Documenting the historical links between people and places as recorded by commemorative plaques
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Place Of The Day
Norwich, United Kingdom
Norwich has a long history. It has been a city since 1094. From the Middle Ages until the Industrial Revolution, Norwich was the largest city in England after London and one of the most important. This is refelected in its plaques.
Most-viewed plaques
In the last 11 years, between 20 May 2009 to 6 Jan 2021, Open Plaques had 4,530,517 page views from 1,234,480 users. Some were triggered by internet memes such as Steve Ullathorne's 2012 image of a George Orwell plaque with a CCTV camera next to it. Others, such as those for Alan Turing, were probably triggered by an anniversary and campaign for recognition.
- George Orwell 1903-1950 novelist & political essayist lived here (19526 page views)
- Jacob von Hogflume 1864-1909 Inventor of time travel. lived here in 2189 (15077 page views)
- George Orwell 1903-1950 novelist and political essayist lived here (6390 page views)
- Jimi Hendrix 1942-1970 guitarist and songwriter lived here 1968-1969 (5714 page views)
- Alan Turing 1912-1954 founder of computer science and cryptographer, whose work was key to breaking the wartime Enigma codes, lived and died here. (4085 page views)
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1859-1930 creator of Sherlock Holmes lived here 1891-1894 (3846 page views)
- Alan Turing 1912-1954 code breaker lived here from 1945-1947 (3679 page views)
- This building housed the offices of Charles Dickens' magazine 'All The Year Round' and his private apartments 1859-1870 (3339 page views)
- Dame Agatha Christie 1890-1976 detective novelist and playwright lived here 1934-1941 (3027 page views)
- The Peterloo Massacre. On 16th August 1819, a peaceful rally of 60,000 pro-democracy reformers, men, women and children was attacked by armed cavalry resulting in 15 deaths and over 600 injuries. (3006 page views)
recently photographed plaques
Wheathampstead Mill Originally owned by Westminster Abbey, this is one of four mills in Wheathampstead Manor listed in the Domesday Book in 1086. A three-bay, timber-framed building remarkable for its length, it dates from the late 1500s. Water ran through the mill powering the mill wheel. Grade II Listed
Mill Walk, Wheathampstead, United Kingdom
Marius Constant, 1925 - 2004, compositeur, chef d'orchestre, membre de l'Institut, a vécu ici de 1960 a 2004.
English translation: Marius Constant, 1925 - 2004, composer, conductor, member of the Institute, lived here from 1960 to 2004. [AWS Translate]
16 rue des Fossés Saint Jacques, Paris, France
Zur Erinnerung an die glorreichen Tage von 1870/71
English translation: In memory of the glorious days of 1870/71 [AWS Translate]
, Siegen, Germany
General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo Born July 4, 1807 in Monterey Died January 18, 1890 in Sonoma Founder of the Pueblo of Sonoma on June 24, 1835 Commissioner of the Sonoma Mission Commandant General of California Director of Colonization for the Northern Frontier California State Senator Mayor of Sonoma Soldier, Statesman, Diplomat, Historian, Rancher, Winemaker, Horticulturist General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo Nació el 4 de julio 1807 en Monterey Murió el 18 de enero 1890 en Sonoma Fundador del Pueblo de Sonoma el 24 de junio 1835 Comisario de la Misión de Sonoma Comandante General de California Director de colonización de la frontera del norte Senador del estado de California Alcalde de Sonoma Soldado, Estadista, Diplomático, Historiador, Ranchero, Enólogo, Horticultor
Sonoma Plaza, E. Spain St., Sonoma, CA, United States
1930 Garratt Class Steam Locomotive No 2352 Made by Beyer, Peacock and Company. Established in 1854 at Gorton, Manchester, the firm became world-renowned for its locomotives. Charles Beyer and Richard Peacock were founder members of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Museum of Science and Industry, Liverpool Road, Castlefield, Manchester, United Kingdom
Subjects
In honour of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 1859-1930 medical graduate of the university, author and creator of Sherlock Holmes
Edinburgh Medical School, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Subjects
Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Scotland Postcard Records 1980 The record label which signed Orange Juice, Josef K, Aztec Camera and The Go Betweens
185 West Princes Street, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Subjects
The Two Brewers This 17th century building has had many roles because of its central location, including a 'beer house' (one of 26 village pubs). Inkeeper, James Westwood, was a blacksmith, bell ringer and village fireman. The front window was removed so his coffin could be taken out for his funeral in 1910. Grade II listed
High Street, Wheathampstead, United Kingdom
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Clearfield County. Formed March 26, 1804 out of Huntingdon and Lycoming counties. Clear fields, found by early travelers, gave rise to the name. County was important for logging and rafting on the West Branch, 1850-1901. The county seat, Clearfield, was incorporated 1840.
County Historical Museum, E. Pine St. & Front St., Clearfield, PA, United States
Texas Historical Marker #12169
Woodsboro Square. A land development project of W. C. Johnson and George P. Pugh of Danville, Illinois, this town along the St. Louis, Brownsville and Mexico Railway was laid out in late 1906. A post office was established in the Bonnie View Land Company Hotel in 1907, and the town was named for Captain Tobias D. Wood, who had sole his Bonnie View Ranch to Johnson and Pugh. A public square was included in the official town plat in 1908 and it became the center of the economic growth and civic enterprises that characterized the early development of Woodsboro. The Woodsboro Commercial Club was founded in 1914. Among its more lasting contributions was a waterworks installed in the town square. The town was incorporated in 1929. The plaza remains a center for civic activities in Woodsboro. (1999) #12169
Second and Wood Avenue, Woodsboro, TX, United States
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Texas Historical Marker #00614
Colonel John Griffith. (1831-1889) Confederate officer in Civil War. Learned at war's end that women and children of family had fled from Arkansas to Texas in open wagon drawn by a milk cow and a one-eye mule. The missing were found in 1866, as mule was recognized near the courthouse in Comanche and 2 Griffith boys mounted him. Settled at Buffalo Gap. Helped to organize Taylor County, 1878. Moved to Kimble County, 1881. Had much property, great influence. An example of those leaders who came to Texas after war to get a new start and become outstanding citizens. (1965) #614
?, Junction, TX, United States
The Clifton Spa Pump Room opened 1st August 1894 architect Philip Munro (1843-1911). Built by Sir George Newnes at the request of the Society of Merchant Venturers as a place to take the healing waters and listen to lunch-time concerts.
Avon Gorge Hotel, Bristol, United Kingdom
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