Holborn - Notable People

Notable People

The following is a list of notable people who were born in Holborn or are significantly connected with Holborn.

• Sir John Barbirolli conductor, was born in Southampton Row (Blue Plaque on hotel his father managed)
• Thomas Chatterton (1752–1770), English poet born in Bristol died in a garret in Holborn at the age of 17. A posthumous darling of the Romantics, he is now remembered as 'the marvellous Boy' (Wordsworth). The Victorian Henry Wallis returned to Chatterton's Brooke Street room to paint George Meredith, the novelist, in a now frequently copied pose of the dead poet (Tate Britain).
• Anne Radcliffe (1764 - 1823), novelist and most renowned author of the Gothic novel, was born in Holborn.
• Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (1875–1912), composer, born at 15 Theobalds Road. Won international acclaim for his works especially the Song of Hiawatha Trilogy.
• Charles Dickens lived in Doughty Street where there is a museum
• Naomi Lewis (1911–2009), advocate of animal rights, poet, children's author and teacher, lived in Red Lion Square 1935-2009.
• Eric Morley, founder of Miss World was born in Holborn.
• John Shaw Jr - (1803–1870); born in Holborn, Shaw was an English architect of the 19th century who was complimented as a designer in the "Manner of Wren".
• Barry Sheene MBE - (11 September 1950 – 10 March 2003); spent his early years in Holborn, Sheene was a British former World Champion Grand Prix motorcycle road racer.