Local hero blue plaque nomination deadline extended

Rose Scott, campaigner and Northampton's first female councillor, was honoured with a plaque in 2019

A deadline has been extended for nominating local heroes for commemorative blue plaques.

People in West Northamptonshire now have an extra month to put forward individuals and groups who have "made a lasting impact on the area".

The initiative follows a similar scheme in 2019 which honoured four prominent personalities, including a medieval bow maker and Northampton's first female councillor.

Anyone who is nominated must have died at least 20 years ago.

West Northamptonshire Council said the plaques would be "celebrating local heritage and inspiring communities to engage with their shared history".

Among those who were honoured with blue plaques in 2019 were Peter the Saracen, whose birth and death dates - along with his full name - were unknown.

He was mentioned in financial records as being employed by King John as a maker of crossbows.

He may have been one of the first Muslims recorded in England.

Rose Scott's blue plaque is on a private house in Northampton

William Barratt, a shoe manufacturer who paid for Northampton's maternity home which bears his name, also received a blue plaque, along with the politician and campaigner, Rose Scott.

William Barratt's plaque was unveiled in the presence of his great-nephew, Richard Barratt

The council said its 2025 scheme would introduce eight new plaques "honouring figures who have shaped its history, culture and identity".

To be eligible, nominees must have:

• been a person who died at least 20 years ago

• made a significant contribution to the area

• not have already been recognised with a blue plaque

• have a strong connection to a surviving location in West Northamptonshire

Jane Carr, the council's director of communities & opportunities, said: "West Northamptonshire has a wealth of incredible historical figures who have shaped our communities and beyond.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to help us recognise and celebrate their legacies."

The deadline was originally 31 March but has now been extended to 30 April.

There is an online form for nominations.

A panel of historical and cultural experts will decide which of the nominations are successful.