A blue plaque was unveiled at the birthplace of an 18th century historian and enlightenment thinker last night.

Edward Gibbon, who was born in Putney in 1737, and most famously wrote the History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, was honoured by The Putney Society, with his birth place, Lime Grove, being commemorated on the society's seventh blue plaque in the town.

Jonathan Callaway Vice-Chairman of the Putney Society said: "He was chosen because he is a well known author of a classical work and and produced one of the great classics of British historical writing.

"The plaque is there to raise awareness among local people about places of local historical significance."

Placed at the Stables Arch on Upper Richmond Road, the plaque was unveiled by Professor David Womersley of St Catherine's College, Oxford, who has wrote many books on Mr Gibbon.

He also gave a short talk about Mr Gibbon to 50 guests including Putney Society members, Thamesfield councillors Rosemary Torrington and Jim Maddan and Putney MP Justine Greening.