Blue plaque to honour Cary Grant in Bristol

A blue plaque commemorating the life of Hollywood legend Cary Grant is set to be unveiled in Bristol, marking the 120th anniversary of his birth.

The plaque will be installed at 50 Berkeley Road in Bishopston, the home where the actor, born Archie Leach in 1904, spent his early childhood with his parents. 

Grant, known for iconic roles in films such as North by Northwest, overcame a challenging upbringing in Horfield to join an acrobatic troupe at the age of 14, setting the stage for his rise to international stardom.

The initiative is part of Historic England’s blue plaque scheme, which celebrates significant individuals and communities whose contributions to history may have been overlooked.

Grant enjoyed a film career spanning four decades in the United States but maintained close ties to Bristol, frequently returning to visit his mother, Elsie.

The unveiling ceremony will take place later today, with Arts and Tourism Minister Sir Chris Bryant and Historic England Chief Executive Duncan Wilson among the attendees.

Picture credit: Getty Images