Buzz
This year, the legendary city of London has received more recognition than ever before. The key qualification for making this list was being born within one of London’s Boroughs. Consequently, many notable figures tied to the city by their work or legacy—such as Churchill and Dickens—did not appear. The list features a diverse array of personalities, ranging from politicians to musicians to writers, ensuring that no single field takes over the list. With so many worthy candidates, a follow-up list could be on the way…
10. Daniel Day-Lewis Acclaimed Actor
Born: Greenwich, Borough of Greenwich, South-East London, 1957.
Day-Lewis, one of the finest actors of his generation, was born in 1957 into an Irish family in South London. He belongs to an elite group of actors who have received two Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role – one for My Left Foot (1989) and another for There Will Be Blood (2007). His performance as the ruthless oil prospector Daniel Plainview in the latter is considered one of the most chilling in modern cinema, akin to his iconic role as Bill 'the Butcher' Cutting in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York (2002), which also earned him an Oscar nomination. Known for his selectivity, Day-Lewis has starred in only five films since 1997. His upcoming role as President Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's highly anticipated film 'Lincoln' has stirred excitement among moviegoers.
'I do know where I come from. I especially long for south-east London – the gritty areas of Deptford, Lewisham, New Cross, and Charlton – because that’s my turf. But perhaps my bond to it is somewhat sentimental, as exiles often feel about their roots.' (Time Out Magazine, 2008)
Other notable actors from London include Gary Oldman and Christopher Lee.
9. Michael Faraday Renowned for his groundbreaking work in science
Born in Newington Butts, Borough of Southwark, South London in 1791.
Faraday is undoubtedly one of the most renowned scientists in modern history. Often hailed as the man who 'invented' electricity, he was the first to discover electromagnetic induction in 1831 – the key principle behind the electric transformer and generator. According to the BBC, this breakthrough 'was essential in transforming electricity from a mere curiosity into a powerful technology.' Faraday's fame has earned him a place on the back of British £20 notes.
Other distinguished scientists from London include Sir William Crookes and Brian Pippard.
8. John Keats Famous for Poetry
Born in Moorgate, The City of London, in 1795.
John Keats, often referred to as the ‘Cockney’ poet, is regarded as one of the most celebrated figures of the second generation Romantics, alongside his peers Shelley and Byron. Like William Shakespeare, Keats is introduced to most English students early on, with his works remaining a key part of the British secondary school curriculum – a factor that has contributed to his status as one of the most extensively studied poets in English Literature. Despite his immense talent, Keats gained much of his fame after his death. His vivid, sensory imagery, especially in his odes, remains unparalleled, with ‘Ode to Autumn’ standing as perhaps the finest literary portrayal of the autumn season in the English language. Today, tourists can take 'Keats London walks' that trace his life, from his birthplace in Moorgate to his memorial outside Guy's Hospital in London Bridge.
Other notable poets from London include John Milton and Lord Byron.
7. David Beckham Famous for Football (soccer)
Born in Leytonstone, Borough of Waltham Forest, East London, in 1975.
David Beckham has firmly established himself as a British icon of the 21st century and is arguably the most well-known Londoner of today. As a prominent advocate for the London Olympics worldwide, it came as a major surprise to many Team GB fans when he was left out of Stuart Pearce’s squad for the Games. Though he’s earned fame in fashion and modeling, 'Becks' remains most renowned for his football career, having captained the England national team 58 times and participated in three World Cups. One of his most memorable moments on the pitch occurred during the 1999 Champions League final, where his man-of-the-match performance led Manchester United to a dramatic victory over Bayern Munich at the Nou Camp in Barcelona.
'I was born in Leytonstone in Waltham Forest, one of the host boroughs for the London Olympics, and I played football on Hackney Marshes as a kid, so I’m very keen to support the 2012 bid.' (The Telegraph, 2004)
Other famous football-playing Londoners include Bobby Moore and Jimmy Greaves.
6. David Bowie Famous for Popular Music
Born in Brixton, Borough of Lambeth, South London, in 1947.
Although Bowie recently declined an offer to perform at the Olympic Closing Ceremony (a decision more due to his general reluctance to perform live than any political stance), his connection to London spans his entire life. Growing up in Brixton, one of the city’s vibrant multicultural hubs, Bowie became one of pop music's most influential figures of the 20th century, often mentioned alongside The Beatles, Dylan, and The Rolling Stones. He also famously used Heddon Street in Central London for the cover of his iconic 'Ziggy Stardust' album in 1972.
