ILFRACOMBES' FAMOUS PEOPLE

Henry Williamson

(Author of Tarka the Otter -to name just one)

lived for many years close to capstone hill near the Quay

Lord Nelson

not a local but did stay at the Royal Brittania Hotel on the Quay

John Lapenotiere

Born in Ilfracombe and famous for being the messenger bringing news of the victory at Trafalgar and the tragic news of the death of Nelson

Jonathan Edwards

LINK1 

LINK2

Olymic Champion.. I have added a number of links as I have not found a official site

THE RED PETTICOATS

Our famous dance group who carry on the red petticoat tradition.  Legend has it that around 1750 Betsy Gammon with other local ladies put their red petticoats around their shoulders and fooled the French invading force into thinking that a troop of soldiers were waiting on the clifftop, so saving the town

Damien Hirst

Artist/musician

Not a true local but lives in Coombe Martin and has Tapas bar on the Quay here

Lady Hamilton

again not a local but did stay at the Royal Brittania with Nelson

JASON TWIST OUR WORLD CHAMPION POOL PLAYER

NEWS

James Allen 1864 - 1912- Author

KAISER BILL

History records that he stayed at the Ilfracombe hotel and in August 1878 was involved in a set-to with one Alfred Price, the son of the owner of beach huts on Rapparee beach.  Locals still claim this was the real reason for world war one.

Joan Collins

Evacuated here during the 2nd world war with her sister,Jackie.

List Of Ilfracombe People

This is a list of some notable individuals who are associated with Ilfracombe in some way, alphabetically within categories.

Academics

* Thomas Harriot - the quintessential Renaissance Scholar, who in September 1607 observed a comet from Ilfracombe which would later be identified as Halley's Comet.

Actors/Actresses

* Peter Sellers - where he first set foot on stage
* Joan and Jackie Collins - who went to school in the town

Architects

* George Wightwick - designer of Watermouth Castle

Artists

* Damien Hirst - local patron, founder of the No 11 the Quay restaurant.

* Thomas Stukley - an English adventurer who served in combat in France, Ireland, and at the Battle of Lepanto, raised the son of Sir Hugh Stucley, of Afheton, near Ilfracombe

* John Bowen - a naval officer and colonial administrator born in Ilfracombe on the 14th February 1780.

Musicians

* Harry Williamson (born May 12 1950) - a British musician, producer and inventor born in Ilfracombe and Son of Henry Williamson

Politicians

* Anna Catherine Parnell - Irish nationalist who drowned in the town and sister of Charles Stewart Parnell

Sportsmen/women

* Jonathan Edwards - world champion Triple jump athlete.
* Jason Twist - two times world champion at seven ball pool

Writers

* Emily Francis Strong - British amateur author and art historian, popular writer on art, particularly French, born in Ilfracombe in 1840.

* Henry_Williamson - (December 1, 1895 - August 13, 1977), prolific English author known for his natural and social history novels. He lived in a small cottage in the town.

* Coulson Kernahan (1858-1943) - an English novelist born at Ilfracombe.

* James Allen (November 28, 1864 - 1912) - a writer of inspirational books and poetry. At age 38, he retired from employment and he and his wife moved to a small cottage in Ilfracombe to pursue a simple life of contemplation. There he wrote for 9 years producing over 20 works.

* Philip James Bailey (April 22, 1816 – September 6, 1902) - Ilfracombe was once home to this English poet and author of Festus.

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