Crime fiction
Crime fiction author Hilary Bonner was born and raised in the town. Plymouth Argyle defender Gary Sawyer was born in Bideford. The actress Joanna Tope was born in Bideford, as was Warwickshire county cricketer Tom Allin and the cricketer Matthew Allin. The current Bishop of Norwich Graham James was born in the town. Golfer Jimmy Mullen is also from the town.