Welcome to our online tour of commemorative plaques celebrating the people and places associated with the BBC and its programmes.
In our interactive map we mark the history Britain’s black community, showing the plaques installed as part of David Olusoga’s 2016 landmark BBC TV series Black and British - A Forgotten History.
Broadcasting heritage plaques include some of the UK’s first ever radio stations, such as Glasgow’s BBC ‘5 SC’, Cardiff’s ‘5 WA’, and Belfast’s ‘2 BE’ stations, and there are new BBC blue plaques installed at former studios including: Bush House (BBC World Service), Maida Vale (BBC orchestras and BBC Radiophonic Workshop), and BBC Elstree Centre (Eastenders).
Further south at Asnelles in Calvados, we’ve featured the Radio Londres plaque, located at the Cimetière d'Asnelles. The plaque commemorates the solidarity of the BBC with the Free French, both in its broadcasts from London, and from 1944 its wartime broadcasting centre at Château de Creully near Bayeux.
And, from each BBC English region we feature a BBC Music Day plaque. These were awarded in 2017 by BBC Local Radio stations to venues that hosted a landmark musical moment in their area. The range of musical talent featured is vast, from Led Zeppelin’s first appearance at Newcastle’s former Mayflower Ballroom, to The Bamboo Club which was the home of ska, reggae and bluebeat in Bristol.
Find out more about how the BBC has commemorated cultural, musical and broadcasting history moments by clicking on the interactive map below.
1 Portland Place - Westminster, London
Portland Place plaque
Plaque inscription:
“Home of BBC School Radio, 1952-1993. Pioneer of Education for Children through radio broadcasting.”
A City of Westminster plaque.
1 Windrush Square - Brixton, London
Black Cultural Archives, plaque
Plaque inscription:
"From 1947-1962 279,060 Caribbean men, women & children made their homes in Britain 'The Windrush Generations' who helped shape our nation."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
1a West Bell Street - Maryfield, Dundee
Dundee City Council, Bell Street Music Centre, plaque
Plaque inscription:
"African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass spoke here 30 Jan 1846."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
3 Crescent Wood Road - Sydenham, London
3 Crescent Wood Road plaque
Plaque inscription:
“John Logie Baird 1888-1946 television pioneer lived here.”
A London County Council plaque.
6 Barton Street - Westminster, London
Plaque at 6 Barton Street
Plaque inscription:
“Lord John Reith 1889-1971 first Director-General of the BBC lived here 1924-1930.”
An English Heritage plaque.
6 Stratford Place - Westminster, London
Embassy of Botswana, plaque
Plaque inscription:
"In 1895, chiefs Khama III Sebele I & Bathoen I toured Britain to protect their homelands from colonisation. Their action led to the modern state of Botswana."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
8 Randolph Mews - Paddington, London
Plaque at 8 Randolph Mews
Plaque inscription:
“Henry Hall 1898-1989 Dance band director and impresario. Pioneer of BBC popular music (1924-1964) lived here 1959-1981.”
A City of Westminster plaque.
16 Bury Street - Westminster, London
Plaque situated inside Quaglino’s restaurant
Plaque inscription:
"Grenadian cabaret star Leslie 'Hutch' Hutchinson Performed here 1930s-1960s."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
16c Brunswick Park - Camberwell, London
Plaque at 16c Brunswick Park
Plaque inscription:
“Una Marson 1905 to 1965. Poet, playwright, campaigner for equality, first black woman programme maker at the BBC.”
A London Borough of Southwark plaque.
Rue de Montbrillant - City Center, Geneva
Plaque on Rue de Montbrillant, Geneva.
Plaque inscription:
"Rue Una-MARSON 1905-1965, Journaliste et poétesse."
A L'Escouade - 100 Elles plaque.
