Beaconsfield beginnings: Gaddafi and six other famous names

But the Libyan dictator is not the only noteworthy name to have risen to prominence with a Beaconsfield connection.

Tony Blair first dipped his toes in the Parliamentary waters in the town, where he stood as a Labour MP hopeful in 1982.

The unknown and untested young barrister had a bad start.

Labour's vote was nearly halved from 1979, down to 10.4 per cent.

Blair lost his deposit because his vote was below the 12.5 per cent threshold, but it was said he had fought a good campaign and was selected as Labour candidate again elsewhere.

Another former Prime Minister, with a 'Beacs' connection was Benjamin Disraeli. He was the 1st Earl of Beaconsfield.

The British Empire expanded during his time in power governmen ,and in 1876 he conferred on Queen Victoria the title Empress of India.

World-famous author Terry Pratchett, was brought up in Beaconsfield and began his career working for the Bucks Free Press.

Two other renowned literary figures, hailing from the town were GK Chesterton and Enid Blyton.

Poet, playwright and crime thriller writer GK Chesterton came to Beaconsfield in 1909, and he lived here until his death on June 14 1936.

The then Parish Priest, Monsignor Smith, gave him the last Sacraments and as he lay dying in Top Meadow, Grove Road.

Blyton lived in Beaconsfield for 18 years between 1938 and 1956 where she wrote the majority of her 21 Famous Five novels and her 15 Secret Seven novels.

In 1950 Blyton donated all of her royalties for her novel Before I Go To Sleep to the Shaftesbury Society Babies Home in Beaconsfield which amounted to thousands of pounds and in 1954 she became chairman of the committee.

The road that she used to live on is now called Blyton Close and a replica model of her home stands in Bekonscot Model Village, in Warwick Road.

And one more Prime Ministerial connection - Sarah Brown - wife of recently deposed Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Mrs Brown was born in Beaconsfield in 1963.