GMB: Richard Madeley discusses author Enid Blyton

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The charity runs the blue plaque scheme which has seen 950 signs put up in London to honour historical figures.

But in 2020, English Heritage vowed to review the plaques in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.

And now children’s author Blyton’s books have been linked to “racism and xenophobia” in updated information on English Heritage’s website.

It says: “Blyton’s work has been criticised during her lifetime and after for its racism, xenophobia and lack of literary merit.

“In 2016, Blyton was rejected by the Royal Mint for commemoration on a 50p coin because, the advisory committee minutes record, she was ‘a racist, sexist, homophobe and not a very well-regarded writer’.

“Others have argued that while these charges can’t be dismissed, her work still played a vital role in encouraging a generation of children to read.”

Blyton’s blue plaque was erected in 1997 at her former home at 207 Hook Road in Chessington.

The children’s author penned hundreds of beloved books including the Famous Five and The Magic Faraway Tree.

Her blue plaque commemorates where she started to develop her storytelling skills.

The updated information by English Heritage has sparked a backlash from some on social media.

One Twitter user said: “I don’t understand why institutions fail to understand you can’t judge history or historical figures by today’s standards. You cannot cancel history”

Another wrote: “Ridiculous! I grew up reading those books and loved them.

“Creating divisive issues when there aren’t any.

“Are we now dictating what children should read?! This craziness must stop.”

A third added: “I used to be very much fond of Enid Blyton’s books as a child, The Famous Five and The Secret Seven were among my favorites.

“It’s wrong to judge old books by today’s standards.”

But another said: “Acknowledging racism in a writer’s literature is not what I’d call cancelling, plus the books aren’t being banned, Enid Blyton just had her blue plaque information updated.”

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