57 Wimpole Street (Paul McCartney's former residence), London

57 Wimpole Street (Paul McCartney's former residence), London

In the midst of Beatlemania's fervor in 1963, this is where Paul McCartney took up residence, remaining a guest of the affluent Asher family for nearly three years. He was given a room at the top rear of the house – almost a self-contained apartment complete with a bed, comfortable chair, record player, and a small piano.

During his stay, while in a relationship with Jane Asher, who was then 18 years old, Paul composed many of The Beatles' most renowned songs. Among them was their debut American number one hit, "I Want To Hold Your Hand", the genesis of which occurred in the basement – Jane's mother's music room. "Yesterday" was also apparently written there on the family piano, after Paul famously awoke from a dream with the melody in his mind and promptly wrote it down. It's worth noting that the song has been covered more times than any other in the history of recorded music.

In 1968, Paul's relationship with Jane Asher came to an end when she returned from a trip to the United States and found him in bed with another woman. Shortly thereafter, they publicly announced the termination of their engagement. Paul soon entered a relationship with the photographer Linda Eastman, who would eventually become his wife... and, within a year of this transition, The Beatles disbanded.

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57 Wimpole Street (Paul McCartney's former residence) on Map

Sight Name: 57 Wimpole Street (Paul McCartney's former residence)
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in London, England

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