Music

Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" gates taken down

by Ciaran Thompson

The iron gates of a children’s home that has stood since the Victorian Era—and has been a pilgrimage for Beatles fans since inspired John Lennon to pen the track “Strawberry Fields Forever”—have been removed and put into storage, reports the BBC.

The Salvation Army, who own the former home in Wooton, has erected 10 foot high replicas that, according to director of social services Maj Ray Irving, will give eager fans an “authentic experience.”

“Although care has been taken to ensure the original gates to the site have remained in good condition, inevitably time has taken its toll,” Irving explained.

“This means that the original gates can be kept safe from further deterioration and with the replica gates in place, allow for an authentic experience for the many thousands of people who come on a ‘musical pilgrimage’ to Strawberry Field.”

“Strawberry Fields Forever” was written by Lennon and released in February 1967 as a single alongside “Penny Lane.” It is considered one of the most influential tracks of the psychedelic genre.