The zebra crossing immortalised by the cover of the Beatles’ 1969 Abbey 
Road album has been granted Grade II listed status.
In doing so, the crossing has become the first of its kind to be listed and is being recognised for its “cultural and historical importance” following advice from English Heritage.
The Liverpudlian four-piece were photographed on Abbey Road by Ian Macmillan for the album which featured hits such as Come Together, Octopus’s Garden, Here Comes the Sun and Something.
Sir Paul McCartney said it was the “icing on the cake” in a great year.
John Penrose, minister for Tourism and Heritage, explained that the unusual spot had just as strong a claim to be recognised as part of the country’s heritage as other, more tangible buildings.
The Grade II listing comes despite the fact that the original zebra crossing, where
the photograph was taken, was moved for traffic management reasons more than 30 years ago and no original features remain.
However, Roger Bowdler, head of designation at English Heritage, is pleased it has been accepted.
He commented: “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.”
The crossing, which is located outside the Abbey Road studios, is where the Beatles recorded much of their output.
And Sir Paul McCartney announced his happiness that the crossing had been recognised.
“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,” he said.
Road album has been granted Grade II listed status.In doing so, the crossing has become the first of its kind to be listed and is being recognised for its “cultural and historical importance” following advice from English Heritage.
The Liverpudlian four-piece were photographed on Abbey Road by Ian Macmillan for the album which featured hits such as Come Together, Octopus’s Garden, Here Comes the Sun and Something.
Sir Paul McCartney said it was the “icing on the cake” in a great year.
John Penrose, minister for Tourism and Heritage, explained that the unusual spot had just as strong a claim to be recognised as part of the country’s heritage as other, more tangible buildings.
The Grade II listing comes despite the fact that the original zebra crossing, where
the photograph was taken, was moved for traffic management reasons more than 30 years ago and no original features remain.However, Roger Bowdler, head of designation at English Heritage, is pleased it has been accepted.
He commented: “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.”
The crossing, which is located outside the Abbey Road studios, is where the Beatles recorded much of their output.
And Sir Paul McCartney announced his happiness that the crossing had been recognised.
“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,” he said.