The 'People' List
The 'People' List |
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This is an on-going project and some people may still need be to be found and added.
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Among the notable people connected with Newham are:
Chris Adams (1955 - 2001) - Wrestler, born 10th February 1955 in Stratford, nicknamed 'The Gentleman'. National Judo champion, he became a professional wrestler and headed for the USA, where he later trained WWE Superstar, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin & held the World Class Tag Team Title with his partner, Gino Hernandez. appeared in many wrestling related movies but was well past his 1980s 'star' heyday and awaiting trail on manslaughter charges when shot and killed by a 'friend' in 2001 during a drunken fight at Waxahachie, Texas.
(Sir) Percy Alden (1865 - 1944) - Philanthropist, MP. Founder-warden of Mansfield House University Settlement and West Ham council member & mayor.
Emily Augusta Andrews (1824 - 1862) - Minor poet, lived in Plaistow 1830 - 1841 with her sister after losing parents, married major poet and author Coventry Kersey Dighton Patmore in 1847 and they had six children, later acquainted with Thackeray, Tennyson, etc. She was the inspiration for Patmore's huge poem 'The Angel In The House' and was painted by Millais in 1851.
Percy Allen (1895 - 1965) - Amateur football player, with West Ham United 1919 - 1922, considered top class but never tried at the highest level as he opted to return to work for the local council. Born in West Ham, his son is a local sports journalist.
Dan Bailey (1893 - 1967) - Football player, with West Ham before and after WWI. Born in East Ham and played for Custom House FC before joining Hammers.
Jim Barrett, Sr. (1907 - 1970) - Football player, with Park School, Fairbairn House and West Ham Boys before joining Hammers in 1923. Born in West Ham. Holds the improbable record as having the shortest career in an England shirt - 4 minutes, before being taken off injured in his debut, never to play for his country again.
Jim Barrett, Jr. (1930) - Football Player, Like his father (above) a West Ham born, signed with the Hammers 1950 - 1953. Played for other clubs before becoming an Essex publican.
Michael Barrett ( - 1868) - Involved in the very first terrorist 'bombing' on mainland Britain when he was also the last person in what was then the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland to be publicly executed in 1868 in connection with the bungled attempt at liberating some Irish Fenian prisoners in Clerkenwell Prison. Buried at the City of London cemetery, Manor Park.
Dorothea Beale (1831 - 1906) - Principle of Cheltenham Ladies College and leading advocate of girl's and women's education especially in the teaching sphere. Received her early education in Stratford.
Dave Bickles (1944 - 1999) - Football player for the Hammers 1963 - 1967 before transfer and later lower league and amateur team management. Teaching PE locally, he also maintained links with West Ham United on a part-time basis. Born in West Ham.
Honor Blackman (1926) - Actress. born 22nd August 1926, Cumberland Road, Plaistow. Played Cathy Gale in TVs cult series 'The Avengers' between 1962 and 1964, movie roles included 'Pussy Galore' in the Bond film - Goldfinger.
Stanley Bourne () - Football player. Born in East Ham, Stanley stands out as the only outfield player to wear spectacles while playing 'professional' games with the Hammers. Played for the club 1906 - 1912. Later appeared at reserve level and also for Arsenal during WWI.
Ronnie Boyce (1943) - Football player. West Ham United 1960 - 1972, a crowd favourite nicknamed 'Ticker', born in East Ham. Still has a role with the club.
(Sir) Antonio Brady (1811 - 1881) - Social, Educational and religious reformer, first superintendent of Admiralty. Lived at Maryland Point.
Gary Brooker (1949) - Vocalist & piano player for Procul Harem. Born 29th May 1949. East Ham.
Joe Brown (1941) - 60s / 70s cockney 'Pop' star. born in Swarby, Lincs, but brought up in Plaistow and attended Pretoria SM. UK hits in 1962/3 including: A Picture Of You, It Only Took A Minute and That's What Love Will Do. Appeared with his backing group - The Bruvvers and known for his spiky cropped haircut. visit Joe's Web Site
Ken Brown (1934) - Football player & manager. West Ham United centre-half 1952 - 1967. Later into management with Norwich and now runs a leisure centre in Norfolk. Born in Forest Gate.
Sam Brown (1964) - Singer, born 7th October 1964 Stratford. daughter of Joe Brown (above), has performed with the Jools Holland Band and made 'Just Good Friends' with former Marillion star 'Fish'.
