Their new home was Friar Park, an imposing Victorian mansion in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Its numerous rooms included a ballroom and library, plus towers and parapets.
The neo-gothic mansion had been purchased by the Harrisons for £140,000 in January 1970. Friar Park was set in 35 acres of gardens which included an underground boating lake and a 20ft replica of the Matterhorn mountain.
Friar Park, nicknamed Crackerbox Palace, became Harrison’s main residence until the end of his life. In 1972 he installed a 16-track recording studio, which became known as FPSHOT – Friar Park Studio, Henley-on-Thames.
In 1889 the house was bought by Sir Frank Crisp (1843-1919), an eccentric lawyer and horticulturalist who lived there until his death. It was sold at auction to Sir Percival David, but following his divorce was donated to be used by nuns from the Salesians of Don Bosco order. (Beatlesbible reports)
In the first few months the Harrison and their guests lived with no heating, furniture or beds. They slept in sleeping bags in the grand hall, with a constant fire burning in the huge fireplace.
The Harrisons were joined by their friends Terry Doran and Chris O’Dell, who helped them make the building inhabitable. Despite the conditions, the residents found it an enchanting place to live in and explore, and gradually it became a welcoming home for their many visitors.
The widow of George Harrison has agreed also to support the creation of a memorial garden in Henley where he made his home.
Mayor Kellie Hinton wrote to Olivia Harrison to see if she would back the idea and her husband’s charity confirmed she was in favour. The town council will now work with Mrs Harrison and the Material World Foundation to find a suitable location.
Kellie Hinton said talks had progressed with his widow Olivia and charity the Material World Foundation.
The Beatles legend moved to the Grade II-listed Friar Park in Henley, where Mrs Harrison still lives, in the 1970s.
A previous campaign to erect a statue to the former Beatle was halted following a request from Mrs Harrison.
