Editing Peterborough (section)

== Notable people ==
{{See also|List of people from Peterborough}}
[[File:William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley from NPG (2).jpg|thumb|upright|right|[[William Cecil, 1st Baron Burghley|William Cecil]], 1st Baron Burghley (1520–1598), in [[Order of the Garter|Garter]] robes<ref>[http://www.peterborough.gov.uk/page-5792 Cecil Family, Marquess of Exeter] Peterborough City Council (Retrieved 22 September 2007). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070916115959/http://www.peterborough.gov.uk/page-5792 |date=16 September 2007 }}</ref>]]
Peterborough is the birthplace of many notable people, the astronomer [[George Alcock]], one of the most successful visual discoverers of [[nova]]s and [[comet]]s;<ref>[http://adsabs.harvard.edu//full/seri/JBAA./0111//0000064.000.html Obituary of George Eric Deacon Alcock] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014031857/http://adsabs.harvard.edu/full/seri/JBAA./0111/0000064.000.html |date=14 October 2007 }} Journal of the British Astronomical Association, vol.111 no.2 (pp.64–66) February 2001.</ref> [[John Clare]], from Helpston, the nineteenth century poet;<ref>Robinson, Eric H. [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/5441?docPos=2 Clare, John (1793–1864)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116172138/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/5441?docPos=2 |date=16 January 2013 }} ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/5441}}. Retrieved 10 September 2007).</ref> artist, [[Christopher Perkins (artist)|Christopher Perkins]] – brother of Frank;<ref>Collins, R. D. J. [http://www.dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/default.asp?Find_Quick.asp?PersonEssay=4P9 Perkins, Christopher Edward (1891–1968)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100524131240/http://dnzb.govt.nz/dnzb/default.asp?Find_Quick.asp%3FPersonEssay=4P9 |date=24 May 2010 }} ''[[Dictionary of New Zealand Biography]]'' vol.4 Auckland University Press, 1998.</ref> and Sir [[Henry Royce]], 1st [[Baronet]] of Seaton, engineer and co-founder of [[Rolls-Royce Plc|Rolls-Royce]].<ref>Jeremy, David J. [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/35860 Royce, Sir (Frederick) Henry, baronet (1863–1933)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116172239/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/35860 |date=16 January 2013 }} ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/35860}}. Retrieved 10 September 2007).</ref> Physician, actor and author, "Sir" [[John Hill (author)|John Hill]], credited with 76 separate works in the ''[[Dictionary of National Biography]]'', the most valuable of which dealing with [[botany]], is also said to have been born here.<ref>O'Connor, Barry [http://oxforddnb.com/view/article/13281?docPos=9 Hill, Sir John (bap. 1714, d. 1775)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116185728/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/13281?docPos=9 |date=16 January 2013 }} ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/13281}}. Retrieved 30 September 2007).</ref> The socialist writer and illustrator, [[J. F. Horrabin|Frank Horrabin]], who was born in the city, and was elected as the Labour Member of Parliament in [[1929 UK general election|1929]].<ref>Cole, Margaret [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/33995 Horrabin, James Francis (1884–1962)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116172214/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/33995 |date=16 January 2013 }} (rev. Amanda L. Capern) ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/33995}}. Retrieved 6 October 2007).</ref>

The [[utilitarian]] philosopher, [[Doctor of Divinity|Dr]] [[Richard Cumberland (philosopher)|Richard Cumberland]], was 14th Lord Bishop of Peterborough from 1691 until his death in 1718;<ref>Parkin, Jon [http://oxforddnb.com/view/article/6887?docPos=1 Cumberland, Richard (1632–1718)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116185706/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/6887?docPos=1 |date=16 January 2013 }} ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/6887}}. Retrieved 30 September 2007).</ref> and Norfolk-born nurse and humanitarian, [[Edith Cavell]], who received part of her education at Laurel Court in the Minster Precinct, is commemorated by a plaque in the cathedral and by the name of the hospital.<ref>Daunton, Claire [http://oxforddnb.com/view/article/32330 Cavell, Edith Louisa (1865–1915)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116185713/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/32330 |date=16 January 2013 }} ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/32330}}. Retrieved 30 April 2007).</ref> A gravedigger called Old Scarlett, whose portrait can be seen above the west door of Peterborough Cathedral, is considered a folk hero. He died in 1594 at the age of 98, having spent much of his life as the sexton at Peterborough Cathedral; having buried two monarchs, he has also been suggested as the inspiration for the gravedigger in Shakespeare's ''[[Hamlet]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reed |first=John |date=2005 |title=Old Scarlett: The Gravedigger of Peterborough |url=https://www.timetravel-britain.com/articles/churches/scarlett.shtml |url-status=live |access-date=18 October 2021 |website=timetravel-britain.com |archive-date=17 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210817220124/https://timetravel-britain.com/articles/churches/scarlett.shtml}}</ref> Two prominent historical figures were born locally, [[Hereward the Wake]], an outlaw who led resistance to the [[Norman conquest of England|Norman Conquest]] and now lends his name to several places and businesses in the city;<ref>Mellows, William Thomas (ed.) ''The Peterborough Chronicle of Hugh Candidus'' (p.41) Peterborough Natural History, Scientific and Archæological Society, 1941.