Renowned ‘1984’ author lived in Mortimer Cresent when he penned ‘Animal Farm’

A historian is appealing to Times readers for help in his quest to erect a plaque in honour of a renowned writer who wrote one of his best known novels while living in Kilburn.

Ed Fordham is campaigning for a commemorative plaque to be put up on the former site of 10a Mortimer Crescent, in memory of George Orwell.

The author of 1984 lived at the address between summer 1942 until June 1944 when the house was destroyed in the Second World War. Kington House, a block of flats, was built on the site.

It was while he lived there that he penned Animal Farm which has been dubbed one of the 100 best English-language novels of all time.

The novelist and journalist, who was born Eric Arthur Blair and died at the age of 47 in 1950, lived in Mortimer Crescent with his wife Eileen, his mother Ida and sister Avril.

Mr Fordham needs to raise �1,000 to cover the costs of commissioning, designing, producing and placing the plaque.

He said: “George Orwell is perhaps one of the greatest names of English literature and his association with Kilburn, whilst well known, has been massively underplayed.

“We are delighted with the support from local residents for these plaques and it’s really good that we can soon proceed.

“We are just a few hundred pounds short of the money needed and with the support Times readers, we will be able to place the order.”

Cheques should be sent to Historic Kilburn Plaque Scheme and sent to 7 Douglas Court, Quex Road, London, NW6 4PT.

Anyone who would like to help with the local plaques, of which there are another 20 planned, should contact ed.fordham @gmail.com.