Historic England have opened nominations for blue plaques and request more suggestions for important North East figures.
The North East is currently underrepresented when it comes to commemorative blue plaques celebrating important people in the regions history.
Historic England are looking to balance out this unfairness by pushing for more nominations this year.
Read the information below to know who to nominate, the deadline is July 28.
Lewis Atkinson, Labour MP for Sunderland Central, said: "Sunderland, we need help to celebrate our proud history.
"We have fewer blue plaques marking the inspirational figures of our city’s past than elsewhere.
"Historic England want to help us fix this - we have until Sunday to submit nominations to them."
Who can you nominate?
Historic England are looking for nominations for people who have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or wider society. They do not have to be famous or currently well-known, but they do need to fit with our overall aims and criteria for the scheme.
The key criteria include:
- At least 20 years must have passed since the candidate’s death
- They must have made a significant contribution to human welfare or happiness; and/or to have made an exceptional impact in their field, community or on society at large
- At least 1 building in England associated with the figure must survive in a form that the commemorated person would have recognised, and it must be visible from the public highway
A Historic England spokesperson said: "The national blue plaque scheme is now open for public nominations.
"Tell us who you think deserves to be recognised with a prestigious national blue plaque."
🔵@HistoricEngland are welcoming people in the North East to submit nominations for its new national blue plaques scheme
— Department for Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) July 18, 2024
It highlights the stories of inspirational people from all walks of life, including those whose history has been hidden or forgotten
Nominations close on… pic.twitter.com/y62yXTtz44
Don't miss out on the latest news and stories. Subscribe to the Northern Echo, click here
Most read
County Durham GP surgeries with most unhelpful receptionists
Planned motorhome ban on Saltburn promenade scrapped
Opening date revealed for £2.5m Middlesbrough soft play area
A spokesperson for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said: "Historic England are welcoming people in the North East to submit nominations for its new national blue plaques scheme.
"It highlights the stories of inspirational people from all walks of life, including those whose history has been hidden or forgotten."
You can find out more on the Historic England website here.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here