Strawberry Field, Liverpool children's home that inspired Beatles song, closes forever

Strawberry Field, the children's home that inspired a song by The Beatles, closed Tuesday after 69 years.

The Salvation Army, which ran the home, said it decided to close because the emphasis now is on placing children in foster homes or small sites.

As a child, John Lennon spent much of his time playing at Strawberry Field.

"Strawberry Fields Forever" was released in February 1967 with "Penny Lane" on the reverse side of the record and quickly made it to No. 2 in the British charts. It was kept out of the top slot by Engelbert Humperdinck's "Release Me."

Lennon left money to Strawberry Field in his will and his widow, Yoko Ono, donated over 50,000 pounds (then US$70,000) in 1984 to keep the home open.

Only three children remained in the home in January, when the Salvation Army announced it would close. All three have been placed elsewhere.

The Salvation Army spokeswoman said there are no plans for the building and its grounds, which have been a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans over the years.

Associated Press