Paul Brush (1958) - Football player. West Ham United 1977 - 1985, born in Plaistow, went into lower league and was 'Basil Brush's' boss in BBC TV's Fantasy League Football programme!!
Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797) - British Statesman, lawyer, writer and politician. MP for Bristol, born in Ireland, lived at Brunstock Cottage - No. 83 Balaam Street 1759 - 1761.
Frank Burrill () - Football player. West Ham United 1911 - 1914, born in Manor Park and played for Fourth Avenue School. Later had even greater success with other clubs after WWI.
Robert Bush (1879 - ) - Football player. West Ham born, with the Hammers 1902 -1906, and played for (the unconnected) West Ham Football Club before joining them. Later transferred to Chelsea FC.
Max Bygraves (1922) - Singer / comedian, born in Rotherhithe 16th October 1922 but apparently spent some of his time after the war in the East Ham area.
George Carter (1900 - ) - Football player. Born and bred in West Ham, played for West Ham Boys, his works team at Green & Silley Weir, then was an early member of the RAF before he signed for the Hammers 1919 - 1927. Retiring injured from football, George worked for Tate & Lyle until his retirement.
Alfred (Alf) Chalkley ( - ) - Football player. West Ham United 1931 - 1937, Born in Plaistow.
Annie Chapman (1841 - 1888) - 2nd victim of 'Jack the Ripper' killed in Hanbury Street, was buried in a 'communal' grave at Manor Park cemetery in September 14th of 1888.
Eddie Chapman (1923 - 2002) - Football player. West Ham United, played 1937 - 1956, then became secretary of the club retiring in 1986. Born in East Ham.
John Charles (1944 - 2002) - Football player. Born in Canning Town, One of the first black players to really impact on the English soccer scene. John played all his West Ham United career in the same defence as Bobby Moore, then turned down transfer offers and left football to become a market trader locally.
Thomas Ebenezer Cleworth (1854 - 1909) - Educational controversialist, rector and canon. Spoke against the Liberal education bill, and fought for Church maintained education, writing many leaflets in favour. Both attended and taught at West Ham Church School.
William Clowes (1540? - 1604). - Surgeon and medical author. Surgeon in the army, navy and at St. Barts, writer, published surgical treatises. Lived at Plaistow.
William Clowes (1582 - 1648). - Surgeon, to Charles I., son of above. Lived at Rokeby House, Stratford..
(Sir) Edward Coke (1552 - 1634). - Judge and writer on Law, MP and Speaker at the House of Commons, very varied fortunes in life and career, for a time imprisoned in the Tower of London (1622). living at Upton in 1598.
Fred Cooper (1934 - 1972) - Football player. Born in West Ham and on West Ham United staff from 1949 and a player during 1957 - 1958. Played and won honours with West Ham Boys, London boys and Essex boys teams and was also in the very first England Boys international at Wembley, conceding a penalty in the first few minutes against Scotland (England still won 8 - 2).
John Travers Cornwell (1900 - 1916). - VC. On 31 May 1916, at the Battle of Jutland, off Denmark, Boy First Class Cornwell, of HMS Chester, was mortally wounded early in the battle, but remained standing alone at a most exposed post, quietly awaiting orders, until the end of the action, with the gun's crew dead and wounded around him. 'Jack' Cornwell had been living in Manor Park when he joined up and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross and buried in Manor Park cemetery. - Visit a page about Jack Cornwell
Tony Cottee (1965) - Football player. After a glittering schoolboy football career became a West Ham United favourite 1983 - 1988, West Ham born 'TC' was transferred to Everton for a club record fee. West Ham re-signed Tony from 1994 to 1996 before he went on the move again.
Chas William Cox (1905 - 1978) - Football player, with West Ham United 1927 - 1932 then joined Southend United. Born in West Ham and still living locally in Stratford when he passed away.
Henry, Duke of Cumberland (1745 - 1790). - The Duke's title left a mark on Plaistow after 1787 when he bought a 17th century country house and estate in the area of what is now Cumberland Road. Brother to King George III, he kept a stable for his racehorses there.
Alan Curbishley (1957) - Football player and manager. Forest Gate born, West Ham player 1975 - 1979. Local school team prodigy that moved on to Birmingham City, Aston Villa and, finally Charlton Athletic, where he is now a successful Premiership manager.
Edmund Curtis (1881 - 1943) - Historian and writer, lecturer and professor. worked (reluctantly) for a time at Silvertown's rubber factory, expressing his melancholy thoughts in verse, some of which were published in the 'London' journal, and a fund was raised for him to further his education, resulting in him later becoming a regius professor at Trinity College, Dublin.
