Abbey Road zebra crossing given listed status

Beatles' Abbey Road zebra crossing given listed status



The Abbey Road zebra crossing in north London - made famous after appearing on a Beatles album cover - has been given Grade II listed status.

The crossing - the first of its kind to be listed - is being recognised for its "cultural and historical importance" following advice from English Heritage. The Beatles were photographed on Abbey Road in Ian Macmillan's iconic cover shot for the 1969 album Abbey Road. Sir Paul McCartney said it was the "icing on the cake" of a great year.

The original zebra crossing, where the photograph was taken, was moved several metres for traffic management reasons more than 30 years ago, and no original features remain.

'Huge cultural pull'

But John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, said: "This London zebra crossing is no castle or cathedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10-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."

Roger Bowdler, head of designation at English Heritage, said: "This is obviously an unusual case and, although a modest structure, the crossing has international renown and continues to possess huge cultural pull - the temptation to recreate that iconic 1969 album cover remains as strong as ever. Together with the nearby Abbey Road studios, also listed at Grade II on our advice, they remain a Mecca for Beatles fans the world over."

Sir Paul said: "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."

The crossing is outside the Abbey Road studios, where the Beatles recorded much of their output. That building was granted Grade II listed status in February. A Grade II listing, the most common protected status, means that a building or monument is recognised as nationally important and of special interest.

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Awesome, it is onwe of those places in the world which have a meaning.

Yet the piscturer ix weird.

Can people still cross it, should they wipe their feet first?

I wouldn't want to cross a zebra. Heard they have a wicked kick.

You can cross a zebra with a horse....

depends what kind of zebra you mean,you might consider a cat which goes smaller and faster

I think it also helps show how much their fame grew overtime. The building they shot in for the cover of 'Please, Please Me' isn't a practical monument.

I look at the Abbey Road crossing webcam almost every day. You'd be amazed at the number of people who can't resist getting a few friends together and re-enacting the famous cover!

http://www.abbeyroad.com/visit/

^ Aha, I feel like a stalker. xD

Great news. I went there myself about 10 years ago and did the "Sacred Walk" across it. It's just one of those things that you HAVE TO DO when you are in London, whether you are a Beatles fan or not.

I was there last month. Lovely experience!
BTW my hometown ( Sabadell in Barcelona) has released a calendar with emblematic points of the town disguised as icons of the 20th century. In the cover, the Beatles à la Abbey Road are crossing the zebra at the Council Place of Sabadell... I'm buying it !

Originally Posted by LetThereBeMusic

^ Aha, I feel like a stalker. xD

Ah, yes - stalking a Grade II national monument. That's illegal, y'know!

I have crossed Abbey Road on a zebra walk, but it wasn't that one. Nevertheless I think it still counts.

Originally Posted by valerieinthegallery

Ah, yes - stalking a Grade II national monument. That's illegal, y'know!

I've done worse

I think this is hilarious!

Making a crosswalk into a national monument? LOL!

What's the intersecting street at THE Abbey Road zebra crossing?

Hey! Those cars on driving on the wrong side of the street!!!

I just noticed the cars. Looks like one's about to run over John.