English Heritage, a charity that runs London&rsquos Blue Plaques scheme, connecting buildings with the notable people who lived and worked there, has decided to commemorate six famous women in 2021. They are crystallographer and peace campaigner, Kathleen Lonsdale social reformer Caroline Norton designer Jean Muir former slave and campaigner Ellen Craft barrister Helena Normanton, and Diana, Princess of Wales.
The inclusion of Lady Diana Spencer, later Diana, Princess of Wales (1961-1997), is expected to draw popular attention, according to many.
Diana&rsquos plaque, for which she was nominated by the London Assembly, will mark one of the buildings associated with her life before marriage, said the organisation.
The plaque will be placed outside Coleherne Court, in Kensington, tweeted Charles Spencer, Diana&rsquos brother. Diana lived in an apartment in this block with her friends between 1979 and 1981.
A release from the charity quoted Anna Eavis, English Heritage&rsquos Curatorial Director, as saying, &ldquoWe are expecting our plaque to Diana, Princess of Wales to be very popular. She was an inspiration and cultural icon to many, raising awareness of issues including landmines and homelessness, and helping to destigmatize illnesses such as HIV, leprosy and depression. It seems fitting that we should erect a plaque commemorating her work and influence in what would have been her 60th year."
So if you are visiting London when international travel eases, do keep a lookout for these plaques. Although the blue roundel has been standardized after the Second World War, you may find older plaques in green, brown, bronze, etc. and in squares and rectangles. The &lsquoofficial&rsquo plaques will be in the name of the four successive bodies who have been running the scheme. English Heritage, around for 120 years, has been running the London blue plaques scheme since 1986. Before that three bodies in succession &ndash the (Royal) Society of Arts, the London County Council and the Greater London Council &ndash ran the scheme.
