London is a history lover’s playground. In addition to major attractions such as Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey, almost every neighborhood and neighborhood has witnessed famous people and events.
If you look carefully you will see a round blue plaque on many houses. These blue plaques are historical markers that record a celebrity's residence or a famous event. Personally, I love walking down the street and noticing a blue plaque and realizing I know that person or event. It was a goosebumps moment for me! "
Why blue plaques? Who decides which places will be honored? "
The first blue plaque was not blue. Created by the Royal Society of The Ars in 1866, the plaques come in a variety of shapes and are mostly chocolate brown, which can make them difficult to see from the street. The first plaque was designed for Lord Byron and dedicated in 1867. Of the 35 plaques installed by the association, less than half survive, the earliest of which commemorates Napoleon III in 1867.
Thankfully the London County Council took over the project (or scheme as they called it) in 1901 and they decided it would be an added bonus if people could read the plaques so they decided to buy them A lovely blue one. The last design with white fonts and white borders was officially proposed in 1938. So far it has not been changed.
Today this program is run by British Heritage. Under their leadership, more than 300 plaques have been placed in London since 1986.
So, how does a person or persons obtain their own plaque?
In order for an individual to qualify, they must have been dead for 20 years or have passed their centenary. In addition, according to British tradition, “the nominated person must be considered outstanding by the majority of members of their own profession; have made an outstanding contribution to the welfare or happiness of mankind; has lived in a place for a period of time, and in his life and work of time or importance; recognized by informed passers-by, or worthy of national recognition.
Only one fictional person has a blue plaque when you visit Baker. When you look up at No. 221B Street, you will see his plaque. Sometimes I really wonder if Sherlock Holmes is a fictional character! ”
It should be noted that the plaque can only be placed where the individual lives. on a building, not where the building once stood. Additionally, no more than two plaques may be placed nationwide to commemorate an individual. For example, John Lennon has two plaques, one at his childhood home in Liverpool and the other above the old Apple boutique at 94 Baker Street in London. English Heritage has put the entire list online, so you can look for your favorite plaque next time you visit London.
The program is also being rolled out across the country thanks to a pilot project. From 1998 to 2005, plaques were installed in Liverpool and Merseyside, Birmingham, Portsmouth and Southampton. I hope this show continues as it is a great way to learn about national and local history.
And now some trivia for you:
Stephen Fry is on the Blue Card Panel, the panel that, through nominations, decides who or what gets recognized. (I swear I will keep trying to fit Stephen into all my positions!)" "