Famous Londoners And Where To Follow In Their Footsteps

Date post added: 28th October 2024

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 or Covent Garden here, we’re focussing on the neighbourhoods that they call (or called) 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 Britain, 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

Known for its urban cool, hipster cafes and underground nightlife, East London’s undergone a huge amount of gentrification. But it’s history is gritty and raw and endlessly fascinating – much like the famous Londoners that came from here.

David Beckham

Possibly the most famous footballer in the world hails from Waltham Forest in East London. These days, the Beckhams’ London base is in Holland Park, right near Richard Branson’s home.

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 Haggerston (near Shoreditch and Hoxton). As kids, their family home was in Bethnal Green. Then, as West End nightclub owners, they were part of the Swinging 60s London scene in Soho.

South London

South London is a truly diverse area that’s full of soul. There’s Greenwich in the east which is full of maritime history and timeless charm. To the west, there’s Brixton with its multicultural food and music scene. Then on the South Bank there are landmarks like the London Eye, the Shard and Tower Bridge. But which famous faces sprung from 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

Known for being posh and expensive, West London has exclusive neighbourhoods like Kensington, Knightsbridge, Richmond and Notting Hill. You’ll find high end boutiques and chi chi cafes, but also vast green spaces like Hyde Park, Richmond Park and Holland Park.

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. For a while, Cheyne Walk in Chelsea was known as Rolling Stones Row as it was home to Mick, Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards. Now 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

Leave behind the bustling West End, saunter through Regent’s Park and you’ll find delightful leafy villages like Hampstead, Primrose Hill, and Islington that attract many celebs. It may sound odd, but Highgate Cemetery is not only a tranquil space but also the final resting place of some famous names.

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’. There’s a statue of her in Stables Market in Camden.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

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

Central London

Wander around Central London and, along with iconic landmarks like Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament, you can discover many 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 and just across the Millennium Bridge from St Paul’s, Southwark is home to Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s been home to some of England’s finest writers. 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. Charles Dickens had Victorian tales to tell from this area too.

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.

Mayfair

Queen Elizabeth II was born in Bruton Street, Mayfair and lived there as a baby. Famous composer, Frederick Handel called Mayfair home for the last 30 years of his life. Oscar Wilde and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber have also had residences here.

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. We also have the Tower of London, Kensington Palace, St James Palace and Hampton Court where you may see the ghosts of historic royals and noble people!

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