Southwark Lib Dems Renew Call for Rainbow Plaque Marking Final Execution for Homosexual Acts 190 Years Ago

In LGBTQ+ History Month, Southwark Liberal Democrats have renewed their campaign to get a Rainbow Plaque and memorial installed on Blackfriars Road, to commemorate James Pratt and John Smith, who were the last men to be executed for sodomy in 1835.  

James Pratt and John Smith, from Christchurch in Southwark, became the last men to be executed for sodomy in England after being arrested on Blackfriars Road. 

Both Pratt and Smith were pardoned by the Alan Turing Law in January 2017 which gave posthumous pardons for those convicted of homosexuality offenses. 

Rainbow Plaques, similar to Blue Plaques operated by English Heritage, mark places important in LGBTQ+ history, and a number were rolled out by the Greater London Authority in 2023. 

Last year Cllr Victor Chamberlain wrote to Southwark Heritage urging them to help secure a Rainbow Plaque on Blackfriars Road.  

Now the Liberal Democrats will be working with local groups to put forward a proposal bidding for the council’s 2025 Pride Fund which was launched last year, with the aim to secure funding for a permanent plaque and an unveiling ceremony.  

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Borough and Bankside, Cllr Victor Chamberlain, said:  

“Southwark is a proud home of a vibrant and growing LGBTQ+ community, and it’s important that our borough’s heritage is recognised and commemorated. A Rainbow Plaque for James and John is how we can pay tribute to them, and celebrate how much progress we have made – but also remind ourselves that progress is only achieved by a constant fight for rights and justice.”