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Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque at 22 Gladstone Avenue, Feltham

Discover the modest Feltham home where Freddie Mercury’s legendary musical journey began, marked by an iconic English Heritage blue plaque.

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The Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque commemorates the legendary Queen frontman’s first UK home at 22 Gladstone Avenue, Feltham. Installed by English Heritage in 2016, it marks the house where Freddie lived from 1964 during his teenage years after fleeing Zanzibar. This modest terraced house witnessed the early days of Mercury’s musical journey and his first meetings with future bandmates Brian May and Roger Taylor, making it a poignant landmark for fans and music history.

A brief summary to Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque

  • 22 Gladstone Ave, Feltham, TW14 9LL, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.25 to 0.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit during daylight hours to clearly see the blue plaque on the exterior wall of the house.
  • Combine your visit with exploring other English Heritage blue plaques in West London for a cultural walk.
  • Respect the privacy of residents as the plaque is on a private residential property.
  • Learn about Freddie Mercury’s early life and Queen’s origins to enrich your visit.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    Take the South Western Railway to Feltham Station from London Waterloo; from there, a 15-20 minute bus ride on local routes will bring you close to Gladstone Avenue. Services run frequently, with single fares around £3-£5.

  • Car

    Driving from central London takes approximately 30-45 minutes depending on traffic. Limited street parking is available near Gladstone Avenue; be mindful of residential parking restrictions.

  • Bus

    Local buses from Feltham Station or nearby hubs serve Gladstone Avenue, with journeys typically under 10 minutes. Check schedules as frequency varies, especially on weekends.

Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque location weather suitability

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Discover more about Freddie Mercury Blue Plaque

A Humble Beginning in Feltham

The blue plaque at 22 Gladstone Avenue, Feltham, marks the first London home of Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara. His family moved here in late 1964 after fleeing the violent revolution in Zanzibar. This modest terraced house in the London Borough of Hounslow became the backdrop for Mercury’s formative years in the UK. It was here that he began to explore his musical talents and identity, laying the foundation for his future as one of rock’s greatest icons.

Musical Roots and Early Connections

While living at Gladstone Avenue, Freddie was still a teenager attending Ealing College for graphic art and design. During this period, he met Brian May and Roger Taylor, who would become his bandmates in Queen. The house was a meeting place where they bonded over music, famously spending hours listening to Jimi Hendrix on Mercury’s Dansette record player. This plaque commemorates not just a residence but a creative crucible where Queen’s legendary story began.

The Blue Plaque and Its Significance

Erected in 2016 by English Heritage, the ceramic blue plaque serves as a public reminder of Mercury’s early life and enduring legacy. Unveiled by Mercury’s sister Kashmira Cooke and Brian May, it honors his contributions to music and culture. The inscription simply reads: "FREDDIE MERCURY (FRED BULSARA) 1946-1991 Singer and Songwriter lived here," connecting passersby to the man behind the music.

Freddie Mercury’s Legacy Beyond Feltham

Though Mercury lived in various London locations later, 22 Gladstone Avenue remains a symbolic site reflecting his journey from a shy teenager to a flamboyant rock star. Queen’s impact on music, especially with hits like "Bohemian Rhapsody," is monumental. Mercury’s private nature contrasted with his stage persona, and his life story—including his battle with AIDS—adds depth to the significance of this humble plaque.

Visiting the Plaque Today

Situated on a residential street, the plaque is accessible for those wishing to pay tribute to Mercury’s legacy. While the house itself is private property, the plaque on the exterior wall invites reflection on the early life of a music legend. It stands as a cultural landmark within Feltham, connecting local history with global music heritage.

Commemorating a Cultural Icon

This blue plaque is part of the wider English Heritage scheme that celebrates notable figures across London. Mercury’s plaque highlights his unique contribution as a British-Indian artist who changed the face of rock music. It also symbolizes the multicultural fabric of London and the personal histories behind its famous residents.

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