Penny Lane, Made Famous By The Beatles, Might Be Renamed Due To Slavery Ties

In 1967, The Beatles released a song titled Penny Lane, which is inspired by the actual street name. Though the song was about their childhood memories in the northern English city, the street has been rumored to be tied to slavery in the past.

Many have speculated the street is associated with James Penny, who was a notorious slave trader in the past. He had defended the slave trade to the British Parliament, and Liverpool had become Europe’s most used slave port by 1740. BBC noted that several street names are tied to slavery.

However, the city’s International Slavery Museum told the BBC that the association with slavery for Penny Lane’s name is “not conclusive.”

The signs of the street have been vandalized in the past week due to the increasing anti-racism protests that have been taking place across the world. The sign was even changed to “racist lane,” highlighting the possible slavery past.

“If it is as a direct consequence of that road being called Penny Lane because of James Penny, then that needs to be investigated,” Liverpool’s mayor Steve Rotherham told local news outlet Sky News. “Something needs to happen and I would say that sign and that road may well be in danger of being renamed,” he added.

“Just imagine not having a Penny Lane”@MetroMayorSteve says he doesn’t believe the Liverpool street of Beatles fame is named after the anti-abolitionist James Penny. HS#KayBurley #PennyLane pic.twitter.com/DAhaRWlJdJ

— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) June 15, 2020

Our thoughts on Penny Lane’s history, the research into its name and the need to be responsive to new evidence. pic.twitter.com/PAweUw2vCK

— International Slavery Museum (@SlaveryMuseum) June 12, 2020

@mayor_anderson @lpoolcouncil @bluebadgeguide So angry I cant speak right now. Please retweet everywhere. Penny lane is NOT named after James Penny!!! pic.twitter.com/dSchEDqdmy

— Jackie Spencer (@jacarandajac) June 12, 2020

Dont let the anti establishment idiots win, Keep Penny lane pic.twitter.com/kGx4olBLuE

— Angela Sweeney (@angelawales) June 12, 2020

Ridiculous i suggest anyone who believes that penny lane was named after a slave owner should do their research as it has absolutely no links whatsoever which has resulted in this famous monument being vandalised. I hope the police catch the criminals who did this! pic.twitter.com/nHgWcRFq07

— Ethan (@WBA1968B) June 12, 2020

‘In Penny Lane there is a knobhead with an aerosol…’ pic.twitter.com/IYjkWWMcUV

— Tom (@Tommy_1972) June 12, 2020