Harlow’s Blue Plaques
Click on the link under each plaque to read about its subject.
Lord Stephen Taylor
Lord Stephen Taylor had a wide-ranging life and career. Most significantly for Harlow were his development of the Health Centre model which started in Harlow and was then run out across the country along with the establishment of the Occupational Health Service, right in the heart of the town’s industry. He also suggested naming the New Town pubs after butterflies and moths. Once he left Harlow he served as the President and Vice-Chancellor of the Memorial University of Newfoundland, Canada, which led to the university having a campus here in Harlow. This was after working as a medical doctor and being an MP in the post-war Attlee government.
(1910 – 1988) Stephen Taylor, Lord Taylor of Harlow. Physician, Politician, Author. Health Centre Pioneer. Founder Harlow Occupational Health Service. Member Harlow Development Corporation. President & Vice-Chancellor Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Location – Memorial University of Newfoundland’s Maltings building in Old Harlow. Erected by Harlow Civic Society 2024
The Alberni Quartet
The Alberni Quartet became Harlow’s resident string quartet in 1963, supported by grants from the Gulbenkian Foundation and Harlow District Council and contributing to the growing cultural scene in the new town. The four Royal College of Music students (Dennis Simons, Howard Davis, John White, and Gregory Baron) initially rehearsed in a disused laundrette, delivered many performances in Harlow and toured both the UK and overseas including performing at Carnegie Hall, New York. From 1968 the quartet comprised Howard Davis, Peter Pople, Roger Best, and David Smith and in later years there were various changes to the line-up.
To celebrate 50 years of music making by world famous Alberni String Quartet who, supported initially by Harlow Council, later performed regularly here for nearly 30 years at St. John’s ARC.Location – St John’s ARC, Old Harlow. Erected by Harlow Civic Society 2022