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Maidstone's Greatest - did you agree with our poll?

By: Bob Bounds

Published: 09:29, 05 October 2009

Updated: 09:31, 05 October 2009

Tony Hart

The KM has published its list of the people who have shaped our town.

Top of the list in the paper's current issue is Wat Tyler, leader of the peasant's revolt against the original poll tax in 1381.

The list was put together, with the help of readers and a panel judges, as part of the KM's 150th anniversary celebrations this year.

It included two prime ministers - Disraeli and Callaghan - a European Cup winner (David Sadler), a Doctor (Who - Tom Baker) and a Royal Surgeon to King Henry VIII (Thomas Vicary).

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Second and third in our list was TV artist Tony Hart and 12 times Mayor of Maidstone Sir Garrard Tyrwhitt-Drake, respectively.

Explorer Julius Brenchley was fourth with Disraeli fifth, Sadler sixth and literary critic and essayist William Hazlitt seventh. Satirist Ralph Steadman was eighth followed by (possibly portentiously) the Prime Minister who never won a General Election, Jim Callagan.

Tenth was celebrated wildlife photographer Cherry Kearton.

But where were the likes of Ross Kemp and Shaun Williamson, both with strong links to the town? Should Ann Widdecombe have been higher up?

The debate has only just started. Let us know what you think.

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