There are a few Hebdens of note in the past who are highlighted on the "ancient" pages but what about "famous" Hebdens of more recent years? I am sure that there are Hebdens who have achieved much to be proud of, even if someone else got to discovering the laws of gravity or how to split the atom first.

Below are a few links to where the Hebden name has made it to the annals of history. If you know any examples of where the Hebden/Hebdon/Ebdon etc name has been brought to the forefront,let me know and I will set up a link.

One of the older examples of Hebden fame is one Thomas Hebdon of the 1600s, who leapt to notoriety through a career of highwayman. In his case, it seems,crime did pay..... THOMAS HEBDON . Which branch he belonged to is unknown.

A more descendant of the Raisgill and Oughtershaw line, MALCOLM HEBDEN is a wonderful character & comedy actor of British stage and screen. His current role as "Norris Cole" on Coronation St brings him to our television screens on a weekly basis. Follow the link to find out a little more about him.

Ok, so snooker isn't everyones cup of tea but even those who aren't fans will probably have heard of the British snooker player PETER EBDON.

And then of course there is the Grand Master of chess MARK HEBDEN.

I was sent the following link the other day and yes, ok, so it is to a chicken but how many Hebdens knew that there is a chicken with the family name? I dont know the history behind the breed but its probably highly likely that it was bred by a Hebden. Thanks to Robert Hebdon for this link. HEBDEN BLACK. If you see a family likeness, be afraid, be very afraid.

Finally, there are also some fictional Hebdens, both called Mark.

Mark Hebden( now deceased) is actually a pen name for the author of the Inspector Pel mysteries.

Another fictional Mark Hebden also appeared as a character in the BBC Radio Four series "The Archers" as husband to Shula Archer. The following genealogy obviously isnt a real one but produced by the Beeb.

Are there any other Hebdens that should be placed on our Gallery of Fame? Please do email me.