Buxton Local History Society

The history of “Blue Plaques.”

A Blue Plaque, which does not have to be blue, is a permanent sign installed in a public place to commemorate a link between that location and a famous person, event, or former building on the site, serving as a historical marker.
Originally the term was used to refer to the "official" scheme administered firstly by the Society of Arts, later various London councils, and now English Heritage, and was restricted to sites within Greater London. It has since been used less formally by organisations throughout the UK, such as the Buxton Local History Society. The plaques can vary in shape style and colour, but the term "blue plaque" is generally used to describe them.
The scheme to mark buildings with blue plaques was conceived in London by the politician William Ewart in 1866. The first plaque was unveiled in 1867 to commemorate Lord Byron at his birthplace, 24 Holles Street, Cavendish Square, sadly demolished in 1889. The earliest plaque to survive is to Napoleon III, in King Street, St. James’s, which was also erected in 1867. The first to a woman was to Sarah Siddons in 1876 on her house in Marylebone. When the house was demolished in 1905 the plaque was rescued and is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum.

In London, to be eligible for an English Heritage blue plaque, the famous person concerned must, have been dead for 20 years. (Fictional characters are not eligible); be considered eminent by a majority of members of their own profession; have lived or worked in that building in London (excluding the City of London and Whitehall) for a significant period, in time or importance. Also the plaque must be on the actual building, not the gate post or a replacement building on the same site. Fortunately these rules do not apply outside London.

Buxton currently has six "Blue Plaques". Further information on each one can be seen by following the links below:
1. Vera Brittain . By clicking here
2. Robert Rippon Duke. By clicking here
3. Mary, Queen of  Scots. By clicking here.
4. Frank Matcham. By clicking here.
5. The L.N.W.R Fan Window. By clicking here.
6. The Roman Milestone. By clicking here.