St George's Hill: part 2 - 19th century v. 1964.

Two maps of the Hill (click on them for a better look). The one on the left dates from the 19th century, when the land was divided into plots; there appear to have been only around 4 houses at that point, and obviously, pre-Tarrant, these would have been nothing like the grand residences of nowadays. The map on the right dates from ca. 1964, the year John moved into Kenwood. It's hard to match one with the other, until you rotate the 19th century one:


Kenwood is situated in the middle of what was plot number 13. It's clear why Old Avenue is so called - it corresponds to the long tree-lined road on the older map. The other item of non-Beatle related interest is how Camp End Road got its name - because there was a Roman Camp in that part of St George's Hill.
(Btw Sunny Heights is on the outer curve of South Road nearest South Ridge, which would put the site somewhere near the edge of the forest on the 19th century rendering.)

Kenwood: autograph & map of St George's Hill.

As can be seen from the map, Kenwood is buried deep within the St George's Hill estate. These days the estate itself is gated and guarded, and you will be turned away if not on legitimate business (gawking at Kenwood does not, sadly, count as legitimate business), but back in the John-era, fans were free to wander onto the estate and up to Kenwood and Sunny Heights, more or less at will. The only real appeal that the place had for John was as a refuge from the stresses of Beatlemania, and he was initially angry (understandably so) when fans started appearing not only at the gate, but also in the grounds and even, on one occasion, in the house itself. He would occasionally go out and tell them all to, quote, "Sod Off" asking, reasonably and amusingly enough, "Don't you have anything better to do with your lives?" (To which the answer would have to be, "Yes....and No." And I appreciate the irony of me recounting this). And yet, for whatever reason, after a while he accepted it, and even began leaving the gates open circa 1967 and inviting fans in to meet him. The autograph above dates from February '66. The recipient went up and knocked on the front door. Dot answered, and took the paper in to be signed, which it duly was. Apparently it was Julian who appeared with it a few minutes later. Considering Kenwood is not exactly easy to find, and that initially the address would have been akin to a state secret, I wonder how people found out about it in the first place...who blabbed?