17 Gough Square - City, London
Gough Square, plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Once a slave in Jamaica, Francis Barber, Samuel Johnson’s servant, friend and heir, lived here 1752-1756."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
19 Lisle Street - Westminster, London
Plaque at 19 Lisle Street
Plaque inscription:
“Wilfred Ernest Lytton Day F.R.P.S., F.R.S.A. 1873-1936. Cinema historian, founder of the Will Day Cinematography Collection & of the Anima Masonic Lodge, had his cine & radio shop here 1913-1969 where he manufactured all of John Logie Baird’s experimental TV apparatus.”
A London County Council plaque.
University of Exeter
22 Frith Street - Westminster, London
22 Frith Street plaque
Plaque inscription:
“First demonstration of television by John Logie Baird.”
A London County Council plaque.
John Logie Baird (1888-1946) gave the world's first demonstration of true television from his home in Soho on 26 January 1926. 50 scientists gathered in his attic to see the breakthrough. A year later his television experiments were demonstrated over 704 kilometres by telephone line between London and Glasgow. In 1928 he achieved the first transatlantic television transmission between London and New York and the first transmission to a ship in mid-Atlantic.
34 Craven Road - Paddington, London
Plaque at 34 Craven Road
Plaque inscription:
“Tommy Handley 1892-1949 radio comedian lived here.”
A Greater London Council plaque.
36 Panton Street - Westminster, London
Tom Cribb public house, plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Bill Richmond Freed Slave, Boxer, Entrepreneur. Spent the last evening of his life here with his friend Tom Cribb 27 Dec 1829."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
54 Wellfield Road - Streatham, London
Plaque at 54 Wellfield Road
Plaque inscription:
“Tommy Trinder comedian star of film, stage & radio was born in this house 24th March 1909.”
Plaque origin unknown.
133 Long Acre - Westminster, London
133 Long Acre plaque
Plaque inscription:
“From this site John Logie Baird broadcast the first television programme by mechanical means in Great Britain on the 30th September 1929.”
A Royal Television Society plaque.
By March 1930 a regular low-definition 30 line mechanical television service was launched using BBC radio wavelengths, using the crude mechanical system developed by Scottish inventor John Logie Baird. From the Baird company headquarters in Long Acre, Covent Garden, full scale programmes were devised, including Europe's first television play – The Man with the Flower in his Mouth, broadcast live on 14 July 1930.
200 Oxford Street - Westminster, London
Plaque at 200 Oxford Street
Plaque inscription:
“From June 1942 for fifteen years this building was the headquarters of the B.B.C. Overseas Services.During the war direct broadcasts were made to America from the roof while air-raids were in progress. The B.B.C. vacated the premises in November 1957.”
A BBC plaque.
Following the bombing of Broadcasting House in 1940, the East Block of this building was requisitioned, and the installation of a basic radio operation began for the BBC Overseas Service. Output from here went to transmitters directed beyond Europe. European services transferred to Bush House in The Strand. Large numbers of staff moved in from temporary studios and offices based at Aldenham in Hertfordshire. BBC Radio Newsreel and the former BBC Indian Section were also based here.
Alexandra Palace - Haringey, London
Alexandra Palace plaque
Plaque inscription:
“The world's first regular high definition television service was inaugurated here by the BBC.”
A Greater London Council plaque.
Scottish inventor John Logie Baird turned existing mechanical television technologies into a workable system sufficiently robust enough to convince the BBC to set up an experimental television service in the early 1930s from a basement studio in Broadcasting House. By 1936 a regular schedule of programmes from Alexandra Palace using the Baird mechanical system had started. This was rapidly superseded by the superior all-electronic service created by EMI that had been running in parallel.
St. Bartholomew’s Hospital - City, London
Plaque situated inside St. Bartholomew’s Hospital
Plaque inscription:
"Enslaved youth Jonathan Strong was treated at St Bartholomew’s after being savagely beaten. His ordeal inspired Granville Sharp to campaign against slavery 1765."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
BBC East - The Pettiward Hall, Great Finborough
BBC Suffolk plaque
Plaque inscription:
"John Peel (John Robert Parker Ravenscroft OBE) 1939-2004. Pioneering and influential BBC broadcaster who helped the careers of many artists. Lived in this village 1971-2004. Awarded by BBC Suffolk."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Suffolk plaque.