John Curwen (1816 - 1860). - Philanthropist, The man that introduced the 'tonic sol-fah' method of music notation to millions of people, giving them the chance to understand and play music via it's written form. He started the Tonic Sol-Fah College in Forest Gate and the Tonic Sol-Fah Press in Plaistow - this later became the Curwen Press. He was also a Congregationalist Church minister. Lived at Plaistow and Forest Gate.
Windsor Davies (1930) - Actor. born to Welsh parents in Canning Town 23rd August 1930. parts include: 'Probation Officer' TV (Bill Morgan); 'Murder Most Foul' (Sgt Brick); 'Adolf Hitler - My Part In His Downfall' (Sgt MacKay); 'It Ain't Half Hot Mum' TV (Battery Sergeant-Major Tudor Brynne 'Shut Up' Williams); 'Carry On Behind'; 'Carry On England'; 'Never The Twain' (Oliver Smallbridge); Gormenghast (Rottcodd) plus many appearances on film & TV.
Brian Dear (1943) - Football player. West Ham born with two spells at the Hammers between 1962 - 1970, fondly remembered as a prolific goal-scorer for the club.
Alan Dickens (1964) - Football player. Plaistow born Hammers player 1983 - 1989. Initially a local schoolboy player, Transferred to Chelsea then on to other clubs. As far as known, still lives in Barking.
Terrance Dicks (1935) - TV Writer & producer. born 10th May 1935 in East Ham and attended the local grammar school. Writer for 'The Avengers'; 'Dr. Who'; 'Crossroads' & 'Space 1999' among others, produced several 'classic' TV items in the 1980s including 'Oliver Twist', 'Alice In Wonderland' & 'The Diary Of Anne Frank'.
Richard Digance (1949) - Comedian, Songwriter, Born in Plaistow, 1949. see West Ham Fans page.
William Dodd (1729 - 1777) - Writer, cleric and forger, after being struck off as a chaplain was executed at Tyburn for forging a £4,200 bond in the name of his former pupil, the 5th Lord Chesterfield. Lived by Balaam Street between 1752 - 66 and lectured at West Ham parish church.
George Leslie Drewry (1894 - 1918) - VC. Holder of the Victoria Cross won at Gallipoli in WWI. On 25 April 1915 during the landing at V Beach, Cape Helles, Gallipoli, Turkey, Midshipman Drewry and three others of HMS River Clyde, assisted the commander of the ship at securing lighters under very heavy fire. He was wounded in the head, but continued and twice attempted to swim from lighter to lighter with a line. born in Forest Gate 3rd November 1894. Died as a Lieutenant in action at Scapa Flow (Orkneys) 3rd August 1918 and is buried in Manor Park cemetery.
Percy Dunlop (1889 - 197?). - Teacher, in 1972 was the oldest working teacher in the country - aged 83 was still at Star Lane Primary school.
Danny Dyer (1977). - Actor, b: 27 July 1977 in Canning Town and grew up in Custom House and attended Woodside School. Parts include 'Prime Suspect 3' (Martin Fletcher); 'Human Traffic' (Moff); 'Borstal Boy' (Charlie Milwall); The Football Factory' (Tommy Johnson); 'Grand Theft Auto' (Kent Paul).
Catherine Eddows [aka: Kate Kelly] (1842 - 1888) - 4th victim of 'Jack the Ripper', murdered at Mitre Square September 30th 1888, was buried at City of London cemetery.
George Edwards (1693 - 1773). - Naturalist, writer, arrested as a spy by Danes in 1718, later Librarian to Royal College of Physicians. Lived and died in Plaistow, buried in West Ham Churchyard.
David Essex (1947) - Singer and actor, real name David Albert Cook, born Plaistow on 23rd July 1947, appearances include: 'That'll Be The Day' and 'Stardust' (Jim McLaine); 'Silver Dream Racer' (Nick Freeman); 'The River' and Journey Of Honour (Don Pedro). see West Ham Fans page
Elizabeth Ann Everest ( - 1895) - Winston Churchill's beloved childhood 'nanny' who he called 'Woom', born in Chatham, died July 3rd 1895. Churchill paid for her gravestone at the City of London cemetery..
David Farrar (1908 - 1995) - Stage and Film Actor. Born August 21st 1908 in Forest Gate. Film career from 1937 ('Head Over Heels') till retiring to South Africa at the peak of his career in 1960 ('The 300 Spartans'), best known film probably 'Black Narcissus' and played Sexton Blake on film a couple of times.
