English Heritage's London Blue Plaques Scheme has been running for more than 150 years. There are over 200 Blue Plaques in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Yet, less than 15% are Blue Plaques celebrating the lives of British women.
English Heritage launched its 'plaques for women' campaign in 2016, encouraging the public to nominate remarkable female figures from the past. They are now addressing this imbalance, with a renewed focus on women. In 2024 Irene Barclay, the first woman to qualify as a chartered surveyor will be recognised with a plaque. This places a welcome spotlight on professional women in the London property industry.
Irene Barclay (1894–1989): Following the Sex Disqualification Removal Act of 1919, Irene Barclay immediately began attending evening classes to study for the Surveyors’ Institution exams. In just two years she became the first woman to qualify as a chartered surveyor in Britain.
Perhaps the most famous plaque in RBK&C is dedicated to Agatha Christie, famous author, who lived on Sheffield Terrace, in Kensington, W8. London Blue Plaque, Agatha Christie
Other celebrated women in the Borough include:
- Emmeline Pankhurst campaigner for women's suffrage lived on Clarendon Road, Notting Hill.
- Gertrude Bell, traveller, archaeologist and diplomat lived in Sloane Street, Cheslea.
- Grace Wyndam Goldie, BBC executive and pioneer of political coverage on television lived in Warwick Gardens, Kensington.
- Joyce Grenfell, entertainer and writer lived in Elm Park Gardens, Chelsea.
- Lillie Langtry, actress, lived on Pont Street, Chelsea.
- Dame Marie Rambert, founder of Ballet Rambert lived on Campden Hill Gardens, Holland Park .Blues Plaques in Kensington Garden Square
Blue Plaques on RBK&C properties are a familiar sight across the Borough, but do they add value to a house? They definitely draw interest and intrigue to a property, and they can enhance marketing if the home is for sale. It is a topic to discuss with your property agent prior to a sale or purchase. RBK&C Borough has the second highest number of Blue Plaques after Westminster.
2024 promises to be a welcome step forwards in the recognition of inspiring and talented London women.
Who would you nominate to be celebrated with a Blue Plaque in London?
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Sunday 21 January 2024
