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Did you know that English Heritage and predecessors have installed over 1,000 commemorative plaques in London? It has been happening since 1866, celebrating history’s most important figures as well as other notable people. What we want to do today is have a closer look at some of the most interesting facts about the blue plaques. Then, if you need help from a leading engraver, you can rely on Furnells.
The oldest plaque
The very first commemorative blue plaque was for Lord Byron, one of England’s greatest poets. It was installed in 1867 on a house in Holles Street where he was believed to have lived. Sadly, it was lost in 1889 when the buildings were demolished.
With Byron’s plaque gone, the oldest surviving one is for Napoleon III, France’s last emperor. It also dates back to 1867. You can find it on a home on King Street.
Multiples
Some buildings have an incredible history with multiple notable previous occupants. As a result, there is a selection of houses in London that actually have two blue plaques. The most famous is probably in Maresfield Gardens, the home of Sigmund Freud and his daughter Anna Freud.
The rule today for blue commemorative plaques in London is there can only be one per person. However, in the past that wasn’t the case. So, there are some notable names with more than one. William Makepeace Thackeray, Lord Palmerson, and William Gladstone all have three.
Unusual reasons
People tend to receive commemorative plaques to celebrate significant contributions to history, science, and culture. This includes artists, musicians, and political figures. However, some people get them for quirky reasons. Costume designer Willy Clarkson has a plaque to commemorate his wigmaking. Social worker Mary Hughes has a beautiful inscription on her plaque – “Friend of all in Need”.
City of London
You would expect the business centre of London to have more than its fair share of plaques. However, it only has one blue plaque and it’s actually terracotta. It dates back to 1876 and celebrates author Dr. Samuel Johnson. However, the City of London Corporation has been in charge of commemoration since 1879, so they have their own programme.
Backlash
While the majority of blue plaques are well received, some don’t get a positive response. The most notable are plaques for Karl Marx. Two at his home in Chalk Farm were the target of vandals, so a third was never installed. Another for Marx on Dean Street isn’t very popular either.
Do you want help with commemorative plaques in London?
As you’ve seen, London has a very rich history and numerous plaques to celebrate it. Furnells is really proud to do a small part to help add to this. We have the best engravers in the city, able to deliver outstanding craftsmanship for every client.
So, if you need memorial plaques in London and want to engrave them with stunning details, contact us. We can work with a massive variety of materials.
For more information on Most interesting facts about blue commemorative plaques in London talk to Furnells LTD