Читать книгу Women's London - Rachel Kolsky - Страница 10

Many London buildings are adorned with plaques commemorating significant events and the birthplaces, homes and workplaces of well-known personalities. The most numerous are Blue Plaques, and 2017 marked the 150th anniversary of the first to be unveiled, to Lord Byron (site demolished). Originally administered by the Royal Society of Arts, the scheme has subsequently been run by the London County Council (LCC), the Greater London Council and, since 1986, English Heritage. Originally brown and often ornate, since 1938 the blue and white design has been in use. With over 800 Blue Plaques in London, currently just one in eight honours women.

In addition to Blue Plaques, several local boroughs have their own schemes. The Corporation of the City of London has one official Blue Plaque but over 150 Corporation plaques. You will find green London Borough of Islington plaques and brown plaques for Camden and Hackney boroughs, where plaques are often decided by public vote. Organizations, such as the Heath and Hampstead Society, also erect plaques, and some homeowners erect private plaques. For example, there are three blue plaques at No. 22 Hyde Park Gate: one official Blue Plaque and two private (see here).

Many plaques are featured in this book and it is great fun exploring London seeking them out. Some women have several plaques, such as Mary Wollstonecraft and Enid Blyton, who each have four.

Throughout the text, the abbreviation BP is used for an official Blue Plaque and LB for London Borough (when followed by the name of the borough, for example LB Islington).