Discover the stories behind the plaques
On this page you will discover the extraordinary stories behind London’s blue plaques. From the collective struggle of those who fought for the civil rights of British women to the personal experiences of London’s LGBTQ+ individuals, every plaque represents an important and fascinating slice of history. Scroll down to read more about the individual lives and groundbreaking achievements of London’s former residents.
History’s Heroes of Health
Advances in the control, treatment and cure of illness and disease have depended on the work of many talented individuals, working in a variety of different fields.
The London blue plaques scheme celebrates many figures of outstanding achievement in this crucially important area. We explore some of their most significant medical breakthroughs and public health reforms.
Read the articleLondon Poverty
Charles Dickens and Charlie Chaplin both experienced poverty as children, and both created characters in their work who fall on hard times. Discover how Chaplin’s Tramp and Dickens’s Oliver Twist were inspired by real life events on the streets of London and learn about the sights and sounds which may have influenced them.
Read about Dickens, Chaplin and London povertyCelebrating London’s Black History
From musicians to politicians, discover some of the pioneering black figures whose achievements are celebrated with London’s blue plaques.
Explore the histories behind the plaques with the English Heritage podcast. Listen to Curatorial Director Anna Eavis and historian Steve Martin discuss a president, a doctor, a nurse, two stars of stage and screen, and a footballer, who are all commemorated with English Heritage blue plaques.
Find out more about London’s Black History
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+ historyPioneering Women
We take a look at some of the figures in London’s history who took the historic first steps to open up new opportunities for women, and are commemorated by blue plaques.
Discover London’s pioneering womenMore blue plaques stories
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A literary walk in Kensington
Use our blue plaques app to discover the former homes of Kensington’s literary luminaries on this short walk.
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Staging Shakespeare
Travel with us through four centuries of Shakespearean performance, with London’s blue plaques as our guide.
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European Composers in London
Learn more about the European composers who came to London to perform, compose, and escape wars abroad.
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London's Olympic Heroes
Discover which past Olympians have been awarded a London blue plaque.