Elstree Centre - Eldon Avenue, Borehamwood
BBC Elstree Centre plaque
Plaque inscription:
"BBC Elstree Centre. Strictly Come Dancing, Eastenders and Top of the Pops made here 1983”.
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
Situated in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, the studios were opened in 1914, originally as Neptune Studios, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the British film industry. Over the years many films were made there before ITV contractor ATV bought them in 1961. The BBC took over the site in 1983, and began producing top-hit shows such as Grange Hill, Top of The Pops and Kilroy. Elstree is best known today as the home of the BBC's most popular drama programmes such as East Enders, and Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC North - 146a Woodhouse Lane, Leeds
BBC North plaque
Plaque inscription:
"BBC Radio in Leeds. In 1924 Lord Reith opened the Leeds-Bradford radio station. It broadcast national programmes and local talks on history, farming and humour, celebrity interviews, Children’s Corner and religious services. The station closed in 1931 but local radio returned on 24th June 1968 with the launch of BBC Radio Leeds."
A Civic Trust plaque
BBC North East - Newgate Street, Newcastle
BBC North East plaque
Plaque inscription:
"The Mayflower Ballroom stood on this site 1961-1999. The band that became Led Zeppelin made their UK debut here on 4 October 1968. Awarded by BBC Newcastle."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Newcastle plaque.
BBC North West - 86 Palatine Road, West Didsbury
BBC North West plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Factory Records. Was founded here in 1978. Awarded by BBC Manchester."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Manchester plaque.
BBC Northern Ireland - Linenhall Street, Central, Belfast
BBC Northern Ireland plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Sir Tyrone Guthrie 1900–1971 broadcaster and theatre director. The first voice heard on 2 BE - BBC Northern Ireland from here 15 September 1924."
An Ulster History Circle plaque.
BBC Midlands - Pebble Mill, Edgbaston
BBC Pebble Mill plaque
Plaque inscription:
"The home of BBC Production from the Midlands 1971-2004."
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
HRH Princess Anne opened BBC Pebble Mill in 1971. She was the first in a long line of celebrities to through the doors of the BBC’s second biggest production centre.
At its peak, Pebble Mill produced 500 hours a year of network television programmes, several thousand hours of network radio, plus regional and local output.
Major drama production saw Julie Walters starring in Boys From The Blackstuff, and recording The Archers was a main feature of activity in the centre for many years.
The BBC Multi-Cultural Unit and Midlands Today, plus local radio in the form of BBC WM were also housed at Pebble Mill.
BBC Scotland - 202 Bath Street, City, Glasgow
BBC Scotland plaque
Plaque inscription:
"On the 6th March 1923 the first studios of the BBC in Scotland were inaugurated in this building."
Plaque origin unknown.
BBC Solent - 6BM, 72 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth
6BM plaque
Plaque inscription:
"6BM Science, gardening, dance music and children's programmes broadcast from here 1923-1939."
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
BBC South - Harbour Lights, Portsmouth
BBC Solent plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Jimmy Kennedy songwriter 1902-1984. The idea for the song Harbour Lights came to him here in 1937. The song has been recorded by Elvis Presley, Bing Crosby, The Platters and over 100 other artists. Awarded by BBC Solent."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Solent plaque.
BBC South East - Brighton Dome, Brighton
BBC South East plaque
Plaque inscription:
"ABBA launched their career after winning the 19th Eurovision Song Contest for Sweden at Brighton Dome on 6 April 1974. Awarded by BBC Sussex."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Sussex plaque.
BBC South West - Connaught Gardens, Sidmouth
BBC Devon plaque
Plaque inscription:
"The internationally-renowned Sidmouth Folk Week Festival. An annual celebration of folk music, dance and song held in the first week of August. Founded in the town in 1955. Awarded by BBC Devon."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Devon plaque.
