Welcome to a journey through time! Westminster’s captivating green plaque scheme highlights the rich tapestry of individuals and buildings that have shaped this vibrant city. This program shines a light on those who have left a lasting legacy, from pioneering entrepreneurs to celebrated architects, all contributing to Westminster’s remarkable history.
Commemorating Westminster’s Heritage
Launched in 1991, the Westminster green plaque scheme aims to celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of the city and the remarkable individuals who have lived or worked within its boundaries. This scheme recognizes buildings associated with exceptional individuals, those who have made lasting contributions to society.
The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that only the most deserving individuals and buildings receive this prestigious honor. Nominations are reviewed by an independent advisory panel which ensures that the following criteria are met:
- The individual is recognized as eminent by the majority within their field of work.
- They deserve recognition for their genuine contribution to society or for improving lives.
- The individual is reasonably well-known.
- Sufficient time has passed since their life to understand the lasting impact of their contributions.
A Lasting Mark on the City
Beyond individuals, the scheme also highlights buildings of historical interest that have played a significant role in shaping the city’s unique character. Nominations for buildings must meet specific criteria:
- A historical or cultural event of immense significance must have taken place within the nominated building.
- Nominations based solely on anniversaries or short stays by public figures will not be considered.
- Shops, restaurants, and organizations must have existed for at least 100 years to be eligible for a green plaque.
Bringing Your Nomination to Life
To ensure the longevity of the scheme, a sponsorship fee of £3,500 plus VAT is required before submitting a nomination. This helps to cover the administrative costs associated with the program.
Once a nomination is submitted, the following steps will take place:
- The nomination form will be reviewed, and you may be contacted to clarify any additional information.
- The nomination will be presented to the advisory panel for evaluation against the established criteria.
- Meetings to determine which nominations will be considered further are held in July and January.
- The building owner will be contacted to seek permission for the installation of the plaque and to obtain the necessary listed building consent.
- The plaque wording is carefully crafted to ensure it is both informative and concise, with a maximum word count of 25 words.
- The nomination is presented to ward councillors, and a comprehensive report is prepared for formal approval by the Cabinet Members.
- The plaque is then produced and installed, marking a significant moment in Westminster’s history.
A Celebration of Westminster’s Past
The green plaque scheme not only commemorates the rich history of Westminster, but also provides an opportunity to engage the community. If you’d like to host an unveiling ceremony for your nomination, the scheme can provide resources like an unveiling stand and curtain. The cost of the ceremony and reception, including microphones and speakers, is the responsibility of the organizer.
A Glimpse into the Past: Notable Green Plaque Recipients
- Mr. SeeWoo: A community leader in London’s Chinatown, founder of the SeeWoo Asian supermarket in 1975, and a pioneer in bringing Chinese ingredients to London’s restaurants and dinner tables. He played a crucial role in establishing Chinatown as a cultural hub. His plaque was unveiled on Friday, May 24, 2024.
- Sir Leslie Martin: A renowned architect with strong ties to the City of Westminster. He is known for bridging the gap between traditional and modern architecture, particularly as the Director of Architecture for the Festival of Britain in 1951. His plaque was unveiled on Friday, September 1, 2023.
- The Royal Dental Hospital: Founded in 1858, this esteemed institution was the oldest dental school in the UK. It served as a teaching hospital, played a vital role in regulating and improving dental care standards, and was originally located at 32 Soho Square. The plaque was unveiled on Wednesday, March 29, 2023.
- Rev Dr John Clifford: A world-renowned social reformer and leader of the Baptist Church. He became a Minister at Praed Street Baptist Church in Paddington in 1858, where he remained until 1876. His dedication to social justice led to the establishment of the Westbourne Park Institute in Paddington to provide free adult education, among many other achievements. The plaque was unveiled on Sunday, September 11, 2022.
- Windrush Day Plaque: This plaque commemorates the arrival of Caribbean citizens in Westminster and beyond, who came to help rebuild war-torn Britain starting in 1948. It was unveiled on Windrush Day, June 22, 2021.
These are just a few examples of the many individuals and buildings honored by the Westminster green plaque scheme. Each plaque tells a story, offering a glimpse into the past and reminding us of the rich tapestry of lives that have shaped Westminster. To explore the complete list of green plaques, visit the website link provided.
Want to Learn More About London’s Blue Plaques?
For information about London’s blue plaques, which are managed by English Heritage, please contact them directly. This scheme operates under different criteria.
To learn more about Westminster’s green plaque scheme, please contact [email protected].
