The plaque has been resettled in its home on Bridge Street, outside the new Warrington Market.
John Howard was a noted 18th century prison reformer. While writing about jails in England and Wales in the 1770s, he lodged at a silversmith’s shop, which stood on the site of the new market building.
The plaque was first unveiled in 1907 to mark the 130th anniversary of the publication of his work and was 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”.
Deputy Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Maureen Creaghan unveiled the plaque on Bridge Street on Tuesday 6 October, alongside her brother and consort, John Nunnerly.
She 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.”
Other attendees present for the unveiling were Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, Deputy Leader, Cllr Cathy Mitchell, Warrington Borough Council 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, Vinci, and Project Managers, Turner and Townsend.
The John Howard plaque was removed from its position and had been stored by the council for several months to avoid any potential damage while construction works were carried out in the area.
