Commemorative Plaques

 

With over 100 dotted about the city, commemorative plaques are quick and noticeable reminders of Manchester’s past. We can trace their origins to the initiative of Alderman Clement Stott, who in 1960 came up with the idea. But it was not until 1970, and by the enthusiasm of keen local historian, Alderman Sir Richard Harper, that the council commenced the programme on a permanent rather than merely experimental basis. 

Initially, the plaques marked buildings where famous people had once lived, but constant redevelopment meant that many houses were being demolished – or had been for some time already.  So many plaques now mark sites of historical importance e.g. Peterloo. Due to tightening of the local government budget, the rigourous research for plaques and their installation is entirely funded by those who request it. 

Up until 1984, plaques were made of blue ceramic caustic ware. When the manufacturer ceased production that year, aluminium was chosen as its replacement. In 1985, colour coding was introduced for the first time:

-          Blue = famous people

-          Red = important event

-          Black = buildings of special architectural importance

-          Green = miscellaneous

This is my pick of a few. I’ve included names and years of installation. You have to find out what they commemorate, and their colour. Bring your answers to the Historical Pub Crawl on Friday 22^nd October (meet outside Steve Biko building at 7pm). The person with the most correct answers i.e. the winner, will win a copy of Engel’s Die Lage der arbeitenden Klasse in England  - The Condition of the Working Class in England in 1844.

1.       James Sadler on Corporation Street and Balloon Street 1972

2.       Geity Theatre on Peter Street 1972

3.        Portico Library on Mosley Street 1973

4.       Revd. John Wesley on Central Hall, Oldham Street 1974

5.       Site of Alport Lodge on Deansgate and St. John’s Street 1976

6.       Friedrich Engels on Aberdeen House (Student Halls) 1976

7.       Ford Maddox Brown and Charles Halle on Daisy Bank Road 1981

8.      Town Hall on Albert Square 1986

9.      Elizabeth Raffald on Marks & Spencer on Shambles Street 1986

10.  Shudehill Fight on Arndale Centre 1986

11.  Carribean Focus on West Indian Centre 1987

12.  Dr. Chaim Weizmann on Jewish Museum , Cheetham Hill Road 1987

13.  Thomas De La Warre on Cathedral Street 1989

14.  Cooperative Insurance on Princess Street 1992

15.  Robert Owen on Royal Exchange, St. Anne’s Square 1994

16.  Football League on Market Street 1996

WITH THANKS TO MANCHESTER CITY COUNCIL PLANNING DEPARTMENT