Marty Feldman (1933 - 1982) - Comedian, TV and Film actor. Born July 8th 1933. Canning Town(?). Roles 'Young Frankenstein' (Igor). Died in Mexico City hotel of a heart attack on December 2nd 1982.
Ted Fenton (1914 - 1992) - Football player and manager. Managed West Ham 1950 - 1961 and played for the club before WWII. Born in Forest Gate and played for Odessa Road School and West Ham Boys as a youngster.
(Sir) Thomas Foot ( - ) - Lord Mayor of London during the 'Commonwealth' period (1649), knighted by Cromwell and made a baronet by King Charles II. Lived at Hyde House in Plaistow High Street..
Bryan Forbes (1926) - Movie Actor / writer / director. Stratford born, real name John Theobold Clarke, married to both Constance Smith and Nanette Newman (not at the same time), appeared in many films including such classics as 'An Inspector Calls', 'The Colditz Story' and 'The League Of Gentlemen'.
Alec George Foreman (1914 - 1969) - West Ham born England footballer with a fragmented Hammers career 1939 - 1946, Second-to-none wartime playing record, scoring 190 goals in 202 games.
John Fothergill (1712 - 1780). - Quaker physician and botanist, created one of the finest botanical gardens in Europe at Ham House, the gardens of which are now the location of West Ham Park.
Elizabeth Fry (1780 - 1845). - Social reformer. A Quaker born in Norfolk that campaigned against prison conditions, including those at the notorious Newgate Prison. Lived for the last 16 years of her life at 'The Cedars' (formerly 'Upton House') in the Portway and was visited there by royalty including Frederick William IV of Prussia among others. Her image is on the current £5 note and the Home Office HQ contain a building named after her.
Thomas Frye (1710 - 1762). - Painter, engraver and china manufacturer. produced portraits of royalty (George III, Queen Charlotte, etc.) and famous people of the time. Friend of Joshua Reynolds. Worked in West Ham opened new Bow porcelain factory by Stratford High Street (Marshgate Lane).
Greer Garson (1904 - 1996) - Actress. Born September 29th 1903. Manor Park. Roles include 'Goodbye Mr. Chips' (Katherine), 'Mrs. Miniver' (Kay Miniver), 'Pride and Prejudice' (Elizabeth Bennett) and 'Madame Curie' (Marie Curie), Died April 6th 1996 in Dallas.
V.W.T. (Vivian) Gibbins (1901 - 1979) - Amateur football player, West Ham (1921 - 1932) and England, born in Forest Gate, attended Godwin Road school and was a teacher by profession becoming headmaster of Harold Road School.
George Glover (1854 - 1936) - Forger of archeological artifacts. Lived at West Ham.
Noele Gordon (1923 - 1985) -
Actress. born December 25th 1923 in East Ham, Parts include: '29 Acacia Avenue'
(Mrs Wilson); 'Lisbon Story' (Panache) and of course - 'Crossroads' (Meg
Richardson / Mortimer).
Died of cancer in Birmingham, 14th April 1985.
Jimmy Greaves (1940) - Football player. A true soccer legend, born in East Ham but spent much of his career as an international class striker with Chelsea, AC Milan and Tottenham Hotspur, joining the Hammers in the twilight of his playing days (1970 - 1971), Many consider Jimmy to be simply the greatest goal scorer ever.
Ernie Gregory (1921) - Football player. Stratford-born, one club man who joined the Hammers staff in 1936, a great goalkeeper who played 1946 - 1960 before continuing to serve the club in a coaching capacity.
Peter Grotier (1950) - Football player. Hammers goalkeeper 1969 - 1974. born in Stratford.
Samuel Gurney (1786 - 1856) - Philanthropist, criminal code reformer. Brother of Elizabeth Fry, lived at Ham House.
James Keir Hardie (1856 - 1915). - Miner. Journalist, Politician. born in Lanarkshire. The first ever Labour Member of Parliament and first leader of the Labour Movement, Elected in 1902 as MP for the South West Ham constituency, and caused outrage at Westminster by turning up in a 'working class' flat cap and workman's suit.
Paul Heffer (1947) - Football player. Born within earshot of Hammer's Upton Park ground, a tall elegant centre-half whose career (1967 - 1969) was shortened by injury.
Aaron Hill (1685 - 1749). - Dramatist, friend and correspondent of Alexander Pope and wrote words to several Handel pieces, producing plays and operas. Lived at Plaistow and is buried at Westminster Abbey.
