Composer. Born 15 Theobalds Road, of a mixed race couple, his father being a Sierra Leonean Creole, and brought up in Croydon. His surname was Taylor and he was given the names Samuel Coleridge in honour of the poet. He later inserted the hyphen himself. 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast' (part of the choral work 'Song of Hiawatha'), was first performed in 1898 and became immensely successful in his lifetime. He named his son, born 1900, Hiawatha. Actively involved in promoting the cause of Black people worldwide. Died aged 37 of pneumonia at home, Aldwick, St Leonard's Road, Croydon. More information at
The first Black recipient of an English Heritage blue plaque.
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