London is a city that’s steeped in history, and one of the ways that this history is celebrated is through the use of blue plaques. These plaques are placed on buildings across the city to commemorate the people who lived or worked there and made significant contributions to society.
But just how many blue plaques are there in London? Let’s find out.
What Are Blue Plaques?
Blue plaques are round or oval-shaped signs that are mounted on buildings to commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to society. The first blue plaque was erected in 1867 at the birthplace of Lord Byron, and since then, over 900 plaques have been installed across London.
The English Heritage Scheme
The scheme responsible for installing blue plaques is run by English Heritage, an organisation that aims to preserve England’s historic sites and buildings. The scheme was started in 1986 and has since installed dozens of new plaques every year.
How Many Blue Plaques Are There?
As of 2021, there are over 950 blue plaques in London. These plaques commemorate a wide range of people, from famous writers like Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens to scientists like Marie Curie and Alexander Fleming.
Who Decides Who Gets a Plaque?
English Heritage has a strict set of criteria for deciding who gets a plaque. Firstly, the person must have been dead for at least twenty years before they can be considered.
Secondly, they must have made a significant contribution to society in one of several fields such as science, medicine, literature, or music. Finally, there must be some tangible connection between the person and the building where the plaque will be installed.
Where Can You Find Blue Plaques?
Blue plaques can be found all over London, from grand Victorian townhouses in Mayfair to humble terraced houses in the East End. If you’re interested in finding plaques, English Heritage has an online map that shows the location of every plaque in the city.
Conclusion
Blue plaques are an important part of London’s history and provide a tangible link to some of the city’s most famous and influential residents. With over 950 plaques across the city, there’s always something new to discover, so why not take a stroll around your neighbourhood and see if you can spot any?