BBC Wales - 19 Castle Street, Cathays, Cardiff
BBC Wales plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Broadcasting in Wales began here February 13 1923."
Engraving origin unknown.
BBC West - 11 St. Paul St, Bristol
BBC Bristol plaque
Plaque inscription:
"The Bamboo Club 1966-1977. The home of ska, reggae and blue beat. Created by Tony and Lalel Bullimore. Bob Marley, Ben E King, Desmond Dekker, Percy Sledge and Jimmy Cliff played here. Awarded by BBC Radio Bristol."
A British Plaque Trust and BBC Bristol plaque.
Television Centre - Wood Lane, London
TVC plaque unveiling on the set of Strictly Come Dancing
Plaque inscription:
“One of the first purpose-built TV production complexes in the world.”
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
Designed by Graham Dawbarn and opened in 1960, this was the third purpose-built centre for television production in the world to open, after ABC in Australia and Granada Television in Manchester. It lies four miles outside central London at Shepherds Bush. The distinctive building, in the shape of a question mark has been re-developed as offices, a hotel and housing, with three TV studios. It also houses the headquarters of the BBC’s commercial operation BBC Studios.
Broadcasting House - Portland Place, London
Broadcasting House plaque
Plaque inscription:
“First purpose-built broadcast centre in the UK.”
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque, which appears at intervals on an information screen on the Peel Wing of New Broadcasting House.
Designed by G Val Myer and built in 1932, Broadcasting House was the UK’s first purpose-built home for radio broadcasting, and the second only in Europe. It is situated in central London between Oxford Street and Regents Park, adjacent to Nash's All Souls' church, and is Grade II* listed. The Architectural Review of 1932 described it as the 'new Tower of London', but it had a mixed reception amongst architects generally, being criticised as a conservative mix of functional elements with a nod toward Art Deco.
Bush House - Strand, London
Bush House plaque
Plaque inscription:
“Home of the BBC’s international radio, TV and online services.”
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
For more than 70 years the BBC's international voice was heard from the neo-classically styled Bush House, originally constructed in the 1920s as a trade centre. Having been bombed out of Broadcasting House in the early stages of the Second World War, BBC European Services, needed a new home. Bush House was massive in comparison to its former offices, and the BBC increased rapidly its number of foreign language services. The BBC left Bush House in 2012.
Camden Palace Theatre - Camden, London
Plaque at Camden Palace Theatre
Plaque inscription:
“The Last Goon Show of All starring Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan & Harry Secombe was recorded by the BBC in this Theatre on 30th April 1972.”
A Comic Heritage plaque.
Some of the nation’s favourite radio programmes including The Goon Show, were recorded here for the BBC Light Programme. It was the home of BBC Radio light music and comedy between 1945 and 1972, but was also used for special one off BBC recordings, including a celebratory vinyl LP of Monty Python’s Flying Circus. The BBC had to completely renovate the building when it moved in, as it had been converted from a theatre to a cinema.
Catley Lane Head - Rochdale, Greater Manchester
Plaque situated along Cotton Famine Road (Rooley Moor Road)
Plaque inscription:
"In memory of the Rochdale millworkers who ed the struggle against slavery during the American Civil War 1861-65."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
Television Film Studios - Ealing Green, London
Plaque at Ealing Studios
Plaque inscription:
“Sir Michael Balcon, 1896-1977 Film Producer, worked here 1938-1956.”
An English Heritage plaque.
The BBC transformed the former feature film studios at Ealing into its Television Film Studios (TFS) operation starting in 1955. In its heyday more than 50 film crews used Ealing as their HQ for filming drama and documentaries on location. The famous filmed sequences of Cathy Come Home, and Z-Cars were edited here. Quatermass and the Pit, and Colditz were completed here. The BBC subsequently sold the studios to the National Film and Television School, (NFTS).
