this unique piece of Liverpool’s history. 

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