Stanley Holloway (1890 - 1982) Film and stage actor. Born 1st of October 1890 in Manor Park, East Ham. His first job was at Billingsgate fish market. Films include: Sing As We Go (1934); Major Barbara (1941); This Happy Breed (1944); Brief Encounter (1945); The Winslow Boy (1948); and as Alfred P Doolittle in My Fair Lady (1964). Died in Littlehampton, 1982.
Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844 - 1889). - Jesuit priest, university tutor and poet, born at 87 The Grove, Stratford on July 28th 1844, living there for the first eight years of his life. Graduated from Oxford (in Classics and 'Greats'), later ordained and worked as a priest all over Britain including many 'slum' areas. Hopkins destroyed his early work believing it inconsistent with being a Jesuit priest, but later was able to accept writing poetry alongside his beliefs. He died of typhoid fever on June 8, 1889, his last words were, "I am happy, so happy."
Luke Howard (1772 - 1864) - Quaker and scientist, pioneer in meteorology, lived for a time at Chesterton House in Balaam Street (later a part of Howards Road maternity hospital). Founded Howard & Sons Chemical Co. Howard's Road is named after him.
Chris Hughton (1958) - Football player. Forest Gate born, mainly with Spurs and Ireland, joined West Ham United 1990 - 1992.
Archie Hull (1902 - 1978) - Amateur football player, rated as 'best centre-half in London', who played just twice for West Ham in 1928 but won many accolades with various amateur sides. A good singer and was a chemist by trade
Tommy Inns (1911) - Football player. Born in Plaistow. Played full-back for Hammers 1932 - 1934, transferred to Millwall where his career prospered. A commercial artist, he designed the cover of Millwall FC supporter's publications.
(Sir) Richard Jebb (1729 - 1787). - Physician to King George III, friend of Wilkes and Churchill, born in Stratford..
William Kaine (1900 - 1968) - Football player. Born in East Ham, and joined Hammers from an amateur Dagenham team for 1924 - 1925 before moving on to Spurs.
(Sir) Reginald Kennedy-Cox () - Founder of the Dockland Settlements organisations.
(Mrs.) Anna Kingsford (1846 - 1888) - (nee Bonus) Doctor of medicine and religious (mystic) writer. wrote stories for the 'Penny Post', owned and edited the 'Lady's Own Paper'. Born in Stratford.
Frank Lampard (1948) - Football player. Born in East Ham, a tough Hammers stalwart with over 660 appearances for the club. Also had a period as assistant manager at Upton Park.
Harry Landis (1929) - Actor. born in East Ham, Parts include: 'A Hill In Korea' (Pt Rabin); 'Dunkirk' (Dr. Levy); 'Doctor In Distress'; 'Bar Mitzvah Boy' (Solly) & 'Eastenders' (Felix Kawalski), plus appearances in many others.
Stanley Lebor (1934) - Actor. born 24th September 1934 in East Ham, Parts include: 'Oh! What A Lovely War'; 'Up The Front'; 'A Bridge Too Far'; 'Flash Gordon' & 'Superman IV' (General Romoff), plus appearances in many others.
Joseph, (Lord - 1st Baron) Lister (1827 - 1912). - Surgeon and president of The Royal Society. Founder of modern antiseptic surgery, was born in Upton House in Upton Lane, and received the Honorary Freedom of the Borough in 1908.
Kevin Lock (1953) - Football player. Top class defender for West Ham United 1972 - 1978, moved on to Fulham. Born in Plaistow.
(Sir) Thomas Lodge (? - 1584). - Merchant and Lord Mayor of London - 1553, Sheriff of London - 1556. Chartered ships to 'sail and traffic in the ports of Africa and Ethiopia' which is said to have possibly inaugurated the 'slave trade'. Living in West Ham in 1583.
(Dame) Vera Lynn (1917). - Singer. Real name - Vera Margaret Welch. Born in East Ham Vera was born on March 20, 1917, her parents lived on Thackeray Road. 4 years later the family moved to a flat on Ladysmith Avenue. Vera's father was the MC at the East Ham Working Men's Club where she first performed as a child. 'Forces Sweetheart' during WWII, she acted in three films during the war but also appeared as herself in others afterwards.
John McDowell (1951) - Football player. Versatile defender for West Ham United 1969 - 1979, moved on to Norwich. Born in East Ham.
