The childhood home of Bobby Moore, England's World Cup-winning captain, has been commemorated with an English Heritage blue plaque. The semi-detached house at 43 Waverley Gardens in Barking, east London, where Moore lived from birth until after his England debut in 1962, is the first footballer's home to receive such an honour.
The plaque was unveiled days before the 50th anniversary of the 1966 World Cup final, in which Moore captained England to a 4-2 victory over West Germany at Wembley. His daughter, Roberta Moore, described it as a “wonderful honour” and said: “This is where it all began – kicking a ball out here in the street with his friends before embarking on an incredible journey.”
Moore was signed by West Ham United at age 16, making over 600 appearances. He became the youngest England captain at 22 and remains the only one to lift the World Cup. He died of cancer in 1993, aged 51. The house is listed on both his birth and marriage certificates.
Greg Dyke, outgoing FA chairman and English Heritage blue plaque panel member, called Moore “one of the greatest players this country has ever produced” and “a legend and a true English hero”. West Ham vice-chairwoman Karren Brady described him as the “ultimate local boy done good”.
