The unrecognised figures of Cornish history are to be highlighted by a new town plaque initiative, and public nominations are invited to find the first people to be celebrated.  

Pobel a Gernow (“People of Cornwall”) aims to extend the work undertaken by numerous Cornish town plaque schemes into a Cornwall-wide initiative. 

The scheme will see the achievements of previously overlooked individuals who have made a significant impact on Cornish history celebrated with commemorative plaques installed on buildings that are important to their stories.

This scheme is a partnership initiative of Cornwall Heritage Trust, Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies. 

Nev Meek, president of the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies said: “This scheme is so important because it will allow communities to really engage with their heritage and celebrate their heroes. We look forward to many new stories emerging of great Cornish endeavour.”

Pol Hodge, Grand Bard of Gorsedh Kernow, said: “Pobel a Gernow is the real story of the people of Cornwall told by the people of Cornwall.”

Cornwall Heritage Trust chief executive Cathy Woolcock said: “There has been so much great work done by existing town plaques schemes across Cornwall, and we’re incredibly excited to be able to build on that. 

“There are so many people who have made truly unique contributions to Cornwall’s history, not only impacting our culture and heritage, but making Cornwall world-leading. 

“Their stories need to be told. Their achievements shouldn’t be footnotes in history books – they need to be sung from the rooftops and we want this scheme to be the start of making that happen.”

• Nominations for the Pobel a Gernow scheme can be submitted at www.cornwallheritagetrust.org