Nottingham unveils plaque in memory of social justice campaigner Eric Irons

A plaque unveiled in Nottingham commemorates the achievements of Eric Irons, Britain’s first black magistrate and a campaigner for social justice.

Marking the start of Black History Month on the first of October, the memorial is displayed on the facade of the National Justice Museum, or what used to be the city’s Shire Hall courts – where Irons heard his first cases in the early 1960s.

He was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica, in 1921 and first came to the UK during his service in the Royal Air Force during the second world war. He settled in Nottingham after extending his military service and married his wife, Nellie, with whom he had six children.

Irons worked at the Chilwell ordnance depot in the 1950s where he was one of the few black employees. He campaigned through the Nottingham and District Trades Council, as well as community and church groups for improved opportunities and against discrimination.

A ban on black people working for a city transport company was overturned as a result of his efforts and Irons helped Nottingham city council address problems following race riots in 1958.

Four years later, in 1962, he made history when he became Britain’s first black magistrate or justice of the peace. His endeavours to advance equality and champion social justice were recognised when he was awarded an OBE in 1978.

Irons continued to serve on the bench in Nottingham for 29 years until retiring in 1991. He died in 2007. In a joint statement, his sons said: “This plaque is a wonderful way to secure the legacy of our father, Eric Irons, as a man who devoted his whole life to serving people of all colours, religion, age and the whole community.

“[Our] father received a number of honours throughout his life, including the OBE, Jamaican badge of honour, an honorary degree from Nottingham University, and first black justice of the peace in Britain. This plaque would have given him equal pleasure.”

Bev Baker, senior curator at the National Justice Museum, said: “We are incredibly honoured to be marking and celebrating the contribution that Eric Irons made to the justice system in Nottingham and his dedication as a campaigner for social justice.

“It’s also fitting that this celebration is taking place on the first day of Black History Month, as it is vitally important to champion diversity in our city and diversity within our justice system.”

This article was written by Owen Bowcott for The Guardian and the original can be viewed here.