A blue plaque honouring Martin Luther King has been unveiled in Camden.

The heritage plaque at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church is the first commemorating the American civil rights’ leader in the UK.

Dr King preached in London for the first time at the church in Shaftesbury Avenue on October 29, 1961.

The sermon was one which Dr King often used, and was described by his wife as having “a special meaning” to her, as it was the first she ever heard him give.

The blue plaque was unveiled at a ceremony today (January 24), where Jonathan Eig, author of Times bestselling biography King: A Life delivered a keynote speech. 

Cllr Sabrina Francis, Camden’s cabinet member for young people and culture, said: “As a borough we want to do more to shine a light on those who have made a real, lasting difference in this world.

“It was an honour to unveil a plaque for Martin Luther King with local communities to celebrate his life and work, with the hope more people can learn about his crucial campaigning for equality and peace.”