Edith Nesbit, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Margaret and Rachel McMillan… They all have lived in Lewisham and they all have been commemorated with Lewisham maroon plaques. You have probably seen them around our borough. These round plaques commemorate people who are well known, have contributed to human welfare or happiness and are notable in their field. Most of these people have lived in the borough, but some of them have had very strong links with it or have helped it be a better place to live. Buildings may be commemorated too, for its own significance or for an event.

Currently there are over 20 maroon plaques in Lewisham, but have you ever wondered how these people are selected? Actually, you can help Lewisham council nominating someone for a maroon plaque. Here you can find an application form:

https://www.lewisham.gov.uk/inmyarea/history/local-history/Documents/FormMaroonPlaqueApplication.pdf

By filling it in, you can tell the council why you think someone should be commemorated. All nominations are considered, but only two plaques a year are erected.

Apart from these maroon plaques, many blue plaques are also found in our borough, which depend on the English Heritage Trust and can be seen all over London and not just Lewisham. There are good reasons to think that these plaques have a huge importance in Lewisham. First, it encourages people to work hard and in benefit of others: if you want to be commemorated, you definitely need to make a difference. Second, it helps define our identity. Lewisham is not just a part of London formed of different roads and buildings, but Lewisham is also the people that live or have lived here. By commemorating people, we feel proud of our borough and that is very important, as a borough cannot improve unless neighbours feel proud of it. In other words: pride provides the energy we need to work towards a better Lewisham.