On 17 May 2002, the first Cambridge Blue Plaque was unveiled to commemorate Sir Jack Hobbs, the master English batsman.
After a ceremony at a Cambridge University v Surrey cricket match, the plaque was attached to Hobbs' Pavilion on Parker’s Piece.
About the Scheme
The Cambridge Blue Plaque scheme was set up to honour the most famous people or events associated with the city which have made a significant impact on life in the city or the region, the country or the world.
You can use our interactive map of Blue Plaques to see who and what has been commemorated in Cambridge, and find out exactly where you can see each plaque.
The scheme was launched in 2001 to coincide with the city’s octo-centenary.
Anybody can be nominated (subject to meeting a few criteria - listed below), and you can make a nomination for inclusion in the scheme.
Following the unveiling of Hobbs' plaque, further plaques have been erected commemorating the likes of racing driver Archie Scott Brown, architect William Wilkins, entrepreneur Thomas Hobson, and events such as the discovery of DNA.
Initial selection criteria:
Persons to be commemorated:
- should have been dead at least ten years.
- should be Cambridge born, educated or living.
- should be eminent through their profession or calling.
- should have made a significant contribution to the life of the city and its residents.
- should merit recognition because of an outstanding (or notorious) act.
Events to be commemorated:
- should have occurred at least ten years ago.
- should be instantly recognisable to the majority of the general public.
- should have significance in the history of the city or county as a whole.