Here then is our tribute to just some of the town’s acclaimed sons and daughters. It does not proclaim to be the definitive guide – there would be just too many names to cram in – and is merely a flavour of what we have had to offer the worlds of sport, music, broadcasting, fashion, film and beyond.
17. Brian London
Born in West Hartlepool in 1934 before moving to Blackpool aged 16, London was British and Commonwealth heavyweight boxing champion. One of his two world title defeats was to the legendary Muhammad Ali. Died in June 2021. Photo: Other 3rd Party
18. Jemma Lowe
Born in 1990, the former High Tunstall and English Martyrs school pupil followed local legends Margaret Auton and Judith Sirs in representing Great Britain at swimming in the Olympics. Lowe featured at the 2008 and 2012 Games. Photo: John Walton
19. Savannah Marshall
Born in May 1991, Marshall became the first British female amateur world champion in 2012 and also represented Great Britain at middleweight in the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Became undisputed world super middleweight champion after defeating Franchon Crews-Dezurn in July 2023. Photo: Kevin Brady
20. Frank Henry Mason
Born October 1875, he grew up in Seaton Carew before moving to Scarborough and becoming a distinguished maritime artist. He designed iconic railway posters for a host of train firms in the 1920s-1930s. He died in 1965. Photo: Frank Reid