Eligibility Criteria

1.

Figures proposed for commemoration must, without exception, have died at least 20 years ago. Animals and fictitious characters will not be considered.

2.

To be chosen for a plaque, a person must be understood by the National Blue Plaques Panel:

• To have made an important contribution to human welfare or happiness, and/or
• To have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society at large

3.

We encourage a wide range of applications from all communities and welcome the nomination of people that help us tell a broader story of a place or community of people: for example, but not limited to, women, those from minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, or working-class people.

4.

Proposals may be considered for plaques commemorating more than 1 person (for example, a duo, group, society or organisation) providing:

1. There is an overarching theme or connection between the people being commemorated
2. Each figure named on the plaque is significant in their own right
3. Each person named on the plaque meets the criteria set above

5.

Proposals can also be considered for the commemoration of buildings that have a historical significance of public interest, other than a particular personal association, either because:

1. A historical event of particular importance occurred there, or
2. The building had an important historical significance that is not obvious from its present appearance, use or from any existing signage or commemoration.

6.

The National Blue Plaques Panel will pay due regard to disparities in representation and in the overall balance of cases being shortlisted. The panel will consider the current geographical distribution of plaques across England.

7.

There should be a strong and clear association between the property and the proposed person: for example, place of birth, death, childhood home, a substantial period of residence or a significant moment in life or career.

8.

The building must be in such condition that the person being commemorated would recognise it from the outside.

9.

A person’s residence in a given place should include significant life events (for example, birth, death, education, work) and/or reflect a significant period in their life or work, in terms of length of time or importance.

10.

A national blue plaque would not normally be considered for someone who is already commemorated by a plaque in the town or city in which they have been nominated. This is because the purpose of the Historic England National Blue Plaque Scheme is to complement existing schemes. A national blue plaque would be considered if a person has been recognised only through other forms of commemoration, such as statues, place names, or perhaps if a plaque has been put up by private individuals.

11.

A plaque must be clearly visible from the public road or right of way. A plaque will normally be erected only on a building and not on a boundary wall or gate pier.

12.

Plaques shall not be erected to commemorate short-term associations of a person with educational or ecclesiastical buildings, military establishments, hospitals, hotels, or private clubs. Plaques shall not be erected on royal palaces or the Inns of Court, or on any building which has too many significant personal associations to merit any one being singled out.

13.

No more than 2 plaques are allowed on 1 building.