Tottenham housing block named after first black outfield pro footballer

Spurs legend Walter Tull died on the battlefields of the First World War aged 29

A newly-built housing block in Tottenham Hale has been named in honour of English football’s first black professional outfield player.

Walter Tull stepped out for Tottenham Hotspur’s inaugural top-flight match in 1909 and was the British Army’s first black officer. He died on the battlefields of the First World War aged 29 and was recommended for the Military Cross for gallantry.

At a naming ceremony for Walter Tull House last week, Haringey Council leader Peray Ahmet, deputy leader Sarah Williams and cabinet member Ruth Gordon were joined by Walter Tull’s grand-niece, Spurs officials including former captain Ledley King, and representatives from the Army, Nubian Jak Community Trust and Welbourne Health Centre.

A plaque donated by the trust was unveiled and the group took a tour to see how local families are benefiting from the completed development of 131 council homes and adjoining state-of-the-art health centre, which opened its doors in the summer.

Walter Tull House is part of the council’s award-winning housebuilding programme to deliver 3,000 council homes by 2031, with more than 2,000 already started or completed. The 131 new homes are a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom flats, with 17 fully wheelchair accessible.

Cllr Williams said: “We are proud that Walter Tull whose life continues to be an inspiration will be remembered and honoured through this important project.

“The delivery of 131 council homes is yet another substantial achievement and gives individuals and local families the opportunity to live in secure, safe, warm high-quality homes. It is a wonderful legacy to everything Walter Tull achieved throughout his incredible life.

“It was humbling to meet Walter Tull’s family, and we hope that the naming of this development will stand as a lasting symbol to the tremendous courage he showed in overcoming prejudice to become a pioneer both as a footballer and in the armed forces.”

The council says sustainability has been central to the design of Walter Tull House, which uses high levels of insulation, a mechanical ventilation heat recovery system and renewable energy measures such solar panels to help keep household running costs low.

Tottenham Hotspur’s executive director, Donna-Maria Cullen, said: “The club’s involvement in today’s event is extremely important for two reasons. We are passionate about Tottenham and this area’s continued regeneration; Walter Tull House is an example of the new, high-quality homes coming to the area and benefitting local residents.

“This particular development takes on extra significance for us with its name inspired by one of the most important and influential figures in our club’s history. We are extremely proud that Walter made history at Tottenham Hotspur, becoming the English Football League’s first black outfield player.

“His legacy has lived on beyond his achievements on the football pitch and the battlefield – blazing a trail for future generations of black footballers and Army officers that have followed in his footsteps to the present day. The opening of Walter Tull House further cements his legacy within our local community.”

Dr Jak Beula, CEO of Nubian Jak Community Trust added: “The story of Walter Tull and his pioneering achievements as a sporting icon in English top-flight football continues to resonate to this day. However, his greatest achievement was to fight for his country when it called on him to do so. Although, he was discharged for being shell shocked, he rehabilitated himself and went back into the theatre of war – making the ultimate sacrifice in the process.”

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