How the Scheme Works

English Heritage receives about 100 suggestions each year for blue plaques in London, almost all of which come from members of the public. Each nominated person has to meet basic selection criteria before they can be considered. Most importantly, a London building associated with them must survive, and they must have been dead for 20 years or have passed the centenary of their birth. This delay allows a person's reputation to mature and ensures that their fame is long-lasting.

English Heritage's Blue Plaques Panel - representatives of various disciplines from across the country - considers all the suggestions which meet the basic criteria; on average, around one in three proposals are accepted for plaques in London. If a figure is rejected, proposers must wait a further 10 years before their suggestion can be considered again. Detailed research is carried out into the surviving addresses of shortlisted candidates using sources such as autobiographies, electoral registers and post office directories.

As only one London plaque is allowed per person, the house to be commemorated has to be chosen very carefully. Factors which are considered include length of residence and the accomplishments of a candidate during the relevant years. A significant place of work can also be considered.

In some instances, it is found that no London address survives. This was the case, for example, with William Shakespeare (1564-1616) and Haile Selassie (1892-1975), Emperor of Ethiopia. Under such circumstances, there is no alternative other than to very reluctantly remove the figure from the shortlist.

Before a plaque can be erected, the owners of the building in question have to give their consent. Where listed buildings are involved, Listed Building Consent is sought from the relevant local authority. If such consents are granted, the plaque is designed, positioned and then produced by a specialist manufacturer. It is normally ready within about two months. Plaques are set into the fabric of the building, flush with the wall face. The cost of plaque manufacture and installation is borne entirely by English Heritage.

Unveiling ceremonies are often held. These occasions - organised by members of the public, in liaison with English Heritage might be attended by descendants, friends and colleagues of the person being commemorated, and are often memorable, emotional events.

In all, it can take between 2 and 6 years from the initial suggestion to the erection of a plaque.

The presence of a plaque does not afford a building any statutory protection; it has, for example, no connection with listing. Plaques which have been removed in the course of redevelopment include those to composer Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) and the Antarctic explorer Captain Lawrence Oates (1880-1912). Under such circumstances, English Heritage seeks to recover the plaque. If an alternative location cannot be found, plaques are either offered to relevant museums or bodies, or are added to English Heritage's small collection.

How the Scheme Works: Stages

1. Receipt of suggestion to erect blue plaque in London
2. Preparation of short biographical report by English Heritage historian
3. Consideration of suggestion by Blue Plaques Panel, which meets three times a year
4. If a suggestion is rejected by the Panel, the application will proceed no further. Proposers must wait 10 years before their suggestion can be considered again
5. If the Panel finds it is not able to reach a decision, one of two things happen; either further research is sought from our historians, or a suggested figure is held in abeyance for a given number of years, for reconsideration at a later date
6. If a suggestion is shortlisted, a full report is prepared by an English Heritage historian, with particular attention being paid to addresses. Suggestions are made as to the location, wording and positioning of the plaque
7. Submission of full historical report to Blue Plaques Panel, who may suggest changes to details such as the inscription before the report is endorsed
8. Gaining of preliminary consents for the erection of a plaque from owners. Where listed buildings are involved, gaining consents from the relevant local authority. Should an owner refuse their consent, an alternative address is sought or a case is placed in abeyance
9. Creation of plaque design and location image
10. Gaining of final consents for the erection of a plaque
11. Manufacture of plaque
12. Erection of plaque and, where appropriate, unveiling ceremony