Commemorative plaque scheme

Criteria 

Plaques are only put on sites where they can be read by the public.

The location could be a house, flat, significant place of work or a site associated with a person or event.

Applications will be considered for:

A) A famous person who is of national or local importance who has either

• lived or worked in the borough for a significant length of time
• is highly respected by their peers
• has made a positive impact locally or nationally
• is instantly recognised by most people.

Plaques will only be considered for people who have been deceased for a period of at least 10 years or after the centenary of their birth.

If the house of a famous person no longer exists, putting a plaque on a replacement property will not usually be considered.

Suggestions will not be considered where the person is already commemorated by a plaque elsewhere in the borough.

B) An original building or landmark made famous by a memorable event of national or local importance.

A plaque will not be put on a building if its only claim to fame is that it appeared in a work of fiction.

Design

The standard plaque is circular, about 45cm in diameter, with white lettering on a dark blue background. 

Installation

The consent of the property owner will be needed if a plaque is to be put on a place that is privately owned.

Planning permission or Listed Building Consent will also be needed if the property is Listed or in a conservation area.

Funding will need to be sought by the applicant to purchase and install the plaque. 

Submitting a suggestion

Suggestions for a plaque must include:

• detailed information about the person, place or event.
• reasons for celebrating the person, place or event.
• the suggested location for the plaque with permission from the property owner.
• suggested wording for the plaque.
• details of how the plaque will be funded.

Suggestions should be sent to: museum@rbwm.gov.uk