A CAMPAIGN has been launched to commemorate the York birthplace of comic legend Frankie Howerd with a bronze plaque.

Fishergate councillor Dave Taylor, who is heritage champion for the city, is spearheading a drive to raise just over £1,000 to pay for the plaque to go on a wall at 53, Hartoft Street, off Fulford Road.

Coun Taylor said: “Frankie Howerd is a worthy son of York – a great comedian who struggled through his personal life to entertain us.

“York’s history shows in the built environment and the wealth of archaeology beneath our feet, but it is right and fitting that we also recognise the cultural icons of the recent past.”

He said York had a long history of honouring its famous residents with bronze plaques conferred by York Civic Trust. “A plaque in the name of Frankie Howerd has been discussed, but the trust is lacking funds to honour every citizen which it might choose to honour,” he said.

“Due to limited resources, it seems that our hero is languishing somewhere towards the bottom of a short list and I think we can raise him to the top by finding the £1,050 which York Civic Trust estimates for the job.”

He said Francis Alick Howerd, who died in 1992, was born towards the end of the Great War to a soldiering family living in the street.

“It is said the first memory Frankie Howerd could recall was of falling down the stairs at number 53.”

He said a bank account had been created called “Frankie Howerd Memorial Plaque”, and cheques should be sent c/o York Green Party, Holgate Villa, 22 Holgate Road, York, North Yorkshire YO24 4AB.

An internet fundraising campaign was also being launched, so people around the world would be able to contribute by PayPal on frankiesplaque@gmail.com


Famous names

YORK Civic Trust has installed almost 70 bronze plaques across the city to highlight important historical events or famous people.

One is to York’s bestknown artist, William Etty, which is situated on a wall at the side of City Screen in Coney Street.

Another at the Micklegate end of Ouse Bridge, honours St Margaret Clitherow, who was martyred in 1586.

A plaque in Burton Stone Lane commemorates the life of Dr John Bowes Morrell, the co-founder of the Civic Trust and the York Conservation Trust, who who helped to found the University of York.