Runcorn - Notable People

Notable People

Individuals from Runcorn who have gained entry into the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography include Sir John Chesshyre (1662–1738), a prominent lawyer, Nathan Alcock (1707–79), a noted physician, and his brother Rev. Thomas Alcock (1709–98), Vicar of Runcorn, and writer and cider maker. Thomas Hazlehurst (1779–1842) founded one of the two major soap and alkali manufacturing businesses in the town, Hazlehurst & Sons. His son Thomas Hazlehurst (1816–76) was involved with the business. He was a Methodist who paid for the construction of 12 chapels and 3 schools in the area.

Thomas Henry Hall Caine (1853–76), a novelist and playwright, was born in Runcorn. Thomas Alfred Jones (1880–1956) was awarded the Victoria Cross and the Distinguished Conduct Medal during the First World War. John Holt (1918–2009), Professor of Experimental Physics at Liverpool University who played a part in the development of the atom bomb, was born and educated in Runcorn. In more recent times the classical pianist Martin Roscoe was born in Halton Village in 1952. The singer and Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh (born 1976) often spends her weekends in Runcorn spending time with her family. The boxer Robin Reid (born 1971) attended secondary school in Runcorn, a place he identifies as his home town. The singer Nicola Roberts (born 1985) from the British girl band, Girls Aloud, also comes from Runcorn. The actor Raymond Waring, grew up in Runcorn. Susan Nickson, (born 1982), writer and creator of the television sitcom Two Pints of Lager, which is set in Runcorn, was born in the town. Comedian John Bishop (born 1966) spent part of his teenage years in Runcorn.