The idea
Neville Chamberlain is the only person from Birmingham to have become Prime Minister. However his policy of appeasement in the run up to the Second World War means his legacy in the city has been overlooked. As a result he has largely been airbrushed from Birmingham’s history. In contrast his father Joseph is honoured across the city, for example in Chamberlain Square and at the University of Birmingham.
This proposal will honour Neville Chamberlain’s legacy in the city. It will fund a new Blue Plaque at Edgbaston High School for Girls, so it includes his time as a councillor and Lord Mayor of Birmingham. Currently the existing plaque does not mention his time in the city and is inaccessible, being behind bars next to the nursery (see gallery). As a Blue Plaque already exists there is no public money to replace it. However, Birmingham Civic Society have agreed that if the money can be raised using crowdfunding a new Blue Plaque can be put up (see new plaque in gallery).
What we'll deliver
- Update existing Blue Plaque at Edgbaston High School for Girls
Why it's a great idea
Over 80 years after Neville Chamberlain’s death the new plaque will at last properly honour his contribution to the City of Birmingham. The existing Blue Plaque on Edgbaston High School for Girls will be updated to include his time as a councillor and Lord Mayo of Birmingham.
This proposal has the support of the Chamberlain Highbury Trust, Birmingham Civic Society, local Edgbaston councillor Deirdre Alden and the Leader of Birmingham City Council.
Steps to get it done
- Agree the new plaques by 26 September
This project will fill a major gap in the history of Birmingham by honouring Neville Chamberlain’s contribution to the city. The Chamberlain Highbury Trust and Birmingham Civic Society are the key partners in delivering this project. To produce and put up a new plaque has been costed at £1000. The plaque has the support of David Kidney, the Chair of the Trustees of the Chamberlain Highbury Trust, local Edgbaston councillor Deirdre Alden and councillor John Cotton, the leader of Birmingham City Council.
