Historic England opens blue plaque nominations

A blue plaque was unveiled to mark the opening of nominations for Historic England's scheme

Nominations have opened for Historic England's commemorative blue plaque scheme.

Organisers want to hear the stories of inspirational people from all walks of life including those whose history has been hidden or largely forgotten.

Chief executive Duncan Wilson said blue plaques "have real power to inspire local pride now and for generations to come".

The nomination period runs until 19 July for entries from across England, except the capital.

To mark the start of the eight-week nomination period, a plaque was unveiled for music icon George Harrison at his birthplace in Wavertree, Liverpool.

To be eligible for a plaque, the person being nominated must:

• Have died at least 20 years ago

• Have made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness and/or have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society

• Have at least one building associated with them that survives from the time of their occupancy and where a plaque would be visible from a public highway.

English Heritage, a charity, runs the scheme in London and accepts nominations throughout the year. The London project has also been in place for the past 150 years.

Historic England, a non-governmental organisation funded by the government, looks after plaques across England, except for the capital.

Mr Wilson added: "Places across England have borne witness to extraordinary people who contribute to human welfare and happiness.

"The actual places where this history happens are special, but not always well known."

Historic England launched its national blue plaque scheme in September.

It has since unveiled plaques to nurse and midwife Daphne Steele in Ilkley and the pottery designer Clarice Cliff in Stoke-on-Trent.

Its national programme aims to help more people celebrate their heritage.