Beatles’ Abbey Road Crossing Wins Protected Status

  Thanks to the Beatles and a photoshoot that was done one August day in 1969 Abbey Road just became protected. One of the most famous crossings in music, outside Abbey Road Studios in London, was designated a site of national importance by the British government today.

Since 1969 Beatles fans from around the world have come with camera in hand to recreate the famous "Abbey Road" album cover. On the famed cover it shows Paul, John, George and Ringo strolling over the crossing. John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage:

This London zebra crossing is no castle or cadthedral but, thanks to the Beatles and a 10-minute photoshoot one August morning in 1969, it has just as strong a claim as any to be seen as a part of our heritage.

Declaring the crossing "protected" means that it can only be altered with the approval of local authorities which would make a decision based on the site's historic significance, function and condition.