The National Blue Plaque Scheme

Historic England's national blue plaque scheme celebrates people from all walks of life who 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.

The national scheme is run by Historic England on behalf of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. It builds on the value and success of the London scheme (which continues to be led by English Heritage) and local schemes across the country.

Latest plaques

  • Cary Grant (Archie Leach)

    The working-class boy from Bristol who reinvented himself as Cary Grant (1904 to 1986), one of the brightest movie stars in the golden age of Hollywood.

  • George Harrison

    Music icon, songwriter and humanitarian George Harrison (1943 to 2001) first rose to international fame as the lead guitarist of The Beatles.

  • Clarice Cliff

    The success story of ceramic designer Clarice Cliff (1899 to 1972) is rooted in the heart of the Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent.

  • Daphne Steele

    Daphne Steele (1927 to 2004) made history by becoming the first Black matron in the National Health Service in 1964.

About the scheme

  • The National Blue Plaques Panel

    Historic England has appointed an impressive and diverse panel of academics and cultural commentators to lead the national blue plaque scheme.

  • Community Research Grants

    Grants for organisations working with underrepresented communities and partnering with researchers or historians to unearth stories.

Supported by

Delancey
The Earls Court Development Company