More London blue plaques for women than ever before
- Published
About 15% of London's blue plaques are dedicated to women
More blue plaques will be unveiled to individual women in 2024 than in any other previous year, according to English Heritage.
The London Blue Plaques Scheme has been running for more than 150 years.
The charity launched its 'plaques for women' campaign in 2016, encouraging the public to nominate remarkable female figures from the past.
Women who will be celebrated this year include Diana Beck, regarded as the UK's first female neurosurgeon.
Other pioneering women being recognised this year include the jazz singer, Adelaide Hall, one of the first black women to secure a long-term contract at the BBC; and Irene Barclay, the first woman to qualify as a chartered surveyor.
A plaque to writer Virginia Woolf sits in Fitzroy Square
Dr Susan Skedd, Blue Plaques Historian at English Heritage, said: "These are people who had a positive and lasting impact on our society.
"Their successes and the example they set helped to open doors for women of the future and we are delighted that English Heritage can play a part in ensuring that their contributions are remembered."
The names of more recipients will be released throughout the year.
Just over 15% of the thousand-plus official London blue plaques celebrate women, but English Heritage says this number is increasing since launching its campaign.
Overall, the scheme celebrates the link between significant figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked.
It runs on public suggestions and nominations are measured against specific criteria to qualify.
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