Legendary Market Harborough Boxer Honoured With Green Plaque

A champion boxer from Market Harborough has been honoured more than 40 years after his death.

Jack Gardner was crowned heavyweight boxing champion of Great Britain in 1950 and represented his country at the 1948 Olympics.

He died in 1978 aged 52.

A green plaque in his name was unveiled yesterday in the Memorial Gardens – on the side wall of what was the working men’s club where Jack sparred.

His daughter, Jackalyn Bradford-Turner, who also lives in Market Harborough, told Hfm she is extremely proud and delighted to see her dad being honoured in his home town:

Front, Dan Harrison Leicestershire County Council Chairman, Vice Lord Lieutenant Lars Tharp and Stephen Bilbie Chairman of Market Harborough District Council unveil the green plaque in the memorial gardens at Market Harborough.  Pic: Andy Carpenter

Jack Gardner being presented to the then Princess Elizabeth

John Tillotson is chairman of Market Harborough Civic Society nominated him for the green plaque, through a scheme run by Leicestershire County Council, to recognise and celebrate people who have made an important and enduring contribution to the county:

John Tillotson Market Harborough Civic Society, Dan Harrison Leicestershire County Council Chairman, Vice Lord Lieutenant Lars Tharp and Jack Gardner’s daughter Jackalyn Bradford-Turner unveil the green plaque in the memorial gardens at Market Harborough.  Pic: Andy Carpenter

The green plaque in the memorial gardens at Market Harborough.  Pic: Andy Carpenter