'Bright lights, Soho, Wardour street You hope you make friends with the guys that you meet Somebody shows you round Now you’ve met the London boys Things seem good again, someone cares about you.' (London Boys, 1967)
Other famous London pop stars include Amy Winehouse and Elton John.
5. Clement Attlee Famous for being Prime Minister
Born in Putney, Borough of Wandsworth, South-West London, in 1883.
Among all the notable British Prime Ministers, Attlee arguably had the most profound influence on the country's development, despite being one of the lesser-known figures in this regard. After World War II, Winston Churchill was expected to retain his position as Prime Minister in the 1945 elections due to his legendary leadership during the nation’s 'finest hour.' However, Attlee’s Labour Party triumphed in a stunning victory, largely due to one key policy: The National Health Service. Under Attlee's leadership, the Labour government established a 'welfare state,' nationalizing major industries and, most importantly, creating a universal free healthcare system—an enduring legacy that has been both praised and criticized globally. Attlee was also a staunch supporter of Keynesian economic policies, aiming for full employment, a principle that guided British governments until the Thatcher administrations of the 1970s.
Other notable London Prime Ministers include Harold Macmillan.
4. Queen Victoria Famous for being the Monarch
Born at Kensington Palace, Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, South-West London, in 1819.
It’s fair to say that many English Kings and Queens could rightfully claim a place on this list, but I chose to highlight the monarch who presided over arguably the most significant transformation of London into the modern metropolis we know today. Queen Victoria's 19th-century reign saw Britain harness the power of the Industrial Revolution, which fueled the rise of the British Empire to become the largest in history, with London firmly positioned at its heart. From the early years of Victoria’s reign (1830s) until just after World War I, London stood as the world’s largest city for nearly a century.
Other famous London monarchs include Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
3. Samuel Pepys Famous for being a Londoner
Born on Fleet Street, City of London, in 1633.
No one has arguably contributed more to our understanding of 17th century London than Samuel Pepys. Through his meticulously kept diaries, Pepys documented three pivotal moments in British history: The Great Plague, The Great Fire, and The Second Anglo-Dutch War. As a naval administrator, he also witnessed the execution of King Charles I following the English Civil War. Beyond these crucial eyewitness accounts, Pepys' diaries have provided us with unparalleled insights into the social fabric of 17th century London. For his profound impact on the historical narrative of this great city, Samuel Pepys claims the top spot!
'Having staid, and in an hour’s time seen the fire: rage every way, and nobody, to my sight, endeavoring to quench it, but to remove their goods, and leave all to the fire, and having seen it get as far as the Steele-yard, and the wind mighty high and driving it into the City; and every thing, after so long a drought, proving combustible, even the very stones of churches, and among other things the poor steeple by which pretty Mrs.— lives, and whereof my old school-fellow Elborough is parson, taken fire in the very top, an there burned till it fell down.' (Samuel Pepys Diary, 2nd September 1666)
2. Charlie Chaplin, a legendary figure in the world of entertainment, is renowned for his contributions as both an actor and director.
Born in 1889 in Walworth, South-East London, Charlie Chaplin’s roots trace back to the Borough of Southwark.
A towering figure from Hollywood’s golden era, Charlie Chaplin remains one of the most iconic personalities in cinema. Starting out with silent films and later transitioning to ‘talkies,’ Chaplin was the most recognized figure in the entertainment world during the interwar period. Hailing from a gypsy family and raised in a lively street near one of South London’s busiest markets, Chaplin honed his famous slapstick routines on the Vaudeville stage. Known for his comedic brilliance, especially in his role as ‘The Tramp,’ Chaplin also portrayed gripping dramas, such as his iconic speech denouncing Fascism in ‘The Great Dictator.’ His satire, produced during the rise of Nazi Germany, is still considered one of the greatest in film history, even though Adolf Hitler, a fan of Chaplin, owned all his films.
1. Alfred Hitchcock, a master in the world of film direction, is famous for his groundbreaking work in suspense and thriller movies.
Born in 1899 in Leytonstone, East London, within the Borough of Waltham Forest.
Hitchcock, one of cinema’s most celebrated directors, is regarded as a trailblazer in the suspense and thriller genres. His innovative techniques, which have since become essential in modern horror films, earned him the title of the most influential filmmaker of all time by MovieMaker magazine in 2002. His masterpieces in the 1950s and 1960s, including ‘Vertigo,’ ‘North by Northwest,’ and ‘Psycho,’ are now regarded as timeless classics. Fans of his work can take guided Hitchcock-themed walks through London, visiting iconic film locations such as those featured in ‘The Man Who Knew Too Much.’
Other notable London-based film directors include Michael Winner and David Lean.
