Penny Lane and the slave trader James Penny
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kev
Penny Lane
Penny Lane is a street famous worldwide thanks to The Beatles 1967 hit, but the south Liverpool street owes its name to an outspoken Liverpool slave ship owner and staunch anti-abolitionist.
James Penny was a Liverpool merchant who made his money from the transportation of slaves.
I've never actually seen any evidence that this street was named after James Penny. Like Smithdown Rd & Mossley Hill Rd, Penny Lane is a very ancient highway whose name is likely to reflect its antiquity. I have to say I'd be surprised if this story about its naming were true but I'm happy to be corrected if someone has a source,