 THE National Trust opened Mendips, John Lennon's childhood home in Liverpool, to the public on Saturday 29 March 2003. The house was bought by Yoko Ono Lennon in 2002 and donated by her to the Trust. "When John's house came up for sale I wanted to preserve it for the people of Liverpool, and John Lennon and Beatles fans all over the world," said Yoko. "The house resonates with a special atmosphere. It was, after all, where many of John's songs that we now hold so dear were born." John lived in the semi-detached home at 251 Menlove Avenue in Woolton with his Aunt Mimi from the ages of 5 to 23. The house has been restored as closely as possible to how it looked when John lived there as a child, teenager and young man in the '50s and '60s.
 When rock 'n' roll hit Britain in the mid '50s John's bedroom had posters of Elvis, Rita Hayworth and Brigitte Bardot on the walls and ceiling. Here he would listen to the latest American rock 'n' roll songs himself and with his friend Paul McCartney. Visitors to Mendips can see John's bedroom and listen to some of the music that inspired him.
 Entry to Mendips will be through the back door to the kitchen. Most of John's friends and family would have come into the house this way. Many of the 1950s features have been restored, including the black and white tiled floor, sink unit, formica worktops, cooker and kitchen utensils. John often practiced the guitar out in the front and it was there that he composed and rehearsed many songs. The porch is also carefully preserved. "John Lennon made a tremendous contribution to 20th century popular culture," National Trust director-general Fiona Reynolds said. "Through his music and words John touched the lives of millions of people, and it is exciting for us to be able to present the place in which it all began." Visitors are able to enjoy a joint tour of Mendips and the former Liverpool family home of Sir Paul at 20 Forthlin Road in Allerton. More details from the National Trust:
Mendips
Forthlin Road
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