The Guardian from 1977 to 1993 and biographer of Andre Previn was born there and attended Westcliff High School for Boys. John Horsely (1920–2014), actor, was born there. Wilko Johnson (1947-2022) guitarist, singer and songwriter attended Westcliff High School for Boys and lived there until his death. Frank Matcham (1854–1920), theatre architect, retired to 28 Westcliff Parade, Westcliff-on-Sea and died there in 1920. Hugh Sells (1922–1978), first-class cricketer and Royal Air Force officer. Sir Bernard Arthur Owen Williams FBA (1929 – 2003), English moral philosopher. References Populated coastal places in Essex Seaside resorts in England Southend-on-Sea (town)