BRADFORD’S newly-relaunched blue plaque scheme will begin by honouring four previously unrecognised women who have done pioneering work in the worlds of social reform, literacy, childcare and aviation.

The scheme will also honour a pioneering forensic scientist from Bradford as well as the city’s newly refurbished St George’s Hall and the former Odeon building as part of its ‘historic buildings’ category.

The first five new ‘people plaques’ for Bradford will seek to address an historic gender imbalance of memorials in the city by being dedicated to female Bradfordians who have made a significant contribution to the wellbeing and cultural status of the city.

These include: Trade unionist and suffragette Julia Varley OBE; Renowned writer Malachi Whitaker; Philanthropist Florence Moser; George Cross recipient Barbara Harrison GC; and a new recognition for the Bronte sisters at their Bradford birthplace.

There will also be a new ‘people plaque’ for Felix Marsh Rimmington, the analytical chemist associated with health reforms in the aftermath of the infamous Humbug Billy poisoning of 1858.

The scheme will also include a larger replacement plaque for the 1980s St George’s Hall heritage marker, which was in poor condition and had to be removed as part of the recent renovation works.

Si Cunningham, chair of Bradford Civic Society, said: “Since we touted the idea of a new plaque scheme for Bradford, the overwhelming feedback has been that there’s a real lack of statues and memorials dedicated to the great women of this city.

"We hope to begin to redress that by unveiling blue plaques for some truly remarkable female pioneers over the coming months.

"The replacement plaque on St George’s Hall is dedicated to the history of the building itself and some of the world-famous names that performed there back when it was still a relatively new concert hall, and is a bit of a prototype for how similar heritage plaques will look when rolled out across the rest of the city centre.

"I think the new style plaques will help put a bit of added pride into Bradford.”

Henry Boot Construction, who completed the multi-million pound refurbishment works on St George’s Hall, have funded the replacement plaque for the landmark listed building as part of the external finish works.

Once the first few new plaques have been finalised and unveiled, The Civic Society’s new plaques team will work with society members, Bradford BID, the Council and general public to identify new sites for heritage markers across the city centre.