Blue Plaque Scheme

What is a Blue Plaque

A blue plaque is a permanent sign installed in a public place to commemorate a person, building or event and a link to that site, becoming a historical marker and a recognition of significance. An 'official' scheme is run by English Heritage; regional schemes are administered by organisations throughout the UK.

St Helens Borough Council launched their official Blue Plaque scheme in 2024, and nominations are invited by the public. There are various other existing plaques in the borough, a list can be seen below. To nominate a person, building or event, please complete the nomination form.

Eligibility Criteria

• Blue plaques can be established to mark a person, a building or event with historic cultural significance.
• Individuals should have made notable achievement internationally, nationally or locally and have a strong connection to the local area - ideally having been born in the borough.
• Plaques can only be considered for people who are deceased for more than twenty years.
• Fictitious characters will not be commemorated.
• Commemoration of buildings requires a historic cultural significance worthy of public notice, whether from a historical event or an important cultural significance that's not obvious from its present appearance.
• Funding will be limited to the number of plaques that can be established; however additional plaques may be delivered if funding has been raised by the applicant.

Applications will be reviewed annually and decisions are final, although previous submissions can be re-nominated if unsuccessful. St Helens Borough Council retain the right to remove a blue plaque if necessary. This Blue Plaque scheme is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Who has a St Helens Borough Blue Plaque?

2024 - St Helens Ladies FC (circa 1919-1923) 

St Helens Ladies Amateur Football Club originated from local munitions and glass worker teams and became a formidable force in women's football. Despite the Football Association's ban; the team continued to play, raising thousands for local charities. Their last known match took place on Queen's Park in 1923. A blue plaque to commemorate these pioneering women was unveiled by Mayor Jeanette Banks on 27 August 2024 at the entrance to Queens Park Fitness Centre. 

2024 - Hannah Rosbotham (1858-1935) 

Hannah Rosbotham became first woman to receive a medal for bravery when she was awarded the Albert Medal by Queen Victoria. Her act of bravery took place on Friday 14 October 1881 when she rescued many pupils from a collapsed belfry at Sutton National School. Her plaque was unveiled by Mayor Jeanette Banks on 12 July 2024 on Sutton Family Hub, on the site of the former school.