14-05-2025
Where has the blue plaque gone on Lower High Street?
SPECULATION has been swirling on social media after eagle-eyed historians noticed the blue plaque dedicated to a renowned Stourbridge ironmaster is currently missing.
A plaque dedicated to James Foster, who manufactured the Stourbridge Lion Locomotive – the very first railroad steam locomotive to be operated in the United States – has been adorning the wall of his old house on Lower High Street, a building now home to several offices.
However, questions have been arising over the past few days after the space where the plaque sits was spotted empty.
James Foster used to live on Lower High Street (Image: Google Earth) Despite fears the plaque had been removed or, at worst, stolen, one of the businesses in the building has confirmed the plaque has only temporarily been removed while decoration works are carried out to the building's exterior.
Janice Chatham from NPP Neuro Group said: 'We're carry out some decorating work outside, and we noticed that one of the screws holding up the plaque had completely corroded.
'While the work is carried out, we've taken the plaque down and, for the time being, covered the space with a sign directing people to the building's disabled access.
'This is only temporary, and the plaque will be put up again as soon as possible, as well as a permanent disabled access sign too.
'It's nice to know that so many people care about our local history and notice the plaque when they walk past.'
