Expert: Pattie - 2/26/2009

Question
Dear Beatle Expert,
Please could you tell me what dates John Lennon lived in Weybridge in Surrey, UK until he left to Berkshire? I ask because my Dad was talking about it:-)
Also, is it true that John Lennon led a quite, and hermit- like lifestyle whilst he lived in Surrey?


Answer
Hi Bear!

Well, this is a question I've gotten in the past and I think it's a good one. John and Cynthia bought the home known as "Kenwood" in the stockbroker belt of Weybridge, Surrey in July of 1964. After he and Cyn split, he spent some time at Yoko's flat (25 Hanover Gate Mansions, Park Rd, Lisson Grove, Marylebone) quite often before Kenwood was sold in Dec 1968. John and Yoko also spent quite a bit of time at Paul's home in St. John's Wood (7 Cavendish Avenue, London). The first place they ever truly lived as a couple was at Ringo Starr's flat at 34 Montagu Square, Marylebone, London. They were there from July-November of 1968. Montagu Square was actually the place where they shot the nude cover for the "Two Virgins" LP as well as their residence when they were arrested for possession in October of 1968. From November of '68 until May of 1969, they stayed with Ringo and his family at "Sunny Heights", South Rd, St George's Hill Estate, Weybridge, Surrey. Their next residence would be when they moved to Tittenhurst Estate, formally known as "the Inn On The Park" outside of London on London Road, Sunninghill near Ascot, Berkshire.

As to the second part of your question, oddly enough, John's home life was always very quiet, for the most part, throughout his entire adult life, not just when he was living at Kenwood. He was always a bit of a home-body, preferring to stay home and read countless newspapers, sleep, watch the telly or work on songs. Unless there was something specific going on in his life or career that he needed to attend to, he was much happier just staying in. In reality, John was actually quite shy and didn't go out of his way to be around the general public. I hope this has answered your questions. Thanks!

Peace,
Pattie
8^)