Call for Blue Plaque nominations
Be proud of your history, Historic England urges North East. Tony Henderson reports.
The North East has a long and varied history ranging from its past as a frontier region, a cradle of Christianity, and a 19th-century inventive and pioneering industrial powerhouse.
But now Historic England is appealing for its people to nominate inspirational figures for inclusion in the organisation’s National Blue Plaque Scheme.
Last year the scheme was extended to cover the country outside London, but the North East has yet to have a plaque in place.
There are plaques installed from various bodies in the region such as local councils, civic and history societies, and voluntary groups, but Historic England is keen to receive more nominations from the North East for its scheme.
“Historic England is inviting people across the North East to submit nominations for its National Blue Plaque Scheme, and shine a light on important figures from the region,” said a spokesperson.
“The scheme aims to highlight the stories of inspirational people from all walks of life throughout history.”
So far there has been a lower number of nominations from the North East, so Historic England wants to boost numbers and increase representation from this vibrant and important part of the country.
“The new national programme aims to complement these existing local schemes and help yet more people celebrate their heritage.”
Newcastle currently has 198 plaques installed which have been put forward by a variety of bodies.
The top 10 plaques in the city are judged to be the Town Walls, John Dobson, Robert Stephenson, Thomas Bewick, Charles Avison, William Armstrong, David Stephenson, Cardinal Basil Hume, Joseph Swan, and a section of Hadrian’s Wall.
Sunderland has 89 plaques, Gateshead 60, Durham 33, South Shields 21, North Shields 18, Alnwick nine, Blyth nine, Hexham eight.
The deadline for nominations on the Historic England website is Thursday, July 17, which will be considered by a panel of experts.
To be eligible, the person (or duos, groups, organisations, and societies) being nominated must have died at least 20 years ago; have made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness and/or have made an exceptional impact in their field, community, or on society at large; have at least one building associated with them that survives from the time of their occupancy and where a plaque would be clearly visible from a public highway.