Saving Ringo's House

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:16 am

from the Associated Press.

Jan 11, 2007

LONDON -- The childhood home of Ringo Starr may be saved from the wrecking ball.

Negotiations are under way to dismantle the condemned Liverpool row house and rebuild it as part of a major new museum in the northwestern English city, officials said Wednesday.

The Liverpool City Council approved the demolition of the tiny Victorian house on Madryn Street, one of more than 400 properties to be razed for a redevelopment project, in 2005, despite protests from Beatles fans.

The council ruled that the house, where Starr lived for about three months before his family moved to another street nearby, had no historic significance.

Starr, 66, has criticized the plan to demolish the homes, saying they should be restored.

National Museums Liverpool said talks were under way with the council and the house's owner to preserve the home as part of the new dockside Museum of Liverpool, slated to open in 2008.

City councilor Flo Clucas said the house has major cultural significance, both for Beatles fans "and to help tell the story of streets like Madryn Street to the wider world."

The childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney are both owned by the National Trust heritage group and are open to the public.

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:44 am

It would be nice to have all the Beatles birth homes preserved. That being said, I've seen the row house on Madryn Street, and it's not much to look at.

larrywassgren · Post by **larrywassgren** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 8:33 am

It might not be much to look at but it's still cool and a part of early Beatle history. I think that whole row of houses should be preserved as it shows how people lived back then. Two up and two down as George said. Amazing that John, Paul, George and Ringo could go on to do what they did from(as they say) 'such humble beginnings'. I say, save that house!

beatlefreak · Post by **beatlefreak** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:14 am

Larry Wrote:
"I think that whole row of houses should be preserved as it shows how people lived back then."

Back then?! I was in Liverpool in 2000, and there are plenty of areas where people still live in '2 up, 2 down' row houses.

admin · Post by **admin** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:35 am

Having torn down the Cavern and the Iron Door Clubs to make parking lots and office buildings, it would be nice to preserve the home of Ringo, in keeping with those of John and Paul.

Your point is well taken Larry, preserving this home does allow for a window into the world of the Beatles and Liverpool at the time.

larrywassgren · Post by **larrywassgren** » Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:54 am

Thanks Peter. Yes Kris, there are still plenty of 'two up, two down' row houses around Liverpool. But, they are disappearing all too fast I believe. Liverpool City Center is also changing as it is going through what the locals call the 'big dig'. There are millions of dollars being spent for the 2008 Capital Of Culture Award. When I was in Liverpool in 1987 it was very much like it was in the 60's with Rushworth's and Hessy's still open. Today, it looks very different and some blocks have a 'Hollywood' feel to them with very expensive clothing stores, etc., all being new buildings as the old are torn down. The Capital Of Culture is actually loosing culture because of the award. There are about twenty of those giant cranes in operation in the city center. I don't think I like progress too much!

j_gary · Post by **j_gary** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 2:06 am

I'm thinking the folks who own those cranes are only concerned with record profits, not so much about record makers.

I'll be surprised if it survives.

Couldn't Ringo buy it?

Buy the whole building and surround the home with a music/drum shop. I think it may draw an occasional drummer or two.

Anyone got his number, I can start immediately, willing to relocate.

simer4001 · Post by **simer4001** » Sat Jan 13, 2007 7:18 pm

I thought it had already gone under. This is good to hear.