A DEDICATED campaigner for social housing in Somers Town has been honoured nearly a century after his death.

Father Basil Jellicoe worked to replace slums around St Pancras and Euston with decent homes in the 1920s and 1930s. His efforts were the beginning of what is now Origin Housing.

On Tuesday, two blue plaques were unveiled for him at St Nicholas flats and Basil Jellicoe Hall. 

Councillor Roger Robinson, who represents St Pancras and Somers Town on Camden Council, said: “Father Jellicoe has never really had proper recognition, so this is long overdue.”

Before the unveiling, Origin’s community development team worked with artist Tiziana Callari to set up an art banner workshop, inspired by Father Jellicoe’s work. Over six weeks, children, elderly people and adults with learning difficulties used various art forms to create tiles expressing their thoughts on community spirit in the 1920s and 30s, and what it means today. 

These tiles form two banners on display at Basil Jellicoe Hall.

Ms Callari said: “When these pieces were finally united together, everyone could see the meaning behind the word ‘community’. Father Jellicoe was a unique character who created something amazing from just a dream. His work has created a strong and positive reality in the community."