Colchester: Five interesting people linked to the city

However, the city and its rich history also has strong links to a whole host of other brilliantly interesting people - from comic book writers to poets. 

Here is a list of some of the current and historical people who you may not have known have associations with Colchester.

City - Colchester's High Street (Image: Steve Brading)

Pat Mills

Patrick Mills, 74, is a reputable comic book writer and ex-journalist who has been active since the 1970s.

The creative called Colchester home for several decades up until 2015 when he departed for the sunny skies of Spain where he now resides permanently.

Most notably Pat, as he’s also well-known as, was one of the co-creators of the Doctor Who comic strip, The Star Beast, which he penned alongside John Wagner with art by Dave Gibbons, in the 1980s.

The comic has recently been adapted by Russell T Davies for Doctor Who’s recent 60th anniversary episodes which aired throughout December.

Creative - Pat Mills with the Doctor Who character The Meep (Image: Pat Mills)

Jane Taylor & Ann Taylor

Author Jane Taylor and her sister Ann were poets and authors during the 18th century and lived in Colchester after having moved from Lavenham, Suffolk.

In 1806, Jane and Ann wrote the lyrics for Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, a nursery rhyme which is widely known across the globe.

The nursery rhyme was included in their book, Rhymes for the Nursery.

A statue of the pair is set to be unveiled in the city centre in April 2024.

Statue - The design for the forthcoming Jane & Ann Taylor statue (Image: Newsquest)

Dr John Cooper Clarke

74-year-old poet and comedian, Dr John Cooper Clarke, can often be bumped into around Colchester as he lives in the area.

Originally from Salford, Lancashire, the poet has lived in Colchester for more than 25 years.

The self-titled ‘punk poet’ started his career in the 1970s and has spent his career performing his work in numerous different countries.

Most notably, Dr Clarke's poem I Wanna Be Yours was previously adapted by rock band Arctic Monkeys and has appeared on many TV shows.

Poet - Dr John Cooper Clarke performing recently at an Open Road event (Image: Open Road)

William Gilbert

The medical professional William Gilbert was born in Colchester in 1544.

He was known as the chief physician to Queen Elizabeth I.

Interestingly, not only was he a man of medicine, he was also curious about science and is known as the first person to coin the word electricity, and conducted experiments in electromagnetism.

William died in 1603.

Chris Morris

The comedian, radio presenter, actor, and filmmaker, was born in Colchester, June 1962.

Having been active from 1986 onwards, the satirist has appeared in many different comedy shows such as The IT Crowd and I’m Alan Partridge, and also directed the 2010 film, Four Lions.

Chris now lives in London with his family.