London has many famous buildings and monuments, but no class of landmarks in the city has more members than the small, usually round and blue, plaques that mark the sometimes mundane buildings where decidedly not-mundane people lived and worked.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the now more than 900 markers. The plan grew from a speech by a member of Parliament, William Ewart, and the first committee of selectors met in 1866. The first building marked was the home of Lord Byron, the poet. Ironically, that plaque, and the building it was on, are now gone.
The most recent set of honorees, selected this year, include Freddie Mercury, Samuel Beckett and Dame Margot Fonteyn. A look anywhere on the list will get you quite a few you know…and quite a few whose story adds to your picture of London and history.
Since 1986, the program has been under the sponsorship of English Heritage, which also organizes plaque-based walking tours. For more information on the walks, the plaques, and English Heritage, click HERE
You will see these blue plaques all around the UK. Canada. Europe and Australia. Rumour has it they have migrated to the US too.
You’ll find over 100 in Liverpool, England where I live. The most visited is the plaque to John Lennon born here in Liverpool. Murdered in New York.
Paul McCartney may get one – but only 20 years after he passes away. He’s in no rush – so I think he’s avoiding New York.
Lennon mosaic in Central Park NY
Most Londoners think they’ll fall off the edge of the World if they leave London.
Just like the Monty Python film – The Meaning of Life.
Just like those London papers not to mention the rest of the world! I’ll be looking for them in Liverpool later this month…