4.1.1 United Kingdom
Figure 4-2.Blue Plagues on the Façade of Historic Personalities’ Residences in the UK
The mark of the historic personalities’ residences in the UK are known as the ‘Blue Plague’, hanging on the facades of these old houses (Fig.4-2).These notable houses have been approved by Blue Plague Committee will be protected by law, and must not be changed or damaged in any instances.The Blue Plaques Scheme was initiated in 1866 by politician William Ewart, Henry Cole and the Society of Arts (now the Royal Society of Arts).It is the first specific plan in the world for identifying and preserving the houses of important people.Due to the different property rights, some become famous memorial centers and tourism attractions owing to the successful management methods, which has greatly promoted the development of local culture and economy.Some residences maintain their usual status instead of creating memorial halls.The owners have a responsibility to regularly check and maintain the authenticity of the houses.[1]There are numerous well-known historic personalities’ residences in the UK, such as Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon, Charles Dickens’ Birthplace in Portsmouth, the Bronte Sisters’ House in Haworth.Shakespeare’s hometown Stratford which is located in the County of Warwickshire in central England is world-renowned.
William Shakespeare is one of the most outstanding dramatists and writers in the world.He was born in 1564 in a wooden house on Henry Street, and died there in 1616.[2]There are five main houses belong to Shakespeare’s families in the town of Stratford, which includes Shakespeare’s Birthplace, Hall’s Croft, Nash’s House and Shakespeare’s New Place, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s House.Additionally, there are Shakespeare Memorial Museum, libraries, Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare’s Grave in the Holy Trinity Church grounds, King Edward VI School associated with him, and other buildings.[3]Many foreign tourists as well as local British visitors come here to experience the life of this literary giant (Fig.4-3,4-4).
Figure 4-3.Shakespeare’s Sculpture(https://www.daowen.com)
Figure 4-4.Shakespeare’s Residential Heritage Site in Stratford
Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, founded in 1847, is an independent charity that takes care of the Shakespearean heritage sites in Stratford-upon-Avon.Its responsibility is to manage and develop the five main properties related to Shakespeare in the town.The Trust organizes Shakespeare’s houses and works academically and maintains close contact with Universities and Institutes that study Shakespeare around the world.[4]
Stratford town developed its own self-financing system through tourism to sustain the heritage preservation activities.The current income of Stratford is almost entirely dependent the ‘Shakespeare economy’.[5]But due to the significance given to historic site maintenances, excessive commercialization is specially avoided from undermining the historical sense of the town.The style of the new buildings is built mainly based on the buildings of Shakespeare’s time British Tudor dynasty.Stratford has become an excellent model for developing the economy of a famous personality’s residence and the surrounding area.
Even for notable houses which are not protected by the Blue Plaque Scheme, the UK public has a strong sense of supervision and protection.Due to the implementation of a municipal construction project in early 2011, the Liverpool City Council intended to dismantle the former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr’s home on Medellin Street, where Starr was born and spent a few months of his childhood.But this decision was opposed by Beatles fans.They set up an organization against dismantling this notable residence, and proposed to preserve it as a memorial place and tourist attraction.[6]