Stretch of Abbey Road Made Famous By the Beatles Becomes Protected Landmark

By DAVE ITZKOFF

The Beatles had their suggestion for what a road could be used for, and the British government now has its own recommendation for a street closely associated with the Fab Four. On Wednesday the stretch of Abbey Road where the Beatles were photographed for the cover of the album of the same title was designated a site of national importance, Reuters reported. The street, in the St. John’s Wood district of northwest London, was designated a Grade II listed site by Britain’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport, meaning that it cannot be altered without the approval of the local authorities.
In a statement, John Penrose, Britain’s minister for tourism and heritage, said, “It is a fantastic testimony to the international fame of the Beatles that – more than 40 years on – this crossing continues to attract thousands of visitors each year, trying to mimic their iconic Abbey Road album cover.”
He added: “This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a ten minute photo-shoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as part of our heritage.”
Paul McCartney, who some conspiratorially minded Beatles fans believed was dead based on clues they interpreted in some of the group’s songs and on the “Abbey Road” cover, proved he was still very much alive by remarking in a statement, “It’s been a great year for me and a great year for The Beatles and hearing that the Abbey Road crossing is to be preserved is the icing on the cake.”