John Barber (1919–2004), former Finance Director of Ford of Europe and Managing Director of British Leyland.[14] Sir Philip Cunliffe-Owen (1828–1894), curator and Director of the South Kensington Museum in London lived at Hamlet Court.[15] Sir Edwin Arnold (1832–1904), poet and journalist, lived at Hamlet Court from 1878.[15] E. Power Biggs (1906–1977), concert organist was born there.[16] Robert Williams Buchanan (1841–1901), poet, novelist and playwright, lived at Hamlet Court from 1884.[17] Frank Matcham (1854–1920), theatre architect, retired to 28 Westcliff Parade, Westcliff-on-Sea and died there in 1920.[18]