THE first blue plaques were erected in London almost 140 years ago to mark a connection, either lifelong or fleeting, between a famous person and a place.
They were an instant success and 35 were erected in 1867, including ones to Lord Byron and Napoleon III. The latter survives even to this day.
Although the white-on-blue style was not to be adopted until the start of the 20th-century, the idea of a ‘memorial tablet’ was firmly planted in the public’s imagination and there can be few who have not gazed upwards while visiting or living in London and either nodded in recognition of a famous name or shaken their heads in ignorance.
It is a pleasing, if momentary, connection with the past which reminds us all of our heritage and the debt we bear to our ancestors, whether they be scientists, musicians, soldiers or campaigners.
There are now more than 800 plaques adorning the walls of properties from Hillingdon to Havering.
Thanks to the efforts of one relative newcomer to the island, a similar scheme has now started in Guernsey. The first person to be commemorated is G.B Edwards, the author of probably the most famous novel to be penned by a Guernseyman or woman – The Book of Ebenezer Le Page.
It is a good start to what is hoped will be a series of plaques commemorating islanders and residents who have left their mark on our world.
However, it must not be left as a one-off, along the lines of the plaque marking the home of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, Hero of Canada, on the wall of Boots. Instead, its value to the island as a tourist feature and historical aide-memoire will increase as the series grows.
The fun part will come in learning who will be similarly honoured and suggesting new names for inclusion.
Undoubtedly, there are famous people who, like Victor Hugo, have lived in Guernsey for several years without attracting quite the same level of interest.
A visible reminder of our history
THE first blue plaques were erected in London almost 140 years ago to mark a connection, either lifelong or fleeting, between a famous person and a place.
They were an instant success and 35 were erected in 1867, including ones to Lord Byron and Napoleon III. The latter survives even to this day.
Although the white-on-blue style was not to be adopted until the start of the 20th-century, the idea of a ‘memorial tablet’ was firmly planted in the public’s imagination and there can be few who have not gazed upwards while visiting or living in London and either nodded in recognition of a famous name or shaken their heads in ignorance.
It is a pleasing, if momentary, connection with the past which reminds us all of our heritage and the debt we bear to our ancestors, whether they be scientists, musicians, soldiers or campaigners.
There are now more than 800 plaques adorning the walls of properties from Hillingdon to Havering.
Thanks to the efforts of one relative newcomer to the island, a similar scheme has now started in Guernsey. The first person to be commemorated is G.B Edwards, the author of probably the most famous novel to be penned by a Guernseyman or woman – The Book of Ebenezer Le Page.
It is a good start to what is hoped will be a series of plaques commemorating islanders and residents who have left their mark on our world.
However, it must not be left as a one-off, along the lines of the plaque marking the home of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock, Hero of Canada, on the wall of Boots. Instead, its value to the island as a tourist feature and historical aide-memoire will increase as the series grows.
The fun part will come in learning who will be similarly honoured and suggesting new names for inclusion.
Undoubtedly, there are famous people who, like Victor Hugo, have lived in Guernsey for several years without attracting quite the same level of interest.
It will be a learning experience for us all.
Article posted on 30th September, 2008 - 2.30pm