In London English Heritage operate a scheme for installing blue plaques. In Devon there are a number of schemes operated by Civic Societies (e.g. Exeter and Torbay) and other heritage organisations, and in Plymouth by the City Council. However large parts of the county in more rural areas and smaller towns and villages there is no organisation promoting plaques.
The Devon History Society occasionally commission blue plaques to honour notable Devonians. The first of these commemorated the childhood home of Ernest Bevin (1881-1951), founder of the Transport and General Workers Union and later M.P., minister of Labour, and Foreign Secretary. Another marks the birthplace of W.G.Hoskins, our own founder and historian of Devon. Recently a blue plaque was unveiled in Chumleigh to honour James Ravilious the great photographer of rural Devon.
We encourage local communities to honour notable Devonians but cannot accept nominations for the funding of blue plaques.
If you would like to install a new blue plaque in Devon, please use this guidance from English Heritage to plan your project:
The DHS welcomes any news about any local initiatives for our Newsletter and the website. Please contact us via:
dhsnewsletter@devonhistorysociety.org.uk