The English Heritage blue plaque scheme commemorates the link between notable figures of the past and the buildings in which they lived and worked.
Traditionally, blue plaques were only in London, but for a six-year period to 2005 they were also erected in a few other cities, including Portsmouth.
Seven plaques were erected in Portsmouth. The plaques can be seen from the public road, but all are on private property, including two in school grounds.
Blue plaque locations
- Thomas Ellis Owen (1804–1862) – Architect and developer of Southsea
From 1849, lived at the house which is now Portsmouth High School for Girls, Dovercourt, Kent Road, Southsea - Commander Edwin Unwin VC (1864–1950) – Hero of Gallipoli
Lived at 12 Helena Road, Southsea - Fred T Jane (1865–1916) – Naval author, artist and propagandist
Between 1898–1911, lived at 17 Elphinstone Road, Southsea - Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) – Writer and Nobel Laureate
Between 1871–77, as a boy, lived at 4 Campbell Road, Southsea - Lieutenant Norman Holbrooke VC (1888–1976) – Submariner and hero of the Dardanelles
Grew up at the house which is now St Johns College, Warleigh, Grove Road South, Southsea - Dame Frances A Yates (1899–1981) – Renaissance historian
Born at 53 Victoria Road North, Southsea - Peter Sellers (1925–1980) – Actor and comedian
Born in the house now the Mayfair Restaurant, 96 Castle Road, Southsea
Other commemorative plaques
Other plaque schemes have operated in the city, such as those put up by Portsmouth City Council to commemorate W L Wyllie, Arthur Conan Doyle and John Pounds, amongst others.
Plaques also include one erected at 12 High Street, Old Portsmouth to mark the founding of Portsmouth Football Club in 1898.
Find out more about memorials and commemorative plaques in Portsmouth.