As one of London’s historic areas, Pimlico is home to its fair share of blue plaques. Pimlico’s blue plaques boast Politicians, novelists, and artists. Join us on our journey to discover the history and important contributions of those memorialised in this part of town.
Table of Contents:
What is a Blue Plaque?
Blue plaques were a scheme first started by English Heritage to note places linked with notable people or occasions of the past. It began in 1866. To qualify for a blue plaque, a minimum of 20 years must first pass after the person’s death, and the link must be to somewhere within Greater London (excluding the City of London). A little part of Pimlico’s rich history can be discovered through its blue plaques.
Whilst English Heritage are in charge of the official blue plaques in the city, Pimlico has some non-official plaques too.
Discover Pimlico’s English Heritage Blue Plaques
First up, let’s dive into the official English Heritage blue plaques of Pimlico. In total we have 9 to uncover!
Aubrey Beardsley
Aubrey Beardsley was an artist and illustrator. He is known for being one of the leading figures of the Aesthetic movement, and has since gained cult status. Aubrey lived in Pimlico with his sister and mother, and was able to partly buy the lease for 114 Cambridge Street with the profits of his success as an artist. He sadly died young at just 25 in France from tuberculosis, having relocated after a stint on the South Coast.
Location: 114 Cambridge Street
Link to the Property: Lived here between 1872-1898
Jomo Kenyatta
Jomo Kenyatta was the very first President of the Republic of Kenya. Kenyatta spent 15 years living in the UK, where he used to sell stamps from letters delivered from Africa for money to help pay his living costs. He became President of Kenya in 1963 and died in office in 1978.
Location: 95 Cambridge Street
Link to the Property: Lived here between 1933-1937
Douglas Macmillan
Douglas Macmillan was the founder of Macmillan Cancer Relief. The charity has gone on to support thousands of people diagnosed with cancer and their families.
Location: 15 Ranelagh Road
Link to the Property: Lived here 1884-1969
Millbank Prison
Millbank Prison stood on the banks of the Thames between 1816 and 1890. The buttress (rather than a plaque) stands where the river steps from the prison once were. These steps were where prisoners were escorted onto transport, before their journeys to Australia.
Location: Millbank
Link to the Property: Near this site was where the Millbank Prison stood
Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekanada was a Hindu philosopher, having joined the Hindu Reformist movement whilst studying law. He was a key figure for modern Hinduism in the West. Vivekananda used to hold regular classes in the ground floor parlour of 62 St George’s Drive.
Location: 62 St George’s Drive
Link to the Property: Lived here in 1896
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield
Major Walter Clopton Wingfield is known as the father of lawn tennis. Before this he was part of the British Military, even being appointed by Queen Victoria to her ceremonial bodyguard. He patented the game of tennis in 1874 – formalising the rules of an already existent sport.
Location: 33 St George’s Square
Link to the Property: Lived here from 1902-1912
Harry Mallin
Harry Mallin was both a policeman and an Olympic boxing champion. He is known for being one of Britain’s greatest ever boxers. He was trained by lightweight champion Fred Grace. As a police officer he was stationed at Peel House, at 105 Regency Street, and is thought to have worked here during his Olympic win.
Location: 105 Regency Street
Link to the Property: Lived and worked here in 1920 and 1924
Joseph Conrad
Joseph Conrad was Polish-British novelist, best known for his works Lord Jim, Nostromo, The Secret Agent, and Heart of Darkness. Despite being regarded as one of the greatest English Language writers, he could not speak the language fluently until he was in his 20s.
Location: 17 Gillingham Street
Link to the Property: Lived here from 1857-1924
Sir Michael Costa
Sir Michael Costa was an Italian born conductor and orchestra reformer. After finding success in England, he eventually became naturalised English and even received a Knighthood for his work.
Location: 59 Eccleston Square
Link to the Property: Lived here 1857-1883
Other Blue Plaques in Pimlico
In London you’ll find many other blue plaques that have not been placed by English Heritage. This doesn’t make their namee any less notable, so we’ve found the remaining blue plaques in Pimlico for you.
Sir Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Churchill is best known as being the Prime Minister of the UK during the Second World War. He lived in Eccleston Square, one of Pimlico’s garden squares, a year after marrying Clementine Hozier – with his first two children being born in this property.
Location: 33 Eccleston Square
Link to the Property: Lived here 1909-1913
William Morris Hughes
William Morris Hughes was the Prime Minister of Australia between 1915-1923. He was born to Welsh parents here in Pimlico, and emigrated to Australia at the young age of 22. He’s commonly regarded as one of the most influential politicians of the 20th century in Australia.
Location: 7 Moreton Place
Link to Property: Was born here
About The London Eats List
We’re here to guide you around the best parts of London. Once you’ve finished exploring the blue plaques of Pimlico, why not take a rest in one of its lovely cafes for a cup of coffee. As it turns towards evening Pimlico’s best pubs are the perfect social spot to enjoy this neighbourhood like a local.