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Pensioner Didn't Believe Estate Agent's Claim About House Until Tourists Turned Up

Pensioner Didn't Believe Estate Agent's Claim About House Until Tourists Turned Up

Then the tourists started to arrive.

Anish Vij

Anish Vij

A man who purchased a house in West London didn't believe his agent's claim that the estate once belonged to a rock legend.

Ray Edwards, 72, thought that his agent was just winding him up until tourists started arriving at the three bedroom semi-detached house - which used to belong to former Queen frontman Freddie Mercury.

Mercury lived in the home prior to joining queen in 1970 and came from Zanzibar to Gladstone Avenue in Feltham with his parents in 1964, when he was 17 years old.

Alamy

It was only until 2016, where home-owner Ray realised his agent wasn't chatting bull and Queen's Brian May unveiled a British Heritage blue plaque on the house.

Ray told the Mirror: "I'm proud to say I live in Freddie Mercury's old house.

"It's nice to have some sort of recognition of Freddie.

"The plaque does stand out.

"The idea is that people look at it and that makes them think of Freddie and reflect on his life and his contribution.

Alamy

"I do look at it occasionally and reflect, I will admit.

"I'm proud to have it there.

"Freddie was a very talented person."

He added: "I wasn't sure if the estate agent was taking the pee.

"I did a quick search on the internet and it was difficult to find out who used to live here."

Ray rents Mercury's old room to a mother and daughter who were delighted to find out who's room they sleep in.

Alamy

However, the 72-year-old isn't really a massive Queen fan.

"I wouldn't say I was a huge fan," he said.

"Though, I wouldn't say I dislike their music.

"I do have some of their music, some of their records.

"But I'm not one of these people who idolise them and stand outside gazing at the plaque."

The home owner reckons that at least two people visit the plaque each week, yet, more used to come prior to the pandemic.

Freddie Mercury died at the age of 45 in 1991 after developing complications from AIDS.

Featured Image Credit: Alamy

Topics: freddie mercury, Queen