Bedfordians are being invited to nominate extraordinary historical figures from underrepresented backgrounds to be commemorated through the National Blue Plaque Scheme.
National charity Creative Lives has launched the initiative in partnership with Historic England to research people, events, and local histories across Bedfordshire and the East of England.
Addressing imbalance
The National Blue Plaque Scheme celebrates people and events that made significant contributions to human welfare or made an exceptional impact in society.
A local survey catalogued more than 90 public plaques and historic markers within easy walking distance of Bedford town centre.
While local archives do not keep a single master list of blue or commemorative plaques for the wider borough, markers highlight people and places such as John Bunyan, Ronnie Barker, Guglielmo Marconi, Britannia Iron Works and the BBC wartime radio broadcasts.
However, organisers for this new scheme say that history has often been recorded by those with access to power, leaving many impactful stories untold.
To address this imbalance, the project specifically focuses on uncovering nominations for women, minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and working-class people.
Project support
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A spokesperson for Creative Lives said: “Creative Lives is the only national organisation focused exclusively on grassroots creativity and the vital impact it has on communities.
“We support, connect and champion local creative groups, so people and communities can thrive.”
The campaign aims to take on the administrative workload of submitting formal proposals so vital local histories receive national recognition.
The project builds upon and amplifies research already being carried out by local people, community groups, and heritage organisations across the region.
Selection process
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Throughout 2026, members of the public can share the local lives and stories that matter most to them through a public call-out and community events.
Toward the end of 2026, the project team will shortlist community submissions and present at least three formal proposals to Historic England.
A decision-making panel at Historic England will make the final selection for the plaques.
Historic England said: “Historic England is a public body that works with people and organisations across England to discover, protect and bring new life to the historic environment.”
Local stories that are not formally nominated for a plaque will still be highlighted and celebrated through Creative Lives networks and events.
Bedfordians who wish to submit a nomination can find details online via the Creative Lives website.
