the Fab Four page 1

 the Fab Four page 1 by ric gustafson

The Mersey River drives Liverpool England. It's dock system with warehouses, swing bridges and gates was a dense center of constant activity. Liverpool was considered ' the Gateway to the British Empire". The city was a master of imperial trade. Compared to tweedy London, Liverpool was desolate and meaningless. 

The McCartney's, handymen by trade, lived in housing by the docks. Joseph McCartney, Paul's grandfather was born in 1866. John Lennon's maternal grandfather was George Earnest Stanley. He served aboard merchant ships in service to the Crown. He became a sailmaker. Julia Stanley, John Lennon's mother was born in 1914. John's dad left sailing to work for a tug salvage company. John's mother grew up at 9 Newcastle Road in Penny Lane. Julia's older sister Mimi took charge of the five sisters. In 1938, Julia married a man named Freddie Lennon. She became pregnant in early 1940.

When German airstrikes came to London in 1940, London including the Penny Lane district was heavily bombed. By October 1940, Julia was ready to give birth. 

Paul's father was Jim McCartney. He fell in love with Mary Mohin. In April of 1941, Jim and Mary were married. Jim helped make shell casings for the war effort.

research help: ' The Beatles' by Bob Spitz

Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric