LADY PLAQUES


SHE LIVED HERE. SHE HAD A NAME.


Beeston has a very healthy population of more than thirty Blue Plaques – where notable locals are commemorated by distinctive wall-mounted blue discs. 

But did you notice that NONE of the plaques is for a woman?

Plaques for the Boys

Campaigners, such as Blue Plaque Rebellion, have long called for greater parity in plaque schemes, there’s even a book about it (A Woman Lived Here: Alternative Blue Plaques, Remembering London’s Remarkable Women by Allison Vale). 

With only 14% of its plaques being for women, even English Heritage (who now administer London Blue Plaque Scheme) launched a campaign in 2018 to encourage nominations of London women. Many other bodies now actively seek to address the issue in their plaque schemes. Some schemes have been set up specifically to do this – such as Purple Plaques in Wales. 

We believe that our plaques should reflect the people who lived and worked in our district. In an ideal world, selection framework which already exists would achieve fairness. However, as this hasn’t been the case, more discerning action is required. 

Rather than “a flurry of plaques” for women “simply because they’re women“, Beeston Civic is advocating for local women of merit who should already have been considered eligible. Women who’ll finally have their day.

Please get in touch with us if you’re interested to be involved. Alternatively, see below to support our work, or nominate someone / somewhere for a #LadyPlaque.

Your Help

We will need the help of locals like you to nominate the historical women who lived, worked and quietly achieved things in our district.

Each plaque could cost between £600 – £800 to make and install (including manufacture, installation, and administration costs such as Planning Permission applications).

As a Registered Charity, we need funds raised from donations to be able to achieve our objectives, and Plaques are no different. We need to raise money to make it happen, so all donations are gratefully received!

donate today

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