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National blue plaques scheme to help communities across
England celebrate history and heritage in their local
areas
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Expansion will allow people up and down the country to
nominate notable figures from their local area
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Proposed expansion to be debated this week as part of the
Levelling up and Regeneration Bill
People across England will be able to celebrate local historical
figures under a proposed expansion of the official blue plaques
scheme which currently only operates in London.
This new scheme will be enabled by an amendment to the Levelling
Up and Regeneration BIll, which is due to be debated in the House
of Lords today.
The expansion is an opportunity for people to research their own
local history and nominate figures from their own communities who
have helped define the towns, villages and cities they live in.
If successfully nominated, the buildings where local figures
lived, worked or stayed will be marked with a blue plaque, which
will shine a spotlight on diverse aspects of local heritage
across the country.
Recent evidence also shows that
when more people are aware of their local history it can help
boost their connection and pride in their area, as well as
encourage growth in local economies, a key priority for the
government, through new visitors coming to explore and learn
about the heritage of destinations.
Currently the official blue plaques scheme is London-only. While
there are a number of local schemes operating across the country,
this expansion will see one cohesive, official blue plaques
scheme operate England-wide.
Arts and Heritage Minister said:
“London’s blue plaques are world-renowned. For over 150 years
they have helped to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of
our capital city and the people who have passed through it.
“But people everywhere should be able to celebrate the figures
who have shaped their community – which is why we are seeking to
extend this opportunity across the country, to allow people and
buildings from anywhere in England to be nominated.
“I encourage people to get thinking about who has helped to
define their community and makes them proud of where they live so
that their impact on their home area, as well as the wider world,
can be recognised and celebrated.”
Chief executive of Historic England Duncan Wilson said:
“Standing in a historic place and finding a blue plaque, or
historical place marker, brings us face to face with our shared
history. In developing a national blue plaques scheme that will
celebrate heritage across England, we want to help people feel a
stronger connection to the history all around us and shine a
light on the people and places of the past which have made us who
we are.
“Working with local partners we will build on the value and
success of the London scheme led by English Heritage and the many
other schemes that exist in communities across the country.”
Curatorial Director at English Heritage Anna Eavis said:
“The London blue plaques scheme is the oldest of its kind and has
inspired many similar commemorative schemes, both here in this
country and around the world.
“English Heritage is very proud of the London scheme and all the
work we do to celebrate a huge range of people and buildings with
the iconic blue roundels.
“We share the Minister’s passion for blue plaques and we’re
working with Historic England on how the England-wide scheme will
work in practice.”
Former Chair of Culture, Tourism and Sport Board for Local
Government Association Cllr said:
“Blue plaques are an excellent way of celebrating what makes our
places special. The LGA has long believed in the benefits of
opening up this important scheme to even more communities.
“This announcement is recognition that the unique heritage of
place extends beyond our capital city and has a vital role to
play in boosting civic pride. It represents an opportunity for
local people to celebrate the diversity of voices that have
shaped our communities up and down the country.
"We look forward to working with the Government, Historic England
and local councils to support this programme.”
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Historic
England and English Heritage will work together to develop this
England-wide scheme. A proposed amendment to the Levelling Up and
Regeneration Bill due to be debated today will seek to expand the
discretionary power of Historic England to run the scheme across
England while English Heritage will continue to deliver the
London Scheme under the current licence.
Since the London blue plaque scheme was established over 150
years ago various organisations have helped maintain the scheme
Royal Society of Arts (1866–1901), the London County Council
(1901–65), the Greater London Council (1965–86), and English
Heritage (1986– present).
ENDS
Notes to editors:
