Leeds Civic Trust has unveiled its 211th Blue Plaque, celebrating the life and legacy of Leeds-born poet Tony Harrison, whose controversial poem v. was recently named by Prime Minister Andy Burnham as his favourite.
The plaque was unveiled on Monday (12 October 2026) at the Hamara Healthy Living Centre in Beeston, opposite Harrison’s childhood home at 120 Tempest Road, where it will be permanently installed. The ceremony brought together Harrison’s daughter, Jane Harrison, his partner, actor Siân Thomas, and East Leeds MP Richard Burgon, who nominated him for the honour.
The unveiling celebrated one of the most distinctive and influential voices in modern English literature, whose work spanned poetry, theatre, opera, translation and film. Harrison grew up in Beeston until his early twenties, and his working-class Leeds roots remained central to his writing throughout his life.
The plaque’s unveiling comes in the national year of reading and following renewed attention to Harrison’s work after the Prime Minister named v., his controversial poem written during the miners’ strike, as his favourite.
In a statement read at the ceremony by Richard Burgon, Andy Burnham paid tribute to the poet.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said:
“I am so sorry I can’t be with you all today due to the need to be in Parliament to make a statement. And, anyway, it’s Tony’s fault – as there is no way I would be in this job in the first place were it not for him and the effect he has had on my life!
“This blue plaque marks the setting for what I believe to be some of the most powerful poems ever written in the English language. Beautiful poems like Bookends capture for eternity the raw emotion of the conversations that once echoed around this house and all of the complexity about class that so many of us feel. It was under this roof that the finest voice in modern English literature was forged and it is therefore completely fitting that this address will forever be adorned in this way. Thank you to Tony’s family and friends and everyone from the Leeds Civic Trust who made it happen.”
Leeds Civic Trust Director Martin Hamilton said:
“In the national year of reading, it is appropriate that we unveil a plaque to celebrate one of the greatest poets of the last 100 years. Tony’s impact on poetry and drama was huge and he drew inspiration from his working-class background to express his world view without fear or favour.”
Nominator: MP Richard Burgon said:
“Tony Harrison is truly one of the greatest poets this country has ever produced. On the page, stage, screen and in his incredible readings, he made poetry count.
“Leeds can be so proud to have given the world Tony Harrison. I am delighted that the house in Beeston Tony grew up in is getting a wonderful Leeds Civic Trust blue plaque.”
Jane Harrison, Tony Harrison’s daughter said:
“A wonderful opportunity to celebrate Leeds and the Northern roots that were so very important to my Dad. Thank you Leeds Civic Trust and the people of Beeston.”
Siân Thomas, Tony Harrison’s partner said:
“I know Tony would be so thrilled and moved to have this blue plaque on his childhood home in Tempest Road, Leeds.
“Not only because the house itself played such an important part in his childhood and development, but also the plaque will help Tony himself, as the great international poet he became, to be remembered in such a vital way in the heart of the city that has always meant so much to him.”
The wording for the blue plaque is as follows:
Tony Harrison
Wide-ranging and category-defying
Poet of page, theatre and screen,
Grew up in this house 1937-1961
His works spanned Leeds-rooted poems,
vibrant translations of classics, opera,
original plays, films and film-poems.
He is buried in the family grave in
Holbeck Cemetery.
1937-2025
This post is based on a press release issued by Leeds Civic Trust
Main photo: Siân Thomas and Jane Harrison hold the plaque outside 120 Tempest Road with family members, MPs Richard Burgon and Hilary Benn, the Lord Mayor of Leeds and his consort
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