London’s blue plaques
London’s famous blue plaques link the people of the past with the buildings of the present. Now run by English Heritage, the London blue plaques scheme was started in 1866 and is thought to be the oldest of its kind in the world.
More than 1,000 plaques across the capital, on buildings humble and grand, honour the notable women and men who have lived or worked in them. Discover some of the people commemorated with blue plaques, or search for a plaque, below.
The English Heritage London blue plaques scheme is generously supported by David Pearl and members of the public.
New plaques for 2025
Blue plaques in 2025 will celebrate cultural icons whose creative achievements helped shape the capital.
Recipients will include Marc Bolan, whose glam rock innovation redefined London’s music scene in the 1970s; Audrey Hepburn, whose global fame brought international attention and prestige; Alicia Markova who was instrumental in positioning the city as a centre for world-class ballet; and Una Marson, trailblazing Jamaican poet, playwright, broadcaster, and campaigner for racial and gender equality.
They will join some of our most recent recipients, including singer Adelaide Hall, photographer Christina Broom, and architect Thomas Wallis.
London Pride: LGBTQ+ stories
From Oscar Wilde to Virginia Woolf, explore London’s LGBTQ+ history through the stories associated with the city’s blue plaques.
Explore London’s LGBTQ+ historyPlaques for women
Only 15 per cent of London’s blue plaques celebrate women. We don't think that’s good enough, but the picture is improving. Since 2016, when we first launched our ‘plaques for women’ campaign, more than half of the people awarded plaques have been women. Nominations are the life blood of the London blue plaques scheme. If you know of a woman who deserves a blue plaque and meets the selection criteria, nominate her now.
Propose a woman for a blue plaqueCelebrating London’s Black History
From musicians to politicians, discover some of the pioneering black figures whose achievements are celebrated with London’s blue plaques.
Find out more about London’s Black HistoryLiving with disability
We commemorate people from all walks of life, some of whom lived with disability. For some, their disability was a difficulty to be navigated, often in a hostile environment. For others, it changed the course of their lives, and was in some cases central to the achievement for which they're celebrated.
We explore stories of people with both visible and hidden impairments, and consider the impact disability had on their lives.
Read the articleHeroes of Health
Advances in the control, treatment and cure of illness and disease have depended on the work of many talented individuals. The London blue plaques scheme celebrates figures of outstanding achievement in this area. We explore their significant medical breakthroughs and public health reforms.
Read the articleBlue plaque stories
Behind every plaque is a story. From the creative output of international composers to campaigns for women’s rights, discover the personal stories and historic achievements of London’s notable former residents with our series of in-depth stories.
Discover the stories behind the plaques
