Famous People Born In Somerset

Harry Patch was an English soldier who served during the First World War. A supercentenarian, Patch was the last surviving combat soldier to have fought in the trenches during the First World War. At the time of his death, Harry Patch was the world's third oldest man and the oldest man in Europe.

Best known for his bestselling 1962 instrumental hit Stranger on the Shore, British clarinettist Acker Bilk was loved by his fans for his stage presence. Though he focused more on football and boxing in childhood, he was pushed by his parents to learn the piano and later switched to the clarinet.

Born to Stuckey's Bank MD Walter Bagehot was initially part of his father’s shipping and banking business. He later became the editor-in-chief of The Economist and married the publication’s founder James Wilson’s daughter. He penned path-breaking works such as Lombard Street and The English Constitution and co-established National Review.

Diplomat Peter Westmacott had been the British ambassador to the US, Turkey, and France. He had started his career with the Foreign Office and was initially posted in Tehran, Iran. He has been knighted for his achievements and has also received the Legion of Honour.

Tony Ray-Jones was a British photographer best remembered for his efforts to utilize the power of photography for more creative purposes than just capturing places and people. He also strived for exhibiting the mentality and the spirit of the English in order to narrate their way of life through photography. His photographs of leisure activities and festivals convey surreal humor.