Who qualifies for a blue plaque?
The Oxfordshire Blue Plaques scheme promotes recognition and awareness of people, places and events that have been of lasting significance in the life of Oxfordshire or more widely.
The Board welcomes suggestions, from individuals or organisations, of men and women, places, organisations or events that might be commemorated by a Blue Plaque. It seeks to celebrate a variety of people and places, from throughout the county and all historical periods.
All subjects suggested for Blue Plaques are considered by the Board according to the same criteria. The main point of the scrutiny is to ensure that the person, place or event commemorated is of lasting and clear significance.
People
- must have been dead for at least 20 years. (Exceptions may be considered in rare cases, e.g. if the centenary of the person’s birth has passed.)
- must be demonstrably eminent in a public sphere and/or otherwise had an impact or done work worthy of lasting recognition.
- must have lived or worked for at least five years in the building on which the plaque will be erected.
Locations and particular buildings
- must be locally or nationally known as of especial significance and worthy of lasting recognition.
Events
- At least 20 years must have elapsed before an event can be recognised by a Blue Plaque.
In all cases the plaque must be visible to the public.
