Early Life and Education of David Attenborough: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of David Attenborough, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Sir David Attenborough is a highly influential British broadcaster, biologist, and natural historian renowned for his extensive work in nature documentaries. Beginning with Zoo Quest in 1954, he has written, presented, and narrated numerous acclaimed series, including The Life Collection and the Planet Earth franchise. A pioneer in wildlife filmmaking, Attenborough has won BAFTA Awards across various formats and received numerous honorary degrees and Emmy Awards. He is also an environmental advocate, raising awareness about conservation and the impact of climate change.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

May 1926: David Attenborough's birth

In May 1926, David Frederick Attenborough was born. He is a British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and writer, and would become known as the host of Zoo Quest in 1954.

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1936: Attenborough and brother attend lecture

In 1936, David Attenborough and his brother Richard attended a lecture by Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney) at De Montfort Hall in Leicester, and were influenced by his advocacy of conservation.

1945: Attenborough wins scholarship to Clare College

In 1945, Attenborough won a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, to study geology and zoology.

1947: National service in the Royal Navy

In 1947, Attenborough was called up for national service in the Royal Navy.

1950: Attenborough marries Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel

In 1950, Attenborough married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel.

1970: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Leicester

In 1970, David Attenborough was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of Leicester.

1980: Attenborough receives Honorary Fellow from Clare College, Cambridge

In 1980, Attenborough received the title Honorary Fellow from Clare College, Cambridge.

1980: Attenborough is honoured by the Open University

In 1980, Attenborough was honoured by the Open University, with which he has had a close association throughout his career.

1982: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University

In 1982, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Durham University.

1984: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge

In 1984, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Cambridge.

1988: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Oxford

In 1988, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Oxford.

1990: Involvement in "Prisoners of Conscience"

In 1990, David Attenborough worked on the BBC's "Prisoners of Conscience" series, highlighting the case of Sudanese poet Mahjoub Sharif.

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1997: Attenborough receives honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ghent University

In 1997, Attenborough received an honorary Doctor of Philosophy degree from Ghent University.

1997: Death of Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel

In 1997, Attenborough's wife, Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, passed away.

1998: Attenborough describes himself as a "standard, boring left-wing liberal"

In 1998, Attenborough described himself as "a standard, boring left-wing liberal" and expressed the view that the market economy was "misery".

1999: Richard directs biographical film

In 1999, Richard directed a biographical film of Belaney entitled Grey Owl.

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2003: Launch of Rainforest Reserve Appeal and ARKive Project

In 2003, David Attenborough launched an appeal for the World Land Trust to create a rainforest reserve in memory of Christopher Parsons and helped launch ARKive, a global digital library of natural history media.

2004: Convinced of Human Influence on Climate Change

After a 2004 lecture, David Attenborough was convinced that humans were responsible for climate change.

2005: Support for BirdLife International Project

In 2005, David Attenborough backed a BirdLife International project to stop the killing of albatross by longline fishing boats.

2006: Spoke out about climate change

In 2006 David Attenborough spoke out about climate change for the first time after being silent on the issue.

2006: Support for WWF's Borneo Rainforest Campaign

In 2006, David Attenborough supported WWF's campaign to have 220,000 square kilometres of Borneo's rainforest designated a protected area.

March 2009: Attenborough discusses evolution and belief in God

In March 2009, Attenborough appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross and stated that he felt evolution did not rule out the existence of a God and accepted the title of agnostic.

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2010: Attenborough awarded Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University

In 2010, Attenborough was awarded Honorary Doctorates from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Nottingham Trent University.

January 2013: Attenborough has collected 32 honorary degrees

By January 2013, Attenborough had collected 32 honorary degrees from British universities, more than any other person.

June 2013: Attenborough has a pacemaker fitted

In June 2013, Attenborough had a pacemaker fitted.

September 2013: Attenborough comments on his fortunate position

In September 2013, Attenborough commented on his fortunate position of "swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things."

2013: Attenborough opposes badger cull

In 2013, Attenborough joined Brian May and Slash in opposing the British government's policy on the cull of badgers in the UK, participating in a song dedicated to badgers.

2014: Attenborough supports Scotland staying in the United Kingdom

In 2014, Attenborough was one of 200 public figures who signed a letter to The Guardian expressing their hope that Scotland would vote to remain part of the United Kingdom in the referendum.

2015: Attenborough has a double knee replacement

In 2015, Attenborough underwent a double knee replacement.

2015: Attenborough endorses Caroline Lucas

In 2015, