The Beatles Heritage
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| The Beatles Heritage |
Today Paul McCartney and John Lennon's childhood homes in Liverpool have been listed at Grade II, celebrating the huge cultural and historic associations that the two houses have as the place where The Beatles composed and rehearsed many of their early hits. They were listed by the Tourism and Heritage Minister, John Penrose, on the advice of English Heritage.
20 Forthlin Road, home of Paul McCartney from the age of 13 to 22 is the house where up to 100 Beatles songs were composed and a place of intense creativity and musical production. John Lennon lived at Mendips, 251 Menlove Avenue, from the age of 5 to 22. The house tells a biographical story of the legendary musician with tangible evidence of the band's formation and rehearsals, such as the porch which was enclosed by his aunt to ensure she wasn't disturbed by the music. Both houses are managed by the National Trust.
Yoko Ono said: “I am delighted to learn that English Heritage have classified Mendips as a Grade II listed building. Mendips always meant a great deal to John and it was where his childhood dreams came true for himself and for the world.” Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: "Listing very often celebrates architectural or aesthetic distinction, but in this case it celebrates historical association. The Beatles played an incredibly important role in the national cultural story. These new listings mark the special historical interest of the buildings where hits such as 'Please Please Me' were composed and where the phenomenon that was The Beatles began." The following places associated with The Beatles have previously been selected for listing: the Casbah Club in Liverpool, Abbey Road Studios in London and the zebra crossing outside the studios.