Everywhere you look in Britain, you’ll find evidence of our long and diverse history and despite being frowned upon at various points in time, queer history is as much a part of Britain as any other.
While LGBTQA+ history is often hidden from view, individuals throughout history have fallen under what we know as the “queer umbrella”, with evidence of same-sex relationships and gender non-conformity being seen everywhere from royal history to as far back as the Roman invasion.
Modern terms, heritage actions
Today, we use a range of expressions to describe sexuality and gender identities. The most common terms include the acronym LGBTQA+ which is inclusive of all sexual identities, as well as the umbrella term “queer”. We’ll be using both to talk about Britain’s LGBTQA+ history and will be doing so in the spirit of inclusivity. Obviously, when it comes to discussing notable historical figures, we don’t know how they would have identified. However, we will be using the acronym and talking about individuals and places here to include those whose sexualities didn’t fit within the societal norms of the time.
Blue Plaques honouring LGBTQA+ individuals
There are a number of Blue Plaques located across the UK, mostly in London, that honour the lives of members of the LGBTQA+ community.
Oscar Wilde
Writer
Plaque erected at 34 Tite Street, Chelsea, London SW3 4JA in 1954.
Derek Jarman
Filmmaker
Plaque erected at Butler’s Wharf Building, 36 Shad Thames London SE1 2YE in 2019
Radclyffe Hall
Novelist
Plaque erected at 37 Holland Street, Kensington, London W8 4LX in 1992.
Alan Turing
Code breaker and mathematician
Plaque erected at 2 Warrington Cresent, Maida Vale, London W9 IER in 1998.
Francis Bacon
Painter
Plaque erected at 7 Reece Mews, South Kensington London SW7 3HE in 2017.
Freddie Mercury
Singer
Plaque erected at 22 Gladstone Avenue, Feltham, London TW14 9LL in 2016.
Ivor Novello
Composer
Plaque erected at 11 Aldwych, Covent Garden, London WC2B 4DG in 1973.
Virgina Woolf
Novelist
Plaque erected at 29 Fitzroy Square, Fitzrovia, London W1T 5LP in 1974.
Siegfried Sassoon
Writer
Plaque erected at 23 Campden Hill Square, Holland Park London W8 7JY in 1996.
Sir John Gielgud
Actor
Plaque erected at 16 Cowley Street, Westminster London SW1P 3LZ in 2017.
Vita Sackville-West
Writer
Plaque erected at 182 Ebury Street, Belgravia London SW1W 8UP in 1993.
Kenneth Williams
Actor
Plaque erected at Farley Court, Allsop Place, Marylebone London NW1 5LG in 2014.
E M Forster
Writer
Plaque erected at Arlington Park Mansions, Sutton Lane, Turnham Green London W4 4HE in 1983.