Blue Plaque Trail celebrating St Albans figures launched

On Monday, December 16, Blue Plaques St Albans, (BPSA), launched a Blue Plaques Trail leaflet, mapping the signs honouring notable townsfolk across the city.

From left to right: Professor Tim Boatswain, Mayor, Cllr Jamie Day, and the Dean of St Albans Cathedral, Jo Kelly-Moore. (Image: Tim Boatswain) Since 2019, BPSA has worked to establish a scheme to commemorate famous citizens who have lived and worked in St Albans, with the aim of placing ‘blue plaques’ on buildings associated with their lives. 

The initiative resembles the well-known blue plaque scheme run by English Heritage in London.  

BPSA has installed 14 plaques to date - most recently Frederic Kitton - recognising men and women who have made significant contributions to the city.

The new leaflet, made possible by sponsorship from the St Albans City Centre Business Improvement District, guides visitors along the trail.

Professor Tim Boatswain, chair of BPSA, said: “The leaflet launch was a chance to thank the scheme's volunteers, who had helped make the installation of blue plaques in St Albans such a success."

He expressed delight that Mayor Jamie Day and Dean of St Albans Cathedral Jo Kelly-Moore were able to attend too.

Read More:

• St Albans: Blue plaque for Frederic Kitton unveiled
• Blue plaque for renowned cartographer installed in St Albans

The launch event was hosted at the George Street salon of Marc and Sophie Trinder, whose generosity was also acknowledged.

Tim went on to say that there are many more nominations for blue plaques, so this leaflet was "just the beginning" and the trail would be "expanded" over the coming years.

The Blue Plaques Trail leaflet (free of charge) is available at the St Albans Museum + Gallery, St Albans Cathedral, St Albans Library and other locations.