Notable people who have a connection with Hoddesdon

Arthur James Balfour

Arthur James Balfour, 1st Earl of Balfour (1848 – 1930)
Conservative politician and prime minister of the United Kingdom 1902 – 1905. Attended the Grange Preparatory School, Hoddesdon.

Francis Maitland Balfour (1851 – 1882)
Comparative embryologist and morphologist, younger brother of the above, also attended Grange School.

William Ellis (1794 – 1872)
Missionary and author. Lived in the town from 1844, and served as a minister to an Independent congregation. Died at his residence on 9 June 1872.

William Christie Gosse (1842 – 1881)
Explorer and surveyor, was born in Hoddesdon, emigrated to Australia in 1850. In 1859 he entered the Government service of South Australia.

William Christie Gosse

John Hoole (1727 – 1803)
Translator, attended school in Hoddesdon.

William Josiah Irons (1812 – 1883)
Church of England clergyman and theological writer. Born in Hoddesdon 12 September 1812.

John Loudon McAdam (1756 – 1836)
Engineer and roadbuilder lived in the town from 1827.

Hugh Paddick (1915 – 2000)
Comedy actor, born in Hoddesdon.

John Loudon McAdam

Colin Pratt (born in Hoddesdon 1938)
Former motorcycle speedway rider.

Richard Rumbold (c 1622-1685)
Cromwellian soldier and conspirator in the Rye House Plot.

Lena Zavaroni (1963-1999)
Popular singer and entertainer. Spent some of her final years in Hoddesdon.