Strawberry Field
Strawberry Field is a
The location gained worldwide fame following the release of the Beatles' 1967 single "Strawberry Fields Forever". The song's writer, John Lennon, had grown up nearby and played in the grounds of the home as a child. In time, the old red-painted entrance gates on Beaconsfield Road became a place of pilgrimage for Beatles fans. In 2019, Strawberry Field was opened to the public for the first time, with an exhibition on its history, cafe, and shop, alongside a training centre for young people with special educational needs.
The gates were stolen on 11 May 2000, allegedly by two men in a transit van. The gates were sold to an unsuspecting antiques dealer who never realised they were the actual gates from Strawberry Field. He returned them to the police upon request, and they now stand in the grounds of Strawberry Field.
History
The earliest reference to the
The Beatles
The name of the home became famous in 1967 with the release of
Legacy
Strawberry Field was recognised by Nikolaus Pevsner in his 1969 survey of the buildings of South Lancashire.[2] However, by then, the building was increasingly unfit for purpose. By 1973, structural problems such as dry rot meant that it was more cost-effective to demolish the building and replace it with a purpose-built children's home. This new home provided three family units, each accommodating 12 children.[3] The driveway entrance to the building was moved further west along Beaconsfield Road so the gateposts bearing the name of Strawberry Field were no longer used. Throughout the 1970s and beyond, the disused entrance and its gates became a mecca for Beatles fans from around the world. As a result, the gates continued to be painted bright red; the painted nameplates were also maintained.
The children's home closed in January 2005, and the building was used by the Salvation Army as a church and prayer centre. The famous gates marking its entrance were removed and replaced with replicas in May 2011.[4] The Salvation Army opened Strawberry Field to the public for the first time in September 2019, allowing visitors to explore the grounds. Incorporated in the grounds is a training centre for young people with special educational needs and a new exhibition space dedicated to the story of the place, together with a cafe and shop.[5]
See also
- Strawberry Fields in New York City's Central Park, a memorial to John Lennon
References
- ^ The Beatles, Hunter Davies, London, 1968, p. 9
- ^ Pevsner, Nikolaus (1969) South Lancashire, 1st Edition, Penguin
- ^ "Strawberry Fields in Liverpool - Home of the Beatles childhood". www.bedand-breakfastliverpool.co.uk.
- ^ "Beatles' Strawberry Fields gates removed". BBC News. 10 May 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
- ^ "Strawberry Field Forever - Restoration - Liverpool". www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com.