Hugh Carleton Greene Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Hugh Carleton Greene was a renowned British journalist and broadcaster who served as the Director-General of the BBC from 1960 to 1969. Born in 1910, Greene came from a distinguished family – his brother was the famous author Graham Greene. Hugh began his journalism career in the 1930s, working as a newspaper correspondent in various European cities.

During World War II, Greene joined the BBC and played a key role in the corporation’s German language broadcasting service. After the war, he continued to rise through the ranks at the BBC. As Director-General in the 1960s, Greene oversaw a transformative period marked by the launch of BBC Two, a greater emphasis on journalistic independence, and more permissive programming.

Under Greene’s leadership, the BBC aired groundbreaking satire programs like That Was The Week That Was, which boldly lampooned politicians and British society. He fiercely defended the BBC’s editorial freedom against government interference. Greene lived in this elegant Edwardian house in London’s affluent Kensington neighborhood from 1956 to 1967, during the height of his BBC career. He was later knighted for his contributions to broadcasting, becoming Sir Hugh Greene. A dynamic and sometimes controversial figure, Greene left an indelible mark on the BBC and British media. He passed away in 1987 at the age of 76.