John Lennon and Yoko Ono holiday hotel set for demolition

The Corbett Arms hotel, a historic site in Tywyn, Wales, is facing demolition, and this news has stirred up memories of a famous visit by John Lennon and Yoko Ono in the summer of 1969. At that time, The Beatles were at the height of their fame, and they had just released their last number one song before the band split up. John and Yoko, who had recently married, chose to stay at this Georgian Grade II listed hotel during a time of great change in their lives and in the music world. A young boy named Alan Finlay, who was just thirteen years old, had the opportunity to take a photograph of the couple while they were relaxing in the hotel garden. Alan also had the unique experience of washing John Lennon's car, which he remembers fondly. Unfortunately, the Corbett Arms has been closed for a decade, and the local council has now applied for its demolition due to its deteriorating condition. The Corbett Arms hotel, which dates back to the early 1800s, was once a vibrant landmark that attracted many celebrities, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Their visit came during a break in the recording of what would become the iconic album Abbey Road, which features classic songs like 'Come Together' and 'Here Comes The Sun. ' John wanted to share special places in Wales with Yoko, and the locals remember the hotel as a significant part of their community. The hotel, with its large sash windows and prominent facade, was a welcoming sight for visitors. During their stay, The Beatles' song 'The Ballad of John and Yoko' was topping the charts, marking the seventeenth time the band had reached number one in the UK. Their visit to Tywyn was also significant as it occurred just weeks after John and Yoko recorded 'Give Peace a Chance' in Montreal, a song that became an anthem for peace. Alan Finlay, who worked as an odd-job boy at the hotel, recalls the excitement of meeting the famous couple. His father told him about the fancy car that pulled up outside the hotel, and Alan was thrilled to see John Lennon step out. He remembers how his dad washed John’s car with pride and was surprised when John paid him for the work. Local stories suggest that John and Yoko had been turned away from another hotel before arriving at the Corbett Arms, and they requested to book the top two floors for privacy. Alan's grandmother also worked at the hotel and shared that the couple did not have a reservation but were welcomed nonetheless. Their visit was part of a larger road trip around the UK, where they sought some downtime amidst their busy lives. Mark Lewisohn, a well-known historian, noted that John had a lifelong connection to Wales, having visited as a child, and he wanted to show Yoko the beauty of the area. After their time in Wales, John and Yoko continued their journey to Liverpool and Scotland. Sadly, the Corbett Arms is now in a state of disrepair, and the local community is concerned about losing this piece of history. Many residents, including campaigners like Catherine Evans, are advocating for the preservation of the hotel, which they believe is an essential part of Tywyn's heritage. The local authority has issued notices to the owner to repair the building, but with its condition worsening, emergency demolition seems likely to ensure public safety. The community fears that if the Corbett Arms is demolished, a significant part of their history will be lost forever.