Celebrating St Albans Blue Plaques: A City's History Written on Its Walls

Blue Plaques St Albans recently celebrated its sixth anniversary, with sponsors and donors gathering at S.A Law, thanks to host Marilyn Bell. Since the first plaque in 2021, fifteen have been installed across the district, commemorating figures such as John Ball, Sarah Churchill, Nathaniel Cotton, E. R. Hughes, Betty Entwistle, and Stephen Hawking. Professor Tim Boatswain, Chair of the scheme, said: "A blue plaque is a memory made visible. It turns an ordinary building into a landmark of achievement." Outgoing Mayor Teresa Heritage praised the volunteers, noting that blue plaques add enormous value to our sense of place and pride in local history. Guests also enjoyed an archaeological quiz. New plaques are in development, including one for Samuel Ryder, founder of the Ryder Cup. A trail map leaflet, sponsored by the St Albans City Centre BID, is available at the Museum + Gallery.