Martin Ward Biography

Poet, composer, martial artist and veteran athlete. Martin Ward is a member of the well-known Ward family of Derby that includes the former England footballer Peter Ward; Singer-songwriter Lucy Ward; artist Nicola Ward and Ultra Marathon Runner Richard Ward. Martin Ward won the John Nicholson Prize in 2011 for his poem 'Saltaire at 13 o'clock'. His poetry reflects many interests: Human nature; the natural world; Marathon and fell running; love; history and faith. Has featured in Derbyshire press for his ancestry tracing: Martin is descended from King Edward 1 and the Plantagenets, and is a distant cousin of HM King Charles111, Boris Johnson and Elvis Presley. George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) is Martin's 2nd cousin 5X removed and George Orwell (Eric Blair) is Martin's 5th cousin.