A blue plaque celebrating the life and achievements of George Harrison has been unveiled at his birthplace in Liverpool.
The plaque at 12 Arnold Grove in Wavertree was officially revealed by his widow Olivia Harrison today 24th May.
One of the city’s most famous sons, George Harrison’s life and career had a huge influence on global culture through music, film and humanitarian work, he was their lead guitarist and a talented songwriter.
Harrison, who died in November 2001 at the age of 58, was born on 25 February 1943 at the terraced house and lived there until he was nearly seven years old.
George later wrote of the house in his memoir, I Me Mine, comparing it to being "just like ‘Coronation Street’: no garden, door straight on to the street … It was OK that house, very pleasant being little and it was always sunny in summer."
The family had strong connections to Wavertree. George’s parents were born and grew up in the area and his maternal grandparents lived in the adjacent road, Albert Grove.
His wife, film producer and author Olivia Harrison, says the street helped to shape the man he was to become: "So much of who George was came from being born and spending his earliest years at 12 Arnold Grove, undeniably a part of who George was.
"He left a footprint on this world, on this country, in this city and on this street.”
She added: “This blue plaque recognition of George’s birthplace is a source of family pride for all the Harrisons, and something that none of us, mainly George, would ever have anticipated."
Asked how she feels George would have reacted to the plaque, Olivia said: “He would probably be more nervous for the people who live inside.”
She explained that George was “always concerned about everybody else” and would have been hoping that visitors coming to view the plaque would not “bug” the current residents.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive, Historic England said: "For many years, local residents and fans have longed for a blue plaque marking the place where George Harrison’s exceptional life story began.
"I am thrilled that we can make that a reality and we are now inviting people across England to submit their own nominations for the person they would most like to see recognised in this way."
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Throughout his incredible life, George would often come home to Liverpool to re-live the memories that shaped his childhood.
"His career might have taken him around the world – but he never lost his love for this city.
“He was also a deeply spiritual man who used his platform to spread a message of peace and acceptance, which are values that Scousers are renowned for.
It is for that reason that George will always be regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest sons and it is wonderful to see a permanent tribute to his life in the community that helped to raise him.”
Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Olivia said she felt the honour was "great" as she recalled how George had "fond and intense memories" of his childhood home where he would have to hide from Luftwaffe bombings under the stairs with his mother and brother.
She added: "In one of his books he wrote a lot about life in Arnold Grove.
"It was an insecure time, the war was on, but also it was a very secure time, his Nan lived down the alley, he could run and visit her and he used to.
"They were a very tight-knit family. So, I think he would be pretty touched."
Asked how she feels George would have reacted to the plaque, Olivia said: "He would probably be more nervous for the people who live inside."
She explained that George was "always concerned about everybody else" and would have been hoping that visitors coming to view the plaque would not "bug" the current residents.
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