On This Day in Beatles History: George Harrison Visits His Parents in Appleton Thorn ā 4 July 1967
On 4 July 1967, George Harrison and his wife Pattie travelled north from London to spend time with his family in the village of Appleton Thorn, near Warrington, Cheshire. The visit lasted until 12 July, when the couple returned to London. It was a rare period of domestic calm during one of the most turbulent and creative years of The Beatles' career.
What Happened on 4 July 1967?
George Harrison and Pattie Boyd ā who had married in January 1966 ā made the journey north to visit Harrison's parents, Harold and Louise Harrison, at their home in Appleton Thorn. The couple stayed for eight days, returning to London on 12 July 1967.
The visit took place during a period of relative quiet for The Beatles as a group. Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band had been released on 1 June 1967 to extraordinary critical and commercial acclaim, and the group were not yet committed to their next major project. The summer of 1967 was the Summer of Love, and all four Beatles were exploring new interests, philosophies, and relationships during this period.
Sevenoaks: The Harrison Family Home in Appleton Thorn
George Harrison's parents, Harold and Louise Harrison, lived in a bungalow named Sevenoaks on Old Pewterspear Lane in the village of Appleton Thorn, Warrington, Cheshire. Harrison had purchased the property for his parents in 1965, after they decided to leave Liverpool.
George Harrison in the Summer of 1967
By July 1967, George Harrison was 24 years old and at a significant personal and artistic crossroads. His interest in Indian music and philosophy had become central to his identity. He had contributed 'Within You Without You' to Sgt. Pepper, a lengthy, meditative piece recorded entirely with Indian instruments and musicians.
Harrison and Pattie had also recently become interested in Transcendental Meditation, and would travel to Bangor, Wales, in late August 1967 to attend a lecture by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ā a trip during which they received the news of Brian Epstein's death.
The Harrison Family and Liverpool
George Harrison was born on 25 February 1943 at 12 Arnold Grove, Wavertree, Liverpool. Louise Harrison was a particularly devoted supporter of her son's musical career from the very beginning. Louise Harrison died in 1970, a loss that deeply affected George and contributed to the themes of impermanence and grief that run through his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass.
On This Day in Beatles History
- Date: 4 July 1967
- Event: George Harrison and Pattie Boyd travelled to Appleton Thorn, Warrington, to visit his parents
- Location: Sevenoaks, Old Pewterspear Lane, Appleton Thorn, Warrington, Cheshire
- Duration: 4ā12 July 1967
- Context: Six weeks after the release of Sgt. Pepper; weeks before the group's introduction to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and the death of Brian Epstein
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did George Harrison's parents live after leaving Liverpool?
George Harrison bought his parents a bungalow named Sevenoaks on Old Pewterspear Lane in Appleton Thorn, near Warrington, Cheshire, in 1965.
Who was Pattie Boyd?
Pattie Boyd was a model and actress who met George Harrison on the set of A Hard Day's Night in 1964. They married in January 1966. She later left George for Eric Clapton, inspiring songs including Clapton's 'Layla' and Harrison's 'Something'.
When did George Harrison's mother Louise die?
Louise Harrison died in 1970. Her death deeply affected George and influenced the themes of loss on his 1970 triple album All Things Must Pass.
What is Appleton Thorn?
Appleton Thorn is a small village in the borough of Warrington, Cheshire, where George Harrison's parents lived from 1965 in a bungalow named Sevenoaks on Old Pewterspear Lane.
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