The life of a prominent Sudbury figure and 'legal eagle' could be commemorated with a new plaque on the building he helped to save.  

Lord Andrew Phillips, who was instrumental in saving the Corn Exchange from demolition and its subsequent conversion into the library, died in April and the town council are now seeking final permission for a commemorative plaque to be mounted on the iconic building. 

A former member of the House of Lords, Lord Phillips was a pioneering solicitor, the president of the Sudbury Society and a much-loved legal expert and broadcaster, regularly appearing on Jimmy Young’s BBC Radio 2 show as the “Legal Eagle” for nearly 30 years.

East Anglian Daily Times: Lord Phillips could be remembered with a commemorative plaque at Sudbury LibraryLord Phillips could be remembered with a commemorative plaque at Sudbury Library (Image: Newsquest)

Plans submitted to Babergh District Council would see the aluminium bronze plaque mounted to the right of the steps at the front of the Market Hill building. 

The plaque would read: "A 'legal eagle' and stalwart resident of Sudbury.

"He led the campaign to save this Corn Exchange from demolition, and for its conversion into the Library as it remains today."

East Anglian Daily Times: The plaque planned in memory of Lord Phillips of SudburyThe plaque planned in memory of Lord Phillips of Sudbury (Image: Sudbury Town Council)

Penelope Phillips, the wife of Lord Phillips, said of the plans: "We are touched and delighted by it, because his heart was really in Sudbury. 

"His campaign to save the library came about not long after I first met him and I remember how much time and effort he put into it. He would've been delighted with this.

"It would be a good tribute to him because he did do a lot for Sudbury. I think he drove people mad sometimes, but he really did put a great deal of effort into it."

Jan Osborne, mayor of Sudbury who remembers the many long debates they shared about Belle Vue during their time on the district council, said: "I am really pleased that the Sudbury Town Council have taken this on board to put something up in memory of Lord Andrew Phillips. 

"He was an icon to the town. He set an example to us all and he will be sadly missed by those that knew him and those that didn't, because he did lots for the town no one even knew about. He is irreplaceable. 

"A plaque on the wall of the library would be a fantastic way to honour him."

Permission has already been approved by Suffolk County Council for the installation of the plaque, if this listed building consent is given.