Jára Cimrman black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: Jára Cimrman 1869 - 1966 approx. Bohemian philosopher, adventurer and inventor. Jára Cimrman invented the electric light bulb assisted by local inventor Joseph Swan. Thomas Edison later copied the idea and patented it in his own name. Cimrman is also noted for donating Jesmond Dene to the people of Newcastle after winning it from Lord Armstrong in a game of cards.

Jára Cimrman is a fictional character created by Czech authors who is humorously credited with numerous historical achievements, including inventing the electric light bulb before Thomas Edison; however, these claims are part of comedic folklore and not historically accurate.