Patrick Abercrombie Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Patrick Abercrombie (1879-1957) was a renowned British architect and town planner who pioneered the concept of urban and regional planning. Born in Ashton upon Mersey, Cheshire, Abercrombie studied architecture at the University of Manchester and the University of Liverpool. He went on to become a professor of civic design at the University of Liverpool and later held the position of professor of town planning at University College London.

Abercrombie’s most notable achievement was his groundbreaking work on the Greater London Plan of 1944, also known as the Abercrombie Plan. This comprehensive plan aimed to address the issues of urban sprawl, housing shortages, and the need for green spaces in post-war London. The plan proposed the creation of new towns, the establishment of a green belt around London, and the redevelopment of inner-city areas. Although not fully implemented, the Abercrombie Plan had a profound impact on the future development of London and served as a model for urban planning worldwide.

Throughout his career, Abercrombie worked on numerous other projects, including the redesign of historic city centers in Bath, Edinburgh, and Bournemouth. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of historic buildings and the integration of modern architecture with existing urban fabric. Abercrombie’s contributions to the field of urban planning were recognized with a knighthood in 1945.

The blue plaque commemorating Sir Patrick Abercrombie is located at Flat 1, 63 Egerton Gardens in the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, where he lived during his later years. This prestigious borough in central London is known for its elegant architecture, museums, and cultural institutions, making it a fitting place for Abercrombie to have called home. The plaque, erected in 2019, serves as a reminder of Abercrombie’s lasting legacy in shaping the modern urban landscape of London and beyond.