A plaque in honour of Leeds-born poet Tony Harrison, placed on the house where he grew up in Tempest Road, Beeston, has been unveiled by Leeds Civic Trust. The unveiling was at the Hamara Healthy Living Centre, across the street from the poet’s childhood home.

Tony Harrison died aged 88, just over a year ago. The ceremony included reflections and poetry readings from Harrison’s partner, the actor Sian Thomas; his daughter Jane Harrison; the director of National Poetry Centre in Leeds, Nick Barley; actor Barry Rutter, founder of Northern Broadsides Theatre Company; the MP for Leeds East, Richard Burgon, who nominated the blue plaque; and the artistic director of Leeds Playhouse, Tom Wright.

Afterwards there was an optional walk to visit the poet’s grave in Holbeck cemetery, which features in his famous and controversial poem ‘V’.

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