DIGNITARIES and businesspeople gathered in Chelmsford High Street to unveil a blue plaque honouring one of the city’s most illustrious residents – Dr Benjamin Pugh.

Born in 1715, Dr Pugh was a pioneer in midwifery and mass inoculation against smallpox. He invented the large, curved forceps used by midwives, as well as an early ventilator for babies who had difficulty breathing.

The plaque was installed on the outer wall of 26 High Street, once the home of Dr Pugh and now the address of RBS Bank.

The doctor designed the building, formerly known as the Mansion House, in 1755.

At the time, it was an extraordinary home, with a double external staircase rising from the pavement to the grand entrance on the first floor.

Speeches were given by the mayor of Chelmsford, Duncan Lumley, local historian Alan Pamphilon and the manager of RBS, Chris Rennie, then the Mayor unveiled the plaque to applause.

Also present were local brewers Round Tower, who plan to announce a new beer named in Dr Pugh’s honour following the installation of the plaque.

Mr Lumley, said: “I am delighted to unveil the nineteenth Blue Plaque to be awarded by the City Council since the scheme began in 1986. These plaques commemorate the illustrious men and women whose extraordinary contributions have helped to shape the city, and indeed the wider society, that we live in today.”

Alan Pamphilon, who has researched Pugh and the Mansion House, said: “I would encourage everyone to look up as they walk down the High Street and admire this wonderful old building, which was probably one of the finest in the street.”