Famous Londoners And Where To Follow In Their Footsteps

Date post added: 10th October 2022

One of London’s greatest attributes is its history. Everywhere you go, there are stories to be found – in its buildings, its streets, its open spaces and, of course, its houses. London is teeming with famous people and it has been for centuries. We’re not talking celeb-stalking in Soho here, we’re focussing on the places that they call home.

Here, we list some of our legendary famous Londoners. Admittedly, we only touch the tip of the iceberg that is London legends. Some are Londoners, born and bred. Others may originally be from other parts of the United Kingdom, but they chose to make London their home.

Our famous Londoners:

• David Bowie
• John Boyega
• David Beckham
• Ronnie and Reggie Kray
• Michael Caine
• Amy Winehouse
• Sir Paul McCartney
• Sir Mick Jagger
• Tom Hardy
• Elizabeth Taylor
• Dame Joan Collins
• Charlie Chaplin
• Alfred Hitchcock
• Charles Dickens
• Samuel Pepys

East London

David Beckham

Possibly the most famous footballer in the world hails from Waltham Forest in East London. David Beckham may spend more time in the US now, but he’s a Londoner at heart.

Michael Caine

With his distinctive Cockney accent, it’s no surprise that actor Michael Caine is a born and bred Londoner. He was born in Rotherhithe and went to school in Hackney.

Alfred Hitchcock

The legendary filmmaker, Alfred Hitchcock was born in Leytonstone. The renowned film director also has a Blue Plaque in Cromwell Road, Kensington where he lived with his wife.

Ronnie and Reggie Kray

East London was the stomping ground for the Kray twin gangsters. Ronnie and Reggie were born in Hoxton. Then, as West End nightclub owners, they were part of the Swinging 60s London scene.

South London

Charlie Chaplin

Born in Walworth, Charlie Chaplin’s childhood in London was defined by poverty and hardship. He was sent to a workhouse twice before he was 9. He went on to be an icon of silent cinema.

David Bowie

Did you know that South London was home to the music icon, David Bowie? He came from Brixton and 60s South London was a great influence on his music.

John Boyega

The Star Wars trilogy actor grew up in Peckham. When he’s in the area, he’s been known to head to Frank’s Bar with its incredible panoramic views of London.

West London

Dame Joan Collins

The screen star may be a Hollywood icon, but she comes from Paddington. The British film star grew up in Maida Vale and still has a London pad now (along with homes in LA, New York and France).

Sir David Attenborough

Natural historian, broadcaster and actual ‘National Treasure’, Sir David Attenborough is a West Londoner. He was born in Hounslow and now lives near Richmond Park.

Sir Mick Jagger

The Rolling Stone was born just outside of London in Dartford, but London has been his home for decades. Richmond is his home, near to his friends and fellow rockers, Ronnie Wood, Pete Townshend and Brian May.

Tom Hardy

Known for his hard man roles in Peaky Blinders and The Dark Knight Rises (Batman), Tom Hardy was born in Hammersmith. He studied drama in Richmond, so he’s clearly fond of West London.

North London

Sir Paul McCartney

We know that the iconic musician is famously from Liverpool, but he’s had a home in St John’s Wood since 1965. He probably fell for the area whilst recording with The Beatles at Abbey Road Studios.

Amy Winehouse

The late singer-songwriter is intrinsically linked to her home in North London, Camden. She described the area as her ‘playground’.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

The legendary actress began life in leafy Hampstead. However, she left for the US at the age of 7 with her family.

Central London

Central London is rife with the offices and abodes of literary greats, politicians and royalty – both past and present. These are just a few to explore.

Fleet Street

Fleet Street has been associated with printing from as far back as 1500. You’ll find a Blue Plaque there for the diarist, Samuel Pepys whose writings provided us with wonderful insights into London history including the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague.

Southwark

Set beside the River Thames, Southwark is home to Shakespeare’s Globe. The Bard himself lived there for a while (he wasn’t always in Stratford-upon-Avon!). Geoffrey Chaucer drank in pubs in the Borough area.

Bloomsbury

This fashionable area of the West End is a literary hub. You’ll find a Charles Dickens Museum in Bloomsbury even though his stories reflect many London areas. JM Barrie lived there and set Peter Pan in the area. Other great local novelists include Virginia Woolf, WB Yeats and Dorothy L Sayers.

Westminster

This one falls into the ‘obvious’ category, but you’ll find many a politician and states person in Westminster. No 10 Downing Street has been the home and office to Prime Ministers including William Gladstone, Clement Attlee, Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher.

Buckingham Palace

We can’t guarantee you’ll get a glimpse of an HRH, but the Royal Family have had residences in London for centuries. Buckingham Palace has been the official royal residence since Queen Victoria’s reign. Queen Elizabeth II referred to it as “the office”, preferring to live at Windsor Castle.

If you want to find out some hysterical historical stories about royal hideaways and bolt holes, you must take the Past The Palace tour.