Historic plaque returned to its Warrington home

A PLAQUE commemorating Warrington’s links with prison reformer John Howard has been returned to its home after an absence of several months.

It was unveiled by deputy mayor Cllr Maureen Creaghan 113 years after it was originally installed in Bridge Street in 1907, when it marked the 130th anniversary of Howard publishing his works on prison reform in the 18th century.
John Howard’s famous book was printed in Warrington and while the work was being carried out he lodged at a silversmith’s shop which stood on the site of the new Warrington Market building.
Cllr Creaghan, who was accompanied by her brother and consort, John Nunnerly, said: “I’m so pleased to welcome the John Howard plaque back to its home on Bridge Street, on the wall of the new and improved Warrington Market, which is the façade of the original building.
“It’s important for us to recognise and commemorate the important work of John Howard and his goal to reform the prison system in England and Wales. We take great pride that our town could share in his journey and that his story is a part of our heritage.”
John Howard travelled England and Wales in the 1770s, visiting hundreds of prisons, before writing his great work “The State of the Prisons” which was printed in Warrington .
The plaque was originally erected by The Warrington Society. It displays the words: “Lodged at a silver smith’s shop, which stood upon the site of these premises, whilst printing his great works on Prison Reform. 1777-80-84-89”.
Others present for the unveiling were council leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, deputy leader, Cllr Cathy Mitchell, chief executive, Steven Broomhead, director of growth, Steve Park, director of transport and environment, David Boyer, council members, and representatives from Warrington Market, Time Square developer Vinc and project managers Turner and Townsend.
The plaque was temporarily removed to avoid any damage being caused during construction work on the new market.