The government has changed the rules of the blue plaque system to make it easier to honour people and groups who have played a significant part in the nation's history.
Previously, buildings that had been substantially altered or replaced since a prospective honouree was linked to them were ruled out of receiving a plaque. The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) said this restriction limited recognition for 'many brilliant people or groups throughout history'.
With the barrier removed, the scheme is now open to a wider range of people and places. People connected to lost music and performance venues, ex-residents of demolished homes, and workers and innovators linked to former factories and workshops are now eligible to receive a plaque.
Expanding Recognition Beyond Existing Buildings
The DCMS said the move would 'help ensure more of Britain's diverse history is represented'. Nominations are now open to the public for both the national and London blue plaque schemes.
To be considered, sites should have a strong connection to a person who has been dead for at least 20 years, or to a group which was formed at least 20 years ago and is no longer functioning.
Recent people honoured include actor and director Sir Laurence Olivier, Beatles guitarist George Harrison, and Reverend Wilbert Awdry, the creator of Thomas the Tank Engine.
Government and Expert Reactions
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "Throughout our history, it has been ordinary, extraordinary people who have built our country and created lasting change.
"From millworkers who fought for fair wages, safe working conditions and the rights of women, to the Windrush generation who helped shape our NHS, transport, manufacturing industries and more – too often their contributions have been airbrushed from our national story.
"Until now, it was difficult to commemorate their achievements with a blue plaque. These rules were outdated, unfair and do not reflect who we are as a nation."
She added: "That's why we have changed the rules so that we can properly commemorate the heroes who shaped our communities and changed our country for the better. I hope people across the country will come forward and nominate the people whose contributions are a vital part of our national story and deserve to be told and remembered."
Historian Professor David Olusoga said: "English history has been shaped by women as well as men, by the poor as well as the wealthy, and by people across England and not just those who lived in London.
"These welcome changes will liberate Historic England and English Heritage to celebrate the stories of England's hidden heroes with their beloved blue plaques."
Funding and Next Steps
Run by Historic England on behalf of DCMS and launched in 2023, the National Blue Plaque Scheme was designed to build on the success of the London scheme and local versions across the country.
£100,000 has been given to Historic England this year to support the programme, providing grants for community groups and grassroots organisations researching and developing nominations that address historic underrepresentation and improve geographical reach.
Historic England's head of participation programmes, Ellie Djerir, said: "By widening the criteria of the National Blue Plaque Scheme, we can now celebrate more of the people who have shaped our history, wherever they lived and worked."
English Heritage's conservation curatorial and learning director, Matt Thompson, said the changes will 'offer greater flexibility to recognise a wider range of individuals whose achievements deserve to be celebrated'.
Applications for both schemes are open until January 13, and plaques from these nominations will be unveiled next year.