Malcolm McFee (1949 - 2001). - Actor. Born in Forest Gate, best known for his parts in 'The Fenn Street Gang' and 'Please Sir', many other appearances in 'Minder', 'The Bill', 'The Sweeney', 'Birds Of A Feather', 'Goodnight Sweetheart' and 'The Detectives', etc. made him a very familiar face on TV during the 1970s / 80s.
Alexander McQueen (1970). - Fashion designer. Real name - Lee. Lived in Stratford, attended Rokeby School and Newham College. dubbed 'enfant terrible' by the fashion press, manipulated his own career to become one of the youngest to achieve the title 'British Designer of the Year' in 1996 and again jointly in 1997.
(Sir) Patrick Manson (1844 - 1922) - Physician and parasitologist, expert on tropical diseases, instituted school of medicine in Hong Kong which developed into university, instrumental in founding the London School of Tropical Medicine at the original Seamen's Hospital building near the Connaught in Custom House. dubbed the 'Father of Tropical Medicine'.
Andy Malcolm (1933) - Football player. West Ham United attacker 1953 - 1962, born in Upton Park. Transferred to Chelsea and later emigrated to South Africa.
Steve Marriott (1947 - 1991) - Born January 30th 1947 in Bow, Small Faces co-founder member, later with Humble Pie. Later lived in Strone Road, Manor Park., and worked in a local music shop where he met Ronnie Lane. Also played in 'Oliver' and a couple of lesser movies after attending drama courses at the Theatre Workshop, Stratford East as a youngster. Died in a fire at his Essex home April 20th 1991.
Frederick Massey (1883 - 1953) - Football player. Transferred from Tottenham to Hammers 1909 - 1912. Born in East Ham.
Patrick Mullane (1858 - 1919) - VC. Born in India, as a Sergeant in the Royal Horse Artillery won the VC on 27th July 1880 at Maiwand during the 2nd Afghan War, 'Mullane's battery was on the point of retiring and the enemy was within 10 or 15 yards when he ran and picked up a wounded man and placed him on the limber, unfortunately the man died almost immediately. Also, during this retreat, the Sergeant offered to procure water for the wounded and did so only by going into one of the villages in which so many men lost their lives'. Achieved the rank of Sergeant Major, Mullane died on 20th November 1919 in Plaistow and was buried in Leytonstone.
(Dame) Anna Neagle (1904 - 1986) - Stage and Film Star. Born Florence Marjorie Robertson, 20th October 1904 in Glenparke Road, later brought up in Upton Lane, Forest Gate. Britain's top box-office star from 1945 to 1952 who married film producer/director Herbert Wilcox and together they were the highest earning couple in British films. Films include: Bitter Sweet (1933); London Melody (1937); Nurse Edith Cavell (1939); No No Nanette (1940); Spring In Park Lane (1948); King's Rhapsody (1955). In the Guinness Book of Records for her 2,062 consecutive appearances on stage in 'Charlie Girl' which ran from 1965 to 1971. A cousin of the Queen via her descent from an illegitimate daughter of Queen Victoria's uncle. Died in Surrey, buried in the City of London Cemetery.
Bill Nelson (1929) - Football player. Born in Silvertown, made just two appearances for West Ham United 1954 - 1955 before moving to QPR.
Norman Newell OBE. (1919 - 2004) - Songwriter/producer & impressario. Born in Liddon Road, Plaistow, later living in Humberstone Road. Worked with, and friend to many stars, including Noel Coward, Paul Robeson, Johnny Mathis, Dorothy Squires, Peggy Mount, Sabrina, Frankie Howard and Mrs. Mills. Wrote lyrics for hit songs for Shirley Bassey (This Is My Life & Never, Never, Never), Matt Monroe (Portrait Of My Love), and Petula Clark (Sailor), winning awards including a Grammy, an Emmy, Golden Globes, Ivor Novello (3) and an Oscar nomination for 'More' from the 1963 film Mondo Cane which was recorded by many top artistes including Frank Sinatra. Died in Mayfair 2004.
Mary Ann (Polly) Nichols (1846 - 1888) - 1st victim of 'Jack the Ripper', died August 31st 1888 at Bucks Row, Whitechapel, was buried at the City of London cemetery.
Roger O'Donnell (1955) - Keyboard player with 'The Cure' rock group, born in Forest Gate on 29th October 1955, and attended Odessa Road and Stratford Grammar Schools.
Andi Osho (1973) - Actress. born 27th January 1973 in Plaistow, parts include: 'Waking The Dead'; 'Sea Of Souls'; 'Eastenders'.