33 Fairlop Road - Waltham Forest, London
Plaque at Fairwood Court
Plaque inscription:
“On this site until 1930 stood a house called Apthorp, birthplace of the famous TV cookery expert Fanny Craddock; born Phyllis Pechey.”
A Waltham Forest Heritage plaque.
Hippodrome Theatre - North End Road, London
Hippodrome Theatre plaque
Plaque inscription:
“Hippodrome Theatre, Golders Green Home of the BBC Concert Orchestra 1969 – 2003.”
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
Initially the BBC took over this 3000 seat former music hall for colour television production in the 1960s, but soon found that it suited radio production much better. Radio 2’s Friday Night is Music Night was a regular fixture at the theatre, as well as series and one-offs from the BBC Concert Orchestra, the BBC Big Band and the BBC Radio Orchestra. By the mid-1970s this middle of the road fair was contrasting with concerts by the likes of AC/DC for BBC Radio 1. The BBC left in 2003.
Lime Grove - Shepherd's Bush, London
Lime Grove plaque
Plaque inscription:
“Home of iconic TV news, Children’s and Drama programmes.”
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
These studios were originally built for the British film industry in 1915. Gaumont, Gainsborough Pictures and Rank Films occupied the site, and some of the greatest names of British cinema worked there, including Alfred Hitchcock. The studios were acquired by the BBC in 1949 as a 'temporary measure' until its new Television Centre was built. In 1992 the studios were closed, and were later demolished to make way for housing.
Maida Vale - Delaware Road, London
Maida Vale Studios plaque
Plaque inscription:
“Home of BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Radiophonic Workshop.”
A BBC Heritage Trail plaque.
Maida Vale was acquired in response to the rapidly increasing requirements of broadcasting in the early 1930s. Built in 1909, Maida Vale Studios were originally the home of the Maida Vale Roller Skating Palace and Club.
Since 1934 Maida Vale has housed some of the UK’s leading orchestras, and played host to thousands of popular musicians and artists. Right from the beginning Studio 1 has been home of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers. Other BBC orchestras and popular dance bands have occupied Studios 2 and 3.
The BBC used it as a standby radio news service during the Second World War.
From the 1960s, jazz and pop music became a major feature of recordings and transmissions from Maida Vale. Many now famous artists launched their careers from the studios. Big names include: Glen Miller, Bing Crosby, Ronnie Scott, Lonnie Donegan, Cliff Richard and the Shadows, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Queen, George Michael, Adele, and many more.
Another plaque with the inscription: “Bing Crosby made his last recording in this studio 11th October 1977”, can be found inside the studios commemorating the recording.
Plaque origin unknown.
Marconi House - Strand, London
Plaque at Marconi House, Strand
Plaque inscription:
“Marconi House Within this building Marconi's Wireless Telegraph Company Limited operated their famous broadcasting station 2.L.O. from May 11th to November 14th 1922 when it became the first station of the British Broadcasting Company. The first pre-announced broadcast of public entertainment took place two years earlier when Dame Nellie Melba sang from Marconi's Chelmsford Works on June 15th, 1920.”
Plaque origin unknown.
Palm Cottage Social Club & Institute - Canterbury Street, Gillingham
Palm Cottage Social Club and Institute, plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Enslaved in Africa as a child Sarah Forbes Bonetta was taken under the protection of Queen Victoria Lived here with the Schoen family 1955-1861."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
Radio Londres - Rue de Southampton, Asnelles
BBC Radio London 1940-1945
Plaque inscription:
"As a testament to the historic role played by Radio London from the great voices of our own Pierre Bourdan, Jacques Duchesne, Jean Oberle, Jean Marin and Maurice Schumman and to the BBC programme The French speak to the French, 1940-1945. "Throughout the land, fervently listened to Radio London". Charles de Gaulle."
Plaque origin unknown.
