You can make a nomination for Blue Plaque

Lancashire urged to shine a spotlight on its hidden heritage with National Blue Plaque nominations

Lancashire residents have a rare opportunity to celebrate local heritage by nominating a person, group or place for Historic England’s National Blue Plaque Scheme. As the 2025 nomination window continues, applications are open until midnight on Thursday 10 July, giving Lancashire a fresh chance to elevate the county’s unsung heroes onto the national stage.

The scheme honours individuals—whether pioneering women, local activists, renowned artists or scientific figures—who have been deceased for at least 20 years and made a significant contribution to human welfare, happiness, culture or industry  . Crucially, nominees must be closely associated with a surviving building in England outside Greater London, in which the public can clearly see the plaque.

To submit a nomination, local residents must create a Historic England account and complete an online form selecting from categories such as individual, duo/group, or a building with wider historical importance  . For Lancashire, this might include sites such as Clitheroe Castle, Bank Hall, or industrial era landmarks like Fleetwood Market—especially if their stories remain under‑told.

An example of successful local commemoration comes from Fleetwood: a blue plaque was unveiled in October 2024 to celebrate the astonishing heritage of the Victorian market hall, recently refurbished under Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zone scheme  . Lancashire civic pride can tap into this momentum—residents of Blackpool, Burnley, Preston or Preston might look into places like Little Marton Mill or St Anne’s Public Offices as potential plaque sites.

Once nominations close on 10 July, Historic England’s historians will review entries, creating a longlist before presenting it to the National Blue Plaques Panel. Up to seven plaques are typically approved annually, with successful nominators informed by January 2026  . The panel’s decisions hinge on a rigorous three‑stage process assessing the nominee’s impact, the strength of the building link, and whether they’re already commemorated locally.

Historic England has championed greater inclusivity, encouraging nominations that reflect Lancashire’s diverse heritage—notably women, minorities, working‑class figures and LGBTQ+ individuals  . Not only does this broaden the historical narrative, but it also ensures blue plaques mark the county’s uniquely northern stories.

Whether it’s a forgotten suffragette from Blackburn, a pioneering scientist from Lancaster, or an unsung industrial hero from Blackpool, Lancashire’s public are invited to put forward names and places that deserve national recognition.

There are fewer than three weeks left to nominate. Visit Historic England’s website to learn more and complete your form before the 10 July deadline.