Ted Lewis Blue Plaque

About This Blue Plaque

Ted “Kid” Lewis was a legendary British boxer who held the world welterweight championship twice during his illustrious career. Born in 1893 in London’s East End, Lewis discovered his passion for boxing at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks, earning the nickname “Kid” for his youthful appearance and remarkable skills in the ring.

Throughout his career, Lewis faced many formidable opponents, including the likes of Jack Britton, with whom he had a series of epic bouts. His speed, agility, and powerful punches made him a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division. Lewis’s first reign as world welterweight champion began in 1915 when he defeated Jack Britton in Boston. He would go on to hold the title for several years, cementing his status as one of the greatest boxers of his era.

Outside the ring, Lewis was known for his charming personality and love for the sport. After retiring from boxing, he remained involved in the boxing world as a trainer and mentor to young fighters. Lewis spent his final years residing at Nightingale House on Nightingale Lane in Wandsworth, London, where he passed away in 1970 at the age of 77. The borough of Wandsworth, located in southwest London, has a rich history and is known for its vibrant community and green spaces, including the expansive Wandsworth Common.

In 2003, a blue plaque was erected at Nightingale House to commemorate the life and achievements of Ted “Kid” Lewis, ensuring that his legacy as a boxing icon and local hero would be remembered for generations to come. The plaque serves as a testament to Lewis’s impact on the sport of boxing and his enduring connection to the Wandsworth community.