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Famous figures

Some of Warrington's famous local figures

Old Billy

Said to be the world’s longest-lived horse, was foaled at Woolston in 1760. He spent his working life towing barges along the Mersey and lived to be 62. 

Oliver Cromwell

Stayed in Church Street after his victory over the Royalists. 

Thomas Dallam

(from the then village of Dallam) built an organ on the instructions of Elizabeth l and personally delivered it to the Sultan of Turkey! 

Robert Dudley

Earl of Leicester, favourite of Queen Elizabeth 1, owned Warrington for a short time. 

Chris Evans

Radio and TV presenter. 

Rheinhold Forster

scientist, philosopher and taught at Warrington Academy.  Sailed with Captain Cook 

John Howard

Founder of the Howard League for Penal Reform, lodged in Bridge Street while writing his seminal book attacking the prison system in England and Wales. The book was first published in Warrington. 

Thomas Ireland

Knighted by King James l when the monarch stayed in Bewsey Old Hall in 1617. 

Thomas Penketh

(died 1487), head of the Austin Friars, was mentioned by Shakespeare in Richard III. 

Pete Postlethwaite

Film star who was born Orford. Has appeared in such films as Romeo and Juliet, Usual Suspects and In the Name of the Father. 

Joseph Priestly

Scientist, philosopher and discoverer of oxygen, taught at Warrington Academy. 

Terry Waite

Church Envoy/Beirut hostage 


Related pages: Town history
Date modified: 02/03/2011
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