Diana’s bachelor girl flat to get one of six blue plaques recalling pioneering women
PRINCESS Diana is to be honoured with a blue plaque on the London home where she lived before marrying.
The tribute from English Heritage is one of six this year to recognise significant women.
Diana’s plaque is expected to be placed at 60 Coleherne Court, Kensington. She later described the two years she shared the three-bedroom apartment with girl friends as her happiest time.
Anna Eavis, English Heritage’s curatorial director, said: “We are expecting our plaque to Diana, Princess of Wales to be very popular. She was an inspiration and cultural icon to many, raising awareness of issues including landmines and homelessness, and helping to destigmatise illnesses such as HIV, leprosy and depression.”
Diana died aged 36 in a Paris car in August 1997 and Ms Eavis added: “It seems fitting that we should erect a plaque
commemorating her work and influence in what would have been her 60th year.” English Heritage is erecting more plaques to mark the achievements of women, after admitting in 2016 that only 14 per cent of tributes were to females. The first of the latest six, unveiled today, is to crystallographer and peace campaigner Dame Kathleen Lonsdale, on the 50th anniversary of her death, at her childhood home in Redbridge, east London.
Ms Eavis added: “Our figures range from social reformers to creative leaders and a princess who captured hearts and minds around the world. As an eminent female scientist and passionate supporter of women in science, Kathleen Lonsdale is a very worthy first recipient of a 2021 blue plaque.”
The others, in London, are:
●●Fashion designer Jean Muir, on her showroom and office where she worked from 1966 to her death in 1995. Her loyal fans included actresses Joanna Lumley and Patricia Hodge.
●●Former slave Ellen Craft (1826-1891), on a Hammersmith house she shared with husband William. They fled the southern US state of Georgia and Ellen was a fervent abolitionist.
●●Campaigning lawyer Helena Normanton (1882-1957), the first woman to practise at the Bar, to appear in the High Court and at the Old Bailey.
●●Property pioneer Caroline Norton (1808-1877), who left an abusive marriage, then fought for custody of her children and for the rights to her own home.