Monday 15 July 1968 | 3 Savile Row, London, England
On 15 July 1968, The Beatles moved into their new headquarters at 3 Savile Row in London — a five-storey Georgian townhouse in Mayfair that they had purchased on 22 June 1968 for £500,000. It was the first time Apple Corps had an entire building to itself, and it would become one of the most storied addresses in rock history.
Apple Corps: From Baker Street to Savile Row
Apple Corps had previously been based at 94 Baker Street and 95 Wigmore Street in London. The move to 3 Savile Row represented a significant step up — a permanent, prestigious home for the company The Beatles had founded in 1968 to manage their business and creative affairs.
Each of The Beatles had their own office in the building. The Georgian townhouse also contained a recording studio in the basement — Apple Studio — in which much of the Let It Be album was recorded in January 1969.
The Rooftop Concert
On 30 January 1969, the rooftop of 3 Savile Row became the site of one of the most celebrated performances in rock history. The Beatles performed an unannounced lunchtime concert on the roof of the building — their last-ever live performance as a group. The concert was filmed as part of the Let It Be project and brought central London to a standstill before police arrived to end the show.
Life at 3 Savile Row
The Beatles spent much of the next 18 months at 3 Savile Row. Among those working at the building at various times were:
- Neil Aspinall — The Beatles’ long-serving road manager and Apple Corps MD
- Mal Evans — personal assistant and road manager
- Derek Taylor — press officer
- Peter Brown — personal assistant to Brian Epstein, later Apple director
- Allen Klein — business manager, brought in by Lennon, Harrison, and Starr in 1969
John Lennon and Yoko Ono ran their early peace campaigns from the building under the umbrella of Bag Productions, including the famous Bed-Ins for Peace press operations.
The Apple Scruffs
3 Savile Row also became a gathering point for the most devoted Beatles fans — the Apple Scruffs, who would wait outside the building for hours in the hope of catching a glimpse of their heroes. George Harrison immortalised them in his song ‘Apple Scruffs’ on the All Things Must Pass album (1970), a warm tribute to their loyalty and dedication.
The End of an Era
Apple Corps eventually sold 3 Savile Row in October 1976. The building is now a private members’ club. A blue plaque marks its significance in Beatles history, and it remains one of the most visited addresses on any Beatles pilgrimage to London.
Key Facts: 15 July 1968
| Date of move | Monday 15 July 1968 |
| Address | 3 Savile Row, London W1 |
| Purchase date | 22 June 1968 |
| Purchase price | £500,000 |
| Previous Apple addresses | 94 Baker Street; 95 Wigmore Street |
| Key events at the building | Let It Be sessions (January 1969); Rooftop Concert (30 January 1969) |
| Sold | October 1976 |
3 Savile Row, London — Apple Corps headquarters from July 1968, site of the Let It Be sessions and the famous rooftop concert of 30 January 1969.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did The Beatles move into 3 Savile Row?
The Beatles moved into their Apple Corps headquarters at 3 Savile Row, London on 15 July 1968. They had purchased the building on 22 June 1968 for £500,000.
What happened at 3 Savile Row?
3 Savile Row was the Apple Corps headquarters from July 1968. Key events there include the Let It Be recording sessions in the basement studio (January 1969) and the famous rooftop concert on 30 January 1969 — The Beatles’ last-ever live performance. John Lennon and Yoko Ono also ran their peace campaigns from the building.
Who were the Apple Scruffs?
The Apple Scruffs were devoted Beatles fans who would gather outside 3 Savile Row hoping to see The Beatles. George Harrison immortalised them in his song Apple Scruffs on the All Things Must Pass album (1970).
When did Apple Corps sell 3 Savile Row?
Apple Corps sold 3 Savile Row in October 1976. The building is now a private members’ club and bears a blue plaque commemorating its significance in Beatles history.
Where was Apple Corps before Savile Row?
Before moving to 3 Savile Row, Apple Corps had been based at 94 Baker Street and 95 Wigmore Street in London. The move to Savile Row in July 1968 was the first time the company had an entire building to itself.
→ Paul McCartney fined for speeding – 15 July 1963
→ The Beatles live: Cavern Club, Liverpool (evening) – 15 July 1962
→ 15 July in Beatles History
→ John Lennon: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Paul McCartney: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ George Harrison: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ Ringo Starr: Beatles History, Solo Career, Songs & Legacy
→ The Beatles Knowledge Hub
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