1616–1703
Mathematician John Wallis, who is given partial credit for the development of infinitesimal calculus (the mathematical study of continuous change), was born in College Court in 1616, where he lived until 1625, his father being the Reverend John Wallis who became minister of St Mary’s Church, Ashford, in 1612.
Internationally recognised as one of the greatest mathematicians, credited by Sir Isaac Newton as being the founder of his theory of gravity.
He served as chief cryptographer for parliament and the royal court between 1643 and 1689 and is credited with introducing the symbol for infinity!