Blue Plaque Unveiled at George Harrison's Childhood Home


Olivia Harrison unveils Historic England Blue Plaque at George Harrison's childhood home 12 Arnold Grove
24th May, 2024

Strawberry Field was honoured to be invited to the official unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating the life of George Harrison at 12 Arnold Grove, his birthplace and Liverpool childhood home.

Olivia Harrison at the unveiling of blue plaque for George Harrison at 12 Arnold Grove

The plaque was unveiled by Olivia Harrison, who gave an emotional tribute to George, saying:

“This blue plaque in 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.

“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.

“During his life he travelled East, West and South, but his home was here in the North.”

Historic England blue plaque for George Harrison at 12 Arnold Grove Wavertree Liverpool

George Harrison was born at 12 Arnold Grove in February 1943 and lived in the terraced house in Wavertree until he was seven when the family moved to Upton Green in Speke. The blue plaque now serves as a permanent tribute to George Harrison's formative years in Wavertree. Beatles fans and visitors to Liverpool can now see the plaque if they stop to pay their respects George Harrison at Arnold Grove as they discover the Fab Four's origins and Beatles' childhood homes around South Liverpool.  

Following the unveiling in Arnold Grove, guests enjoyed lunch at Wavertree Town Hall where VIP representatives from across Liverpool and the Beatles community celebrated the life of George Harrison together, including Good Ol' Freda, seen here with Olivia Harrison.

Oliva Harrison with Freda Kelly Good Ol' Freda at unveiling of blue plaque for George Harrison at 12 Arnold Grove Wavertree Liverpool

 

Historic England’s CEO Duncan Wilson and Samira Ahmed also spoke at the event, speaking of George Harrison’s legacy and what it means to be honoured with a blue plaque. Historic England’s Blue Plaque scheme tells the story of inspirational people throughout history who have made a significant contribution to human welfare and happiness.Nominations are open until July 19 and for more information or to nominate someone, visit the Historic England website.

“I truly believe this is a wonderful and important project.”

Peter Hooton, Chair of the Beatles Legacy Group