Black Lives Matter: English Heritage promise to review London's famous blue plaques for slavery links

The charity has set up a group to create a list of Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals that could be commemorated by plaques across London
Heroine: The blue plaque to nurse Mary Seacole in Soho Square, where she lived in the 19th century
Mike Seaforth/English Heritage

All 950 of London's famous blue plaques will be reviewed for potential links to the slave traded, English Heritage has said.

The charity, which manages more than 400 historic monuments, buildings and locations, has also set up a group to create a list of BAME figures that could be honoured with plaques in the capital.

The review comes after Black Lives Matter protestors said there were ethical issues with celebrating historical figures who were involved in slavery or imperialism.

Over the past two weeks a number of statues of historical figures have been hauled to the ground or temporarily removed by councils.

A website dubbed 'Topple the racists' was set up for members of the public to add statues which they believe need to be removed.

Statue of 18th century slave owner Robert Milligan taken down in London 
PA

The website, which has a map pinpointing the locations of more than 60 monuments, was set up after protesters ripped down a statue to 17th century slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol.

The list includes Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, erected in 1843 in honour of Lord Horatio Nelson, the Royal Navy officer who led Britain to victory during the Napoleonic Wars.

In recent years Nelson has been described as a "white supremacist" for his views on slavery. There are two blue plaques honouring him in London, both on New Bond Street in Mayfair where he lived.

Black lives matter protestors marching for the removal of Rhodes statue  
AFP via Getty Images

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has ordered a review of statues and street names.

Among the BAME figures who could be honoured with a blue plaque include Indian Muslim Noor Inayat Khan, a special operations executive agent in the Second World War.

English Heritage did not comment on which plaques could be removed or have extra information added.

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