FIVE new commemorative plaques have been installed by Knutsford Town Council as part of its blue plaque scheme.

The plaques are the first to be installed following the adoption of the policy in 2015 and see five sites in the town recognised.

The aim of the scheme is to help residents and visitors identify with the history of Knutsford and aims to promote recognition and awareness of people, places and events which have been of lasting significance in the life of Knutsford or more widely.

Adam Keppel-Garner, town clerk, said “We are delighted to install these five new plaques which greatly add to the everyday sense of heritage enjoyed in Knutsford.”

Edward Penny RA, a founding member of the Royal Academy of Arts, is commemorated on the Freemason Arms.

Penny was born and lived on Silk Mill Street from 1714 and was the first Professor of Painting at the Royal Academy.

Knutsford’s iconic Gaskell Tower features a new plaque noting it was designed for Richard Harding Watt and dedicated to the 19th century author whilst the Royal George is also recorded as one of the town’s earliest hostelry and coaching inn which became ‘royal’ following a visit from Princess Victoria in 1832.

Knutsford’s Sessions House, soon to be a new hotel, now also boasts a blue plaque noting the history of Quarter Sessions in Knutsford and the prison which stood behind until 1934.

Outside of the town centre, Brae Cottage on Legh Road now features a plaque commemorating Henry Royce, co-founder of Rolls-Royce who lived in the cottage from 1898 to 1908.

The town council hopes in the future to be able to install a plaque on the Old Town Hall, now Lost and Found, noting its eminent architect and original use.

Members of the public are invited to nominate sites for future blue plaques on the town council website.

“It could be for an eminent member of a profession like Edward Penny, the site of a key event in our history or for an important building like the Royal George Hotel,” Adam added.

Nominations for new plaques are reviewed by a panel of councillors with representatives of Knutsford Heritage Centre and the Knutsford Conservation and Heritage Group.

nWould you like to see a building in the town centre adorned with a blue plaque? Let us know which one at facebook.com/knutsfordguardiannews.