Learie Constantine Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Sir Learie Constantine (1901-1971) was a remarkable West Indian cricketer, lawyer, politician and diplomat who left an indelible mark on both his home country of Trinidad and Tobago and his adopted home of England. A trailblazing figure, he became the UK’s first black peer when appointed to the House of Lords in 1969.

As a cricketer, Constantine was a gifted all-rounder known for his innovative batting and skilled fast bowling. He played 18 Test matches for the West Indies between 1928-1939. Off the pitch, he fearlessly challenged racial discrimination, using his legal training to fight for equality.

From 1949-1954, Constantine resided with his family at 101 Lexham Gardens in London’s upscale Earls Court neighborhood, located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. During World War II, he worked as a welfare officer, advocating for West Indian servicemen in Britain. His efforts earned him an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 1945 and a knighthood in 1962.

Entering politics, Constantine served as Trinidad and Tobago’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and became involved with the League of Coloured Peoples, promoting racial equality. In 1969, he took the title Baron Constantine, becoming the first black member of the House of Lords. A statue of Constantine stands proudly outside the Queen’s Park Oval cricket ground in Trinidad’s Port of Spain, a testament to his enduring legacy as a champion of sport, equality and service.