A blue memorial plaque has been unveiled in York today in honour of comedy legend Frankie Howerd. 

Full Monty actor and York’s Cultural Ambassador Mark Addy conducted the unveiling with York's Lord Mayor Dave Taylor (both pictured) at 53 Hartoft Street, where Howerd was born in 1917. 

Famous for the catchphrases “Oooh, no missus” and “Titter ye not” Howerd was a regular on TV where his audience was measured in the many millions.

Howerd was born in York at the City Hospital and spent his first two and a half years in a terraced house, 53 Hartoft Street, York. With relatives remaining in the city, he would later returned frequently for family holidays. In his later years, he spoke of his great fondness for the city. 

A campaign was recently launched to finally erect a plaque to him in his home city. Public subscriptions to The Frankie Howerd Memorial Plaque fund were supplemented by takings from a special film screening a year ago at the inaugural The Great Yorkshire Fringe.

At this year’s Great Yorkshire Fringe, his life and career are being celebrated as one of the north’s greatest ever comedy talents as part of The Great Northern Comedy Trail, with members of the public currently voting online for their favourite northern funny men and women of all time.

Dave Taylor, Lord Mayor of York, said: “I’m delighted that Martin Witts and The Great Yorkshire Fringe supported the idea of erecting a plaque to Frankie at his very first home in Fishergate. Now with Martin’s and the York Civic Trust’s generous help, we’re finally making the idea a reality.”

David Fraser, Chief Executive of York Civic Trust, said “For generations to come, people will see this plaque and know that the son of a soldier and chocolate worker from the city went on to become a familiar and well-loved national figure in British popular culture, spreading joy and happiness with his unique comedy for decades.”