</ref> and St. [[John Payne (martyr)|John Payne]], one of the group of prominent Catholics [[martyred]] between 1535 and 1679 and later designated the [[Forty Martyrs of England and Wales]], who was [[Beatification|beatified]] by [[Pope Leo XIII]] in 1886 and [[Canonization|canonised]] with the other 39 by [[Pope Paul VI]] in 1970.<ref>[https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/homilies/1970/documents/hf_p-vi_hom_19701025_it.html Canonizzazione di Quaranta Martiri dell’Inghilterra e del Galles] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204112311/https://www.vatican.va/holy_father/paul_vi/homilies/1970/documents/hf_p-vi_hom_19701025_it.html |date=4 December 2010 }} ''Omelia del Santo Padre Paolo VI'' The [[Holy See]], 25 October 1970.</ref>

Musicians include Sir [[Thomas Armstrong (conductor)|Thomas Armstrong]], organist, conductor and former principal of the [[Royal Academy of Music]];<ref>[[Richard Stoker|Stoker, Richard]] [http://oxforddnb.com/view/article/54713?docPos=4 Armstrong, Sir Thomas Henry Wait (1898–1994)] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116185702/http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/54713?docPos=4 |date=16 January 2013 }} ''[[Oxford Dictionary of National Biography]]'' Oxford University Press, 2004 (subscription required {{doi|10.1093/ref:odnb/54713}}. Retrieved 24 April 2007).</ref> [[Andy Bell (singer)|Andy Bell]], lead vocalist of the [[Synthpop|electronic pop]] duo [[Erasure (duo)|Erasure]];<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/music/gigs/erasure_interview.shtml "Erasure uncovered in Norwich"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614052122/http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/music/gigs/erasure_interview.shtml |date=14 June 2007 }}, ''BBC News Online'', 10 February 2003.</ref> Barrie Forgie, leader of the [[BBC Big Band]];<ref>[http://www.vinylvulture.co.uk/features/bb_funk2.php The Barry Forgie Orchestra] Vinyl Vulture (Retrieved 24 April 2007). {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070416115959/http://www.vinylvulture.co.uk/features/bb_funk2.php |date=16 April 2007 }}</ref> [[Don Lusher]], trombonist and former professor of the [[Royal College of Music]] and the [[Royal Marines]] School of Music;<ref>Voce, Steve [http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article1164544.ece "Obituary of Gordon Douglas Lusher"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930195958/http://news.independent.co.uk/people/obituaries/article1164544.ece |date=30 September 2007 }}, ''The Independent'', London, 7 July 2006.</ref> [[Paul Nicholas]], actor and singer;<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0629417/bio Biography of Paul Nicholas] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170220091900/http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0629417/bio |date=20 February 2017 }} [[Internet Movie Database]] (Retrieved 24 April 2007).</ref> [[Maxim Reality]] and [[Gizz Butt]] of [[The Prodigy]]<ref>Montalbano, Dan [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/author-in-a-spot-of-bother-for-horrible-view-of-peterborough-414064.html "The city of Hereward the Wake"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821154343/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/author-in-a-spot-of-bother-for-horrible-view-of-peterborough-414064.html |date=21 August 2016 }}, ''The Independent'', London, 31 August 2006.</ref> and [[Aston Merrygold]] of [[Brit Award]]-winning pop group [[JLS (Group)|JLS]].<ref>[http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/newsspecialreports/X-Factor-Aston-Merrygold-and.4632607.jp "X Factor: Aston Merrygold and The JLS journey"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218065826/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/newsspecialreports/X-Factor-Aston-Merrygold-and.4632607.jp |date=18 December 2008 }}, ''Peterborough Evening Telegraph'', 27 October 2008.</ref> Comedian [[Ernie Wise]] lived on Thorpe Avenue for many years, next door to Canadian baritone and actor [[Edmund Hockridge]].<ref>Patrick, Neil [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/18/edmund-hockridge "Obituary of Edmund Hockridge: Canadian actor and singer whose life story read like the script of a musical"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927194456/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/18/edmund-hockridge |date=27 September 2016 }}, ''The Guardian'', London and Manchester, 18 March 2009.</ref> [[Jimmy Savile]] also lived in the city in the early 1990s.