A HERITAGE plaque commemorating the life of one of the founding fathers of the East India Company has gone missing in Basingstoke, prompting fears it was taken down by protesters.

The memorial, funded and cared for by Basingstoke Heritage Society, has stood undisturbed on the Boiler House at St Michael's Church in Church Square since 1999. But in June, it was reported missing.

Sir James Lancaster helped establish the East India Company in 1600, which drove the expansion of the British Empire.

Debbie Reavell, secretary of the society, fears it may have been taken down due to the Elizabethan trader's ties to colonialism.

Nationally, dozens of statues and tributes to slave traders and colonialists have been removed in recent months.

Debbie said: "There is a possibility that persons unknown have associated the mention of Sir James Lancaster's association with the East India Company with all things British Empire and seen our plaque as unworthy.

"If that is the case then please can we have a discussion about it?

"Lancaster was part of the very early years of the East India Company, the beginnings of trade to the east for pepper and spices. Lancaster sound is named after him." 

Speaking to The Gazette, Debbie said: "My hunch is someone has just taken it down for the hell of it. I would hope that anyone reputably involved with an organisation [or campaigning group] would rather challenge us about it directly than just remove it.

"We live in a country where in the 18th Century anyone with a bit of dosh or inheritance was getting money from plantations, it is a muddled path."

Appealing to anyone who has seen or removed the plaque directly, Debbie said: "Please get in touch and give it back or come and talk to us about it. We are very happy to have a conversation about Sir James Lancaster and to hear your points of view."

It comes after scores of tributes to slave traders and colonialists have been removed across the UK.

Local councils are considering renaming streets with links to slavery and colonialism while The Guardian reported the Bank of England removed portraits of governors and directors involved in the slave trade.