Discover London's blue plaques this Bank Holiday with English Heritage

In a year when we've all been encouraged to get out and about in the fresh air more than ever before, a great way to mix culture with your leg stretch this Bank Holiday weekend is by exploring the English Heritage^* Blue Plaques across London.

Explore London's blue plaques on a walking tour - © English Heritage

Download the English Heritage Blue Plaques app from the App Store and Google Play) and tackle one of its walking tours through Soho and Kensington.

The Blue Plaque scheme, which was initially launched in 1866 and has been run by English Heritage^* since 1986, aims to highlight notable men and women through the centuries and the buildings in which they lived and worked.

There are more than 900 blue plaques dotted across London on a variety of buildings, from opulent digs to humble abodes, commemorating the lives of fascinating people.

What's more, English Heritage recently revealed details of new plaques that will adorn buildings in the capital by the end of 2021. These will feature six remarkable women as part of the English Heritage's drive to even up the balance of plaques currently heavily stacked in favour of male recipients.

Of the six, the renowned scientist Kathleen Lonsdale was the first to receive a new plaque this year. The others, which will be added over the coming months, will pay tribute to social reformer Caroline Norton, designer Jean Muir, former slave and campaigner Ellen Craft, barrister Helena Normanton and Diana, Princess of Wales, which is expected to be particularly popular.

Become a member: support the Blue Plaque scheme and other historic conservation initiatives by becoming a member of English Heritage.

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