The McCartneys at 20 Forthlin Road

‘When John and I decided to start to try and write songs, the most convenient location to do this was my home in Forthlin Road. My father went out to work and this left the house empty all day,  so I would take off school, “sagging off”, we called it, and John would take off from art college.’ Paul McCartney

20 Forthlin Road was the proud home of the McCartney family – Jim, Mary, Paul and Mike – between 1956 and 1964. Here, in this ordinary terraced house, is where Paul and Mike grew up and where one of the greatest songwriting partnerships began. This is the place where the Beatles were born.

With special introductions by Paul and Mike McCartney, this guidebook explores the brothers’ formative years at 20 Forthlin Road. From moving into the newly built council estate and dealing with grief and loss, to finding solace in music and photography. It follows Paul’s journey from bedroom guitarist to global superstardom in just a few short years. Mike’s photographs feature throughout, capturing cherished family life as well as the formation of one of the greatest bands in music history.

Also included is a specially illustrated map, highlighting key sites that went onto feature in some of the Beatles’ most famous tracks, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.