The National Blue Plaque Scheme

The 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 wider society.

Designed to spark curiosity in people of all ages and backgrounds, each plaque is a tangible, physical link connecting people to place through a building that was part of their story and is still standing.

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

Get involved

Who do you think deserves to be celebrated with a national blue plaque?

This year's public nomination period is now open, ending on Thursday 10 July 2025.

This is your opportunity to get involved and suggest a person, group, or building to be honoured with a national blue plaque.

How to make a nomination

Read the eligibility criteria

Latest plaques

Discover the stories behind the plaques. Some commemorate famous people – like music icon George Harrison or influential ceramicist Clarice Cliff – while others honour those who perhaps aren't as widely known but should be, like Daphne Steele, the first Black matron in the NHS.

  • Jack Leslie

    A talented footballer and Plymouth Argyle FC hero, Jack Leslie (1901 to 1988) earned an England call-up but was denied the opportunity to become the first Black man to represent his country.

  • 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.

More 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.

Supported by

Delancey
The Earls Court Development Company