Richard Dimbleby Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Richard Dimbleby (1913-1965) was a renowned British journalist, television presenter, and war correspondent who played a pivotal role in shaping British broadcasting. Born in London, Dimbleby began his career as a reporter for the Richmond and Twickenham Times, a local newspaper in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames, where he would later reside at Cedar Court, Sheen Lane in East Sheen.

Dimbleby’s journalistic prowess led him to become a war correspondent during World War II, where he covered key events such as the North African campaign and the D-Day landings. His vivid and engaging reports brought the realities of the war to the British public, cementing his reputation as a trusted and respected broadcaster.

After the war, Dimbleby transitioned to television, becoming the face of the BBC’s first daily news program, “Television Newsreel.” He went on to host numerous influential programs, including “Panorama,” a groundbreaking current affairs show. Dimbleby’s authoritative yet approachable style made him a beloved figure in British households. In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, he was appointed Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1959. Dimbleby’s legacy lives on through the prestigious Richard Dimbleby Lecture, an annual event featuring distinguished speakers addressing important issues of the day.

The blue plaque at Cedar Court, erected in 2013, commemorates Dimbleby’s residence there from 1937 to 1939, during the early years of his remarkable career. The Borough of Richmond upon Thames, located in southwest London, has been home to many notable figures throughout history, and the presence of Dimbleby’s blue plaque serves as a testament to the area’s rich cultural heritage.