(Sir) John Henry Pelly (1777 - 1852) - Governor of Hudson Bay Co. with several places named after him in Canada. Knighted by Queen Victoria. Inherited Upton Manor estate and influential in local affairs. Pelly Road named after him.
Ron Pember (1934) - Actor. born Plaistow 11th April 1934. Parts include 'Cathy Come Home' (Mr. Jones); 'Poor Cow' (Petal); 'Julius Caesar' (cobbler); 'Young Winston' (fireman). Retired after a stroke in 1992.
Martin Peters (1943) - Football player. Born in Plaistow. One of the West Ham United trio that 'won the 66 World Cup'. A Hammers star 1962 - 1970 before transferring to Spurs.
Brian Poole (1941) - Born November 2nd 1941 in Barking. Lead singer of 60s group 'Brian Poole and the Tremeloes', but left the band in 1966 to try unsuccessfully at a solo career, joining his families butcher's business in Manor Park.
A.E. (Dickie) Pudan () - Football player. Born in Canning Town, an early West Ham player 1900 - 1903 before moving on to several other clubs and finally becoming a successful businessman in the midlands.
Harry Reeve (1893 - 1958) - Boxer. British Light Heavyweight Champion 1916 - 1917, a major shrapnel wound during WWI ended his short reign although he continued to box up to 1934. Lived and died in Plaistow. - Visit a page about Harry
Steve Roberts (1972) - Boxer. WBF Light Middleweight World Champion, up to March 2002 unbeaten in 28 fight professional career since 1995, West Ham born.
Mark Robson (1969) - Stratford born, West Ham United winger 1992 - 1993. Transferred to Charlton.
John Joseph Sims (1835 - 1881) - Winner of the Victoria Cross. Born in Bloomsbury, during the Crimea War, on 18th June 1855 Private Sims of the 34th (later The Border) Regiment left the comparative safety of the trenches at Sebastopol in order to rescue wounded comrades under heavy fire in broad daylight. Sims died in the City of London's Union Workhouse on 6th December 1881 and was buried at Manor Park's City of London cemetery in a 'common' grave. A gravestone to his memory was erected in 2003.
Mark Smith (1961) - Football player. Just one appearance for West Ham United before injury ended a promising career. West Ham born.
Terry Spinks (1938) - Boxer. At just 18 years old became 1956 Olympic flyweight gold medallist. Had 200 amateur fights and 49 professional of which he won 41. Received the MBE in 2002 New Years Honours List.
Johnny Speight (1920 - 1998) - Writer / Actor. born 2nd June 1920 in Canning Town. Comic scriptwriting includes working with: Frankie Howard, Arthur Haynes, Eric Sykes & Jasper Carrott among others, created the hit comic series 'Til Death Do Us Part' and the spin offs. Acted in just a few parts including 'The Plank' (as a chauffeur). Died of cancer on 5th July 1998 in Chorleywood, Hertfordshire.
Terence Stamp (1939) - Actor. Born in Stepney but lived in both Bow and Plaistow while growing up. a 60s icon dating Jean Shrimpton and Brigitte Bardot among many others. roles in Modesty Blaise (1967), Poor Cow (1967) and Far From The Madding Crowd (1967), later General Zod in Superman II (1980), and in 1984 delivered what many consider his finest performance as the supergrass in Stephen Frears' The Hit. A few minor but colourful roles, topped by his performance as the drag artist, Bernadette, in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994), have put Stamp back into the British movie scene in recent years.
Elizabeth Stride ( - 1888) - 3rd victim of 'Jack the Ripper', whose body was found in Duffield's Yard, Berner Street. Buried at East London Cemetery.
Roy Stroud (1925) - Football player. Injury prone West Ham United player 1952 - 1956. born locally in West Ham.
Sir William Stukely (1687 - 1765) - London Antiquary, FRS. FRCP., author of medical, antiquarian and other works, friend of Sir Isaac Newton. Although not known as a local was buried at his own request 'in East Ham Churchyard' (St. Mary Magdalene).
Michael Tabor. () - Millionaire businessman, one of the richest men in Britain and Derby winner owner (2 so far - 2002), brought up in East Ham and attended East Ham Grammar school. Made a bid to 'take over' West Ham United in the mid 1990s causing the incumbent directors to reappraise the spending strategy for the club.
Edward Harry Temme.(1905 - 1978) - Swimmer. The first man to swim the English Channel in BOTH directions (France (Cape Gris) to England (Dover) - 5th August 1927 in 14 hours 29 minutes at his first attempt, and England to France - 1934 in 15 hours 54 minutes), Born in Stratford Road, Plaistow. He was a member of Plaistow Swimming Club, who were based at Balaam Street Baths and an Olympic water polo player.
