Animal campaigner, synagogue and author are Islington People's Plaque winners

The 2014 Islington People’s Plaque scheme saw a record 6,736 votes polled as residents showed their appreciation of the historic impact of 10 nominees. Top of this year’s poll was Mary Tealby, with 2,415 votes, nearly 36 per cent of all votes cast. Mary started the 'Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs' in Holloway, N7, near Sheringham Road in 1860, which later became the Battersea Dogs Home when it moved south of the river in 1909. She was helped by Charles Dickens and the RSPCA to open her home, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2010. Since opening, the centre has cared for over three million animals. In second place was the North London Synagogue, Lofting Road, Barnsbury, N1 which was the centre of the Jewish Community and built in 1868. Between the 18th and 20th centuries the Jewish Community in Islington was one of the largest in England, and one of the first significant migrant communities to find a home in the borough. The synagogue suffered bomb damage during the Second World War and was demolished in 1958, to make way for new council housing (Barnes Court).

Nina Bawden came a close third in the vote. Best known for her work as an author, Nina, who lived for many years in Noel Road, Angel, N1, penned the famous novel Carrie’s War, which drew heavily on her experiences of being evacuated from London to South Wales at the start of the Second World War. The book has since been adapted for both TV and stage and is still recommended reading for school pupils.

She also became known for her role in campaigning for improved railway safety after the Potters Bar train crash in 2002, which claimed the life of her husband Austen. Nina herself was seriously injured.

All three nominees will now be commemorated with Islington People’s Plaques. Cllr Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council said:

“Islington People’s Plaques recognise the huge contribution that a massive range of people and places have made to our community.

“This year it has proved more popular than ever, attracting a record number of votes.

“We have so much to be proud of in our borough’s history and Mary Tealby, the North London Synagogue and Nina Bawden are all very worthy winners.”

This year’s finalists also included Finsbury Park Empire and Alan Plater who were close behind in fourth and fifth position.