Ringo Starr's childhood home is saved from demolition – 30 May 2012
Wednesday 30 May 2012 | Miscellaneous
9 Madryn Street, Dingle, Liverpool, England
On Wednesday 30 May 2012, it was confirmed that Ringo Starr's birthplace at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, Liverpool, was to be saved from demolition following a £2 million government grant.
The Welsh Streets
Ringo Starr was born at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, Liverpool, on 7 July 1940, although he spent much of his childhood and teenage years in nearby Admiral Grove. The street takes its name from the Welsh word for fox — madryn — and forms part of a cluster of Victorian terraces known as the Welsh Streets.
The properties in the area had been boarded up for some time, with iron grills covering the doors and windows to prevent squatters from gaining access. The news on 30 May 2012 followed an eight-year debate over the future of the streets, with some arguing that the Victorian terraces should be knocked down and the land redeveloped, while others urged restoration.
Liverpool Council leader Richard Kemp confirmed that 117 houses in the 11 so-called Welsh Streets would be saved:
"I don't know any of the details yet, other than we'll be bringing 117 properties back into use. These will be properties people want to live in. It wasn't the original plan, but times have changed. This is the right thing to do with the circumstances of the housing market at the moment."
— Richard Kemp, Liverpool Echo
Nina Edge of the Welsh Streets Home Group also responded to the news:
"We always hoped that some of this lovely place could be spared the bulldozer, especially with so many people in housing need. When we met Joe Anderson last year he said he would consider a viable alternative to demolition for part of the Welsh Streets. We are so glad an alternative has now come up. Until we see these streets officially removed from the demolition zone and agreed by Liverpool council it will seem unreal though. Fingers crossed they really mean it."
— Nina Edge, Welsh Streets Home Group, Liverpool Echo
The National Trust Connection
There were hopes that Starr's former home might be taken on by the National Trust, which already owns the childhood homes of John Lennon (Mendips, 251 Menlove Avenue) and Paul McCartney (20 Forthlin Road). Such a move would have made 9 Madryn Street part of a trio of National Trust Beatles properties in Liverpool.
Key Facts: 30 May 2012
- Address: 9 Madryn Street, Dingle, Liverpool
- Significance: Birthplace of Ringo Starr (born 7 July 1940)
- Grant: £2 million government grant
- Properties saved: 117 houses across 11 Welsh Streets
- Council leader: Richard Kemp
- Campaign group: Welsh Streets Home Group (Nina Edge)
- Debate duration: Eight years
- National Trust connection: Possible future acquisition, alongside Lennon and McCartney homes
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Ringo Starr born?
Ringo Starr was born at 9 Madryn Street in Dingle, Liverpool, on 7 July 1940. He spent much of his childhood and teenage years in nearby Admiral Grove.
What are the Welsh Streets in Liverpool?
The Welsh Streets are a cluster of Victorian terraced streets in the Dingle area of Liverpool, named after Welsh words and places. They include Madryn Street, where Ringo Starr was born. The streets faced demolition before a £2m government grant saved 117 properties in 2012.
Does the National Trust own Ringo Starr's birthplace?
As of the 2012 announcement, there were hopes that the National Trust might take on 9 Madryn Street, as it does with the childhood homes of John Lennon (Mendips) and Paul McCartney (20 Forthlin Road).
Why were the Welsh Streets threatened with demolition?
The properties had been boarded up and debated for eight years, with some arguing for demolition and redevelopment. A £2m government grant in 2012 enabled 117 houses to be saved and brought back into use instead.
What does Madryn mean?
Madryn is the Welsh word for fox.
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