A VANDALISED plaque marking the alleged Hereford birthplace of Nell Gwyn will be replaced.

The plaque, which was installed on the wall on Gwynne Street, near Hereford Cathedral, has been removed following the damage.

It was in place at the site of the house where Nell, founder of Chelsea Hospital and mother of the first Duke of St Albans, was thought to have been born. The property, which stood on Pipe Well Lane before it was later named Gwynne Street, was demolished in 1858.

Nell was one of the first generation of actresses and one of the most celebrated.

Steve Kerry, clerk at Hereford City Council, said the plaque will be replaced and will be in a new, bolder style which will make it stand out more.