Headley Grange

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Headley Grange is a former poorhouse in Headley, East Hampshire, England, UK. It is best known as a rehearsal and recording venue in the 1960s and 1970s for bands such as Led Zeppelin, Bad Company, Fleetwood Mac, Genesis, the Pretty Things, Ian Dury and Clover.

Built in 1795, Headley Grange is a three-story stone structure which was originally used as a workhouse for the poor, infirm and orphaned. It was the centre of a well-publicized riot in 1830, which is the subject of a 2002 book by local author, John Owen Smith, entitled One Monday in November - The Story of the Selborne and Headley Workhouse Riots of 1830. In 1870, the building was bought by builder Thomas Kemp for £420, who converted it into a private residence and named it Headley Grange.

Parts of Led Zeppelin's albums Led Zeppelin III, Led Zeppelin IV, Houses of the Holy and Physical Graffiti were composed and/or recorded at Headley Grange. Led Zeppelin vocalist Robert Plant wrote most of the lyrics to Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" there in a single day.[1]. The Led Zeppelin song "Black Dog", which appeared on Led Zeppelin IV, was named after a black labrador which was found hanging around Headley Grange during recording.[2][3]

Peter Gabriel and other Genesis members have acknowledged writing much of the material for their 1975 concept album The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway at the retreat.[4]

Today the house is a private residence.

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[edit] References

  1. ^ Tolinski, Brad and di Benedetto, Greg (January 1998). "Light and Shade: A Historic Look at the Entire Led Zeppelin Catalogue Through the Eyes of Guitarist/Producer/Mastermind Jimmy Page". Guitar World, p. 100-104.
  2. ^ Liner notes by Cameron Crowe for The Complete Studio Recordings
  3. ^ Australian Broadcasting Corporation - Triple J Music Specials - Led Zeppelin (first broadcast 2000-07-12)
  4. ^ The Annotated Lamb Lies Down on Broadway