Monday 11 August 1969 | John Lennon, People
John Lennon and Yoko Ono moved into their mansion, Tittenhurst Park, in Ascot, Berkshire, on 11 August 1969. The property was located on a 72-acre estate on London Road in Sunningdale, Ascot.
Acquiring Tittenhurst Park
Lennon and Ono had bought Tittenhurst Park on 4 May 1969 for £145,000 from Peter Cadbury, an entrepreneur and the son of Sir Egbert Cadbury of the chocolate company Cadbury Brothers. The couple spent approximately twice the purchase price on renovations, including the creation of a lake — without planning permission — which they could see from their bedroom window.
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The Beatles’ final photo session
Tittenhurst Park was the setting for The Beatles’ final photographic session, which took place on 22 August 1969 — just eleven days after Lennon and Ono moved in. The images from that session were used on the cover of the Hey Jude compilation album, released in February 1970. It was the last time all four Beatles were photographed together.
Ascot Sound Studios and the Imagine album
A recording studio — known as Ascot Sound Studios (or ASS) — was installed at Tittenhurst in 1970. Lennon’s landmark album Imagine and Yoko Ono’s Fly were both recorded there. The sessions were filmed, and footage was later released in the documentary Gimme Some Truth: The Making Of John Lennon’s Imagine.
The Imagine album, released in September 1971, is widely regarded as Lennon’s finest solo work. The title track became one of the best-selling singles of all time and an enduring anthem for peace.
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John Lennon: Imagine Peace Ladies T-Shirt (Black).
Sale to Ringo Starr
Lennon and Ono moved to the United States in August 1971. On 18 September 1973 they sold Tittenhurst Park to Ringo Starr, who renamed the recording facilities Startling Studios. Starr lived at Tittenhurst Park until 1988, when he sold the estate to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi.
Tittenhurst Park, London Road, Sunningdale, Ascot, Berkshire — home of John Lennon and Yoko Ono from August 1969 to August 1971, and later of Ringo Starr until 1988.
Key Facts
| Move-in date | Monday 11 August 1969 |
| Purchase date | 4 May 1969 |
| Purchase price | £145,000 (from Peter Cadbury) |
| Estate size | 72 acres, London Road, Sunningdale, Ascot |
| Notable events | The Beatles’ final photo session (22 August 1969); recording of Imagine (1970–71) |
| Sold to Ringo Starr | 18 September 1973 (renamed Startling Studios) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did John Lennon buy Tittenhurst Park?
John Lennon and Yoko Ono bought Tittenhurst Park on 4 May 1969 for £145,000 from Peter Cadbury. They moved in on 11 August 1969.
What happened at Tittenhurst Park on 22 August 1969?
The Beatles' final photographic session took place at Tittenhurst Park on 22 August 1969. The images were used on the cover of the Hey Jude compilation album. It was the last time all four Beatles were photographed together.
Was Imagine recorded at Tittenhurst Park?
Yes. Ascot Sound Studios (ASS) was installed at Tittenhurst in 1970. John Lennon's Imagine album and Yoko Ono's Fly were both recorded there. The sessions were filmed for the documentary Gimme Some Truth: The Making Of John Lennon's Imagine.
Who bought Tittenhurst Park from John Lennon?
Ringo Starr bought Tittenhurst Park from John Lennon and Yoko Ono on 18 September 1973. He renamed the recording facilities Startling Studios and lived there until 1988.
Who was Peter Cadbury?
Peter Cadbury was a British entrepreneur and the son of Sir Egbert Cadbury of the chocolate company Cadbury Brothers. He sold Tittenhurst Park to John Lennon and Yoko Ono in May 1969 for £145,000.
→ The Beatles are photographed by Richard Avedon – 11 August 1967
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