The Rectory - Burgh by Sands, Carlisle
The Rectory, Burgh by Sands plaque
Plaque inscription:
"The first recorded African community in Britain guarded a Roman fort on this site. 3rd century AD."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
Queens Hall & St. George’s Hall - Langham Place, London
Plaque at BBC Henry Wood House
Plaque inscription:
“The Queen's Hall, 1893 - 1941, site of Britain's leading concert hall where Sir Henry Wood founded the promenade concerts in 1895. The Queen's Hall was destroyed in the blitz of 1941.”
A City of Westminster and British Broadcasting Corporation plaque.
From 1895 until 1941, The Queen’s Hall near Broadcasting House was home to Henry Wood’s Promenade Concerts ("The Proms"), broadcast by the BBC regularly from 1928. After some initial opposition from music publishers, the BBC became the organiser of the concerts, broadcast live from Queen’s Hall, until bomb damage during the war forced a move to the Royal Albert Hall. The ading St. George’s Hall was acquired by the BBC in 1933 for programmes featuring the original BBC Theatre Organ. War damage in 1943 forced these programmes to move the Aeolian Hall, in New Bond Street.
Queens Dock - Liverpool
Queens Dock, Liverpool plaque
Plaque inscription:
"Victim of the Liverpool Race Riots, Charles Wotten Born Bermuda 1895. Died in these waters 5 June 1919."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
Savoy Hill - Savoy Place, London
Engraving at Savoy Hill
Plaque inscription:
“From 1923 to 1932 the studios and offices of The British Broadcasting Company and its successor The British Broadcasting Corporation were in this building.”
Engraving origin unknown.
Savoy Hill, was designed by Stephen Salter and opened for medical use in 1889. At first it was the home of the Institute of Electrical Engineers, which then offered the West Wing to the BBC in 1923. In 1925 the BBC moved to the building behind, calling it Savoy Hill. Early radio contributors included HG Wells and George Bernard Shaw, who broadcast in an atmosphere akin to that of a gentlemen’s club, being offered whisky and soda between programmes. The BBC left the site in May 1932.
Shepherds Bush Empire - Shepherd’s Bush Green, London
Plaque at Shepherds Bush Empire
Plaque inscription:
“Frank Matcham (1854-1920) Theatre Architect, designed this theatre.”
A Frank Matcham Society plaque.
People of a certain age will recall programmes such as, The Old Grey Whistle Test, That's Life!, Juke Box Jury, and Crackerjack. They were all made in front of large audiences in what the BBC called The BBC Television Theatre - the present day O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Built in 1903 and designed by Frank Matcham, the BBC occupied the building for nearly 40 years. The venue was a mecca for the stars of the 1960s, and the BBC featured Lulu, Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black in a variety of sparkling shows.
Flat 86, St Mary Abbot's Court – Kensington, London
Plaque at Flat 86, St Mary Abbot's Court
Plaque inscription:
"English Heritage Grace Wyndham Goldie 1900-1986 BBC executive and pioneer of political coverage on television lived in Flat 86 from 1935".
An English Heritage Plaque.
Trinity Methodist Chapel - Abersychan, Pontypool
Trinity Methodist Chapel, Abersychan plaque
Plaque inscription:
"In memory of the African American soldiers stationed in the Pontypool area during WWII."
A BBC History Project plaque
BBC Black and British
BBC History Project plaques
Commemorating black lives in the UK, these plaques were featured in David Olusoga's landmark BBC TV series Black and British in 2016.
BBC Heritage Trail plaques
Full descriptions of former and present BBC buildings are given where significant content was produced by the BBC, or where major early broadcasting breakthroughs were achieved.
Other broadcast heritage plaques
The origins of these plaques are unknown. Photographers acknowledged. With thanks to Jez Nicholson of Open Plaques.
BBC Music Day Plaques
These plaques marked significant musical acts that performed in every BBC Local Radio area. One plaque from each BBC English Region is featured here. With thanks to the British Plaque Trust.
