From the Archive

Jack Leslie gets Newham heritage plaque

Canning Town footballer Jack Leslie, who played for Barking Town FC and Plymouth Argyle, will get a Newham heritage plaque. 

The unveiling is taking place this Friday, 19 November, at 3pm, at 12 Gerald Road, Canning Town, E16. Jack Leslie’s family will be speaking at the unveiling event. 

In 1925, Jack was picked to play for England. However, his name disappeared from the team list when selectors discovered his Black Jamaican heritage.

After he retired from playing football, he moved to Wakefield Street in East Ham and worked as a Boot Boy for West Ham United FC at their Boleyn Football Ground.

Jack and his wife Lavinia lived their later years in Gravesend, where he died at the age of 88.


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