Vladimir Grigorievich Chertkov, born on November 3 (October 22 in the old style) 1854 and died on November 9, 1936, was an editor of the works of Leo Tolstoy and one of the most well-known followers of his teachings. After the revolutions of 1917, Chertkov played a significant role in the creation of the United Council of Religious Communities and Groups, which ultimately became responsible for the program of refusal of military service on religious or other grounds in the RSFSR.

Due to the fact that the autocracy considered Tolstoyans to be enemies, Chertkov emigrated to England in 1897. He was a convinced Anglophile, like his mother, and admired the English tradition of freedom of speech. Even then, he corresponded with a small group in Purley, Essex, that sought to bring Tolstoy's ideas to life.

A memorial plaque has been installed on the building where Chertkov published books at his founded publishing house 'Free Word.'