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/local/tributes_how_sir_jimmy_savile_fixed_it_for_good_causes_in_peterborough_1_3201036 |author=Briggs, S. |title=Tributes: How Sir Jimmy Savile fixed it for good causes in Peterborough |website=Peterborough Telegraph |date=1 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235250/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/local/tributes_how_sir_jimmy_savile_fixed_it_for_good_causes_in_peterborough_1_3201036 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |access-date=5 June 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Other media personalities include actors [[Simon Bamford]], known for the 'Hellraiser' franchise, [[Adrian Lyne]], director of ''[[Fatal Attraction]]'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.imdc.com/name/nm0001490/?ref_=tt_ov_dr |title=Adrian Lyne, IMDb |access-date=2 August 2016 |archive-date=28 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728073248/http://www.imdc.com/name/nm0001490/?ref_=tt_ov_dr |url-status=dead }}</ref> Oscar Jacques, known for playing Tom Tupper in the [[CBBC (TV channel)|CBBC]] Series ''[[M.I. High]]'', [[Luke Pasqualino]], known for his roles in ''[[Skins (TV series)|Skins]]'' and ''[[The Musketeers (2014 TV series)|The Musketeers]]'';<ref>Reinis, Nick [http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/features/Luke-lands-a-skate-role.4904282.jp "Luke lands a skate role in E4's Skins"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203065432/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/features/Luke-lands-a-skate-role.4904282.jp |date=3 February 2009 }}, ''Peterborough Evening Telegraph'', 22 January 2009.</ref> television presenter, [[Sarah Cawood]], who grew up in Maxey;<ref>[https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-112901120 "Inside out: Health Check – Sarah Cawood (Features)"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728073252/https://www.questia.com/read/1G1-112901120/inside-out-health-check-sarah-cawood |date=28 July 2020 }}, ''Liverpool Daily Post'', 3 February 2004.</ref> BBC [[Formula One]] presenter, [[Jake Humphrey]];<ref>[https://archive.today/20120913004916/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/features/Peterborough39s-famous-faces.5520490.jp?articlepage=2 "Peterborough's famous faces"], ''Peterborough Evening Telegraph'', 4 August 2009.</ref> football journalist and [[Talksport]] radio presenter, [[Adrian Durham]];<ref>Kirby, Terry [http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article1222816.ece "Author in a Spot of Bother for 'horrible' view of Peterborough"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520181900/http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/this_britain/article1222816.ece |date=20 May 2007 }}, ''The Independent'', London, 31 August 2006.</ref> and the biologist, author and broadcaster, Prof. [[Brian J. Ford]], who attended the King's School and still lives in Eastrea near Whittlesey.<ref>Pearson, Mark [http://www.brianjford.com/ab05eta.htm "Teaching via the Internet"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071014023021/http://brianjford.com/ab05eta.htm |date=14 October 2007 }}, ''Peterborough Evening Telegraph'', 7 October 2005 (facsimile of p.23 from the Brian J. Ford Website. Retrieved 24 April 2007).</ref> Local businessman, [[Peter Boizot]], founder of the [[Pizza Express]] restaurant chain and [[Deputy Lieutenant]] of Cambridgeshire, has supported the cultural and sporting life of Peterborough and received its highest accolade, the freedom of the city.<ref>Muir, Jonny [https://archive.today/20120912000632/http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/features/Five-are-honoured-with-freedom.3256706.jp "Five are honoured with freedom nominations"], ''Peterborough Evening Telegraph'', 4 October 2007.</ref> The [[thalidomide]] victim [[Terry Wiles]], subject of the 1979 film ''[[On Giant's Shoulders]]'', was born in the city.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/5229 |title=Terry Wiles: Man's Estate – a BBC East documentary from 1980 profiling the life of thalidomide sufferer Terry Wiles – East Anglian Film Archive |access-date=20 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910042049/http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/5229 |archive-date=10 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.terrywiles.20m.com/ |title=The Terry Wiles Website |access-date=20 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615055422/http://www.terrywiles.20m.com/ |archive-date=15 June 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In the sporting world, former [[Tottenham Hotspur]] and [[England national football team|England]] footballer, [[David Bentley]], was born in the city,<ref>[http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=23602&cc=4716 Profile for David Bentley] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071013135522/http://soccernet-akamai.espn.go.com/players/profile?id=23602&cc=4716 |date=13 October 2007 }} ESPNsoccernet (Retrieved 27 May 2007).</ref> as was [[Louis Smith (gymnast)|Louis Smith]], who at the [[2008 Summer Olympics|2008 games]] became [[Great Britain at the Olympics|Great Britain]]'s first gymnast to win an individual Olympic medal in a century.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/gymnastics/7566647.stm "Smith wins historic bronze for GB"] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080818052033/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/gymnastics/7566647.stm |date=18 August 2008 }}, ''BBC News Online'', 17 August 2008.</ref> Chelsea Football player, currently on loan at [[Luton Town]] footballer [[Isaiah Brown]], was born in Peterborough, before joining Leicester City and later West Bromwich Albion, becoming the second youngest player to play in the Premier League.<ref>{{Hugman|23537|Izzy Brown|access-date=26 July 2017}}</ref> [[Harry Wells (rugby union)|Harry Wells]], a [[rugby union]] player for [[Leicester Tigers]] in [[Premiership Rugby]], was born in Peterborough and attended [[The King's (The Cathedral) School]].{{citation needed|date=October 2023}}