Percy Thompson (1890 - 1922) - Murder victim interred in City of London cemetery, Manor Park. Said to have been killed by his wife Edith and her lover Freddy Bywaters in Ilford, and they were executed for the crime, but now many people feel that a miscarriage of justice took place and she at least was innocent. It is also possible that Edith Thompson (brought up in East Ham) was in fact pregnant when she was hanged at Holloway. A film - 'Another Life' - about Edith, was released in 2001.
William James (Will) Thorne (1857 - 1946) - Labour leader and activist. Established National Union of Gas workers and General Labourers (later National Union of General and Municipal Workers) after joining Beckton Gas works, obtaining eight-hour day for gas workers. Later MP for West Ham South and Council member for over 50 years.
Dick Turpin (1706 - 1739) - Highwayman. Is said to have spent a short time in the early 1730s employed by a 'local' farmer from whom he stole livestock at the start of his criminal career, also hid out in the 'east end' of London. Born near Saffron Walden, executed in York.
Reg Varney (1916) - Comedy actor, born in Addington Road, 11 July 1916, attended Star Lane school and entertained in working men's clubs as a youngster before joining the army and from there into forces entertainment, appearances include: 'Rag Trade' (Reg); 'Beggar My Neighbour' (Harry Butt); 'On The Buses' (Stan Butler) and 'The Plank' (Window Cleaner). One piece of little known trivia is that Reg was the first-ever customer to use a 'Hole-in-the-Wall' cash dispenser, when he 'opened' the original ATM machine installed by Barclay's in Enfield on 27th June 1967, withdrawing £10. Reg apparently is now retired to his home in Dorset dividing his time with a villa in Malta.
David John Vigiland (1826 - 1946) - Seaman, who is mentioned here because his father - John - had his body brought from Africa, where he had died and been buried in a military cemetery and had him interred in the City of London cemetery (1952) and commissioned a beautiful memorial of Sicilian marble, weighing 50 tons, to be carved and dedicated to his son (1955). The memorial depicts Christ being lowered from the cross, and the cemetery had it refurbished in 2003.
Henry Wainwright ( - 1875) - Murderer. Leading a double life with two families and finding finances getting tight, Wainwright killed his 'second wife' Harriet Laine in Whitechapel, he thought he had 'disposed' of her body in a lime-pit but instead had 'preserved' it and enabled it to be identified, he was actually caught while trying to transport parcels containing parts of her body. Buried in City of London cemetery, Manor Park. Wainwright's brother Thomas was convicted of 'accessory after the fact' and got seven years.
Billy Walker (1939) - Boxer. British and European Heavyweight title contender in the late 60s, winning 21 of 31 professional fights. Born in Plaistow?
George Watson (1907 - 1991) - Football player. Hammers goalkeeper `1932 - 1935, born in Forest Gate, also won trophies at swimming.
Bert Weedon OBE. (1920) - Guitar virtuoso. born East Ham 10th May 1920 see Bert's own Web Site. Hits include 'Guitar Boogie Shuffle' to 'Tokyo Melody', plus his tremendously popular guitar teaching records and books started many of today's great players on their musical careers.
Kate Williams (1942) - Actress / Director. Attended Latham Junior and East Ham Grammar schools in East Ham. Appearances include films - 'Poor Cow' (Beryl) 1967; 'Quadrophenia' 1979; and 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' 1993. TV - 'Love Thy Neighbour' (Joan Booth); 'On The Buses'; 'Please Sir' and the 'Widows' series. Many stage involvements including being a director of the Stratford East company.
Danny Williamson (1973) - Football player. Hammers 1994. born in West Ham.
Catherine Wilson ( - 1864) - Victorian poisoner and mass murderer. between 1853 and 1862, as a 'nurse' befriended and killed several wealthy patrons including her husband. Hanged at Newgate by public execution in 1864. Buried at the City of London cemetery, Manor Park.
Dan Woodards (1886 - 1964) - Football player. West Ham 1907 - 1921. Born in East Ham, formally played for Plashet Lane school, East Ham Excelsior, and St. Ethelburg's. Became club groundsman, and was the only person present when a V1 bomb blew a hole in his beloved pitch in 1944.
John Terence (Terry) Woodgate (1919 - 1982) - Football player. With West Ham 1939 - 1952, born in East Ham, 'guested' for many clubs during WWII while in the Royal Artillery. Became a publican.
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