London has a lot of rich history, all made by the people in it and the people who have helped change it throughout its many years.

Across the capital, there are dozens of blue plaques that link the people of the past with the buildings of the present and are run with English Heritage starting back in 1866.

There are now more than 1,000 plaques across the capital, on buildings to honour the notable women and men who have lived or worked in them.

Some of those plaques are dedicated to historic black figures, discover who they are and where you can see their blue plaque.

The blue plaques in London that celebrate black history

Ira Aldridge 

American-born Ira Aldridge was the first black actor to play the role of Shakespeare’s Othello in the West End.

A blue plaque now hangs on the wall of the actor’s former home at number 5 Hamlet Road in Upper Norwood.

Ellen and William Craft 

Ellen and William Craft were African American freedom fighters who escaped enslavement in Georgia before fleeing to Britain in the 19th century. 

The two campaigned for the abolition of slavery living in Hammersmith where they helped organise the London Emancipation Society.

Their plaque was erected in 2021 by English Heritage at 26 Cambridge Grove, London, W6 0LA, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

Laurie Cunningham

Laurie Cunningham was the first black footballer player to represent England in a competitive international match.

Cunningham was known as one of the best players of his time and a trailblazer.

In 1989, he died aged just 33 in a car accident near Madrid.

He grew up on 73 Lancaster Road, Stroud Green, London, N4 4PL, London Borough of Haringey where his plaque is now placed.

Mary Seacole 

Mary Seacole was a pioneering nurse and known as a heroine of the Crimean War.

Mary lived in London for many years are wrote her autobiography in her home at 14 Soho Square, Soho, London, W1D 3QG, City of Westminster.

RECOMMENDED READING

All the blue plaques in London for stars of film and theatre

Bob Marley

Singer Bob Marley is known as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

The artist moved to London in the late 70s when there was an attempt on his life in Jamaica.

While in London, Marley recorded his album Exodus, at 42 Oakley Street in Chelsea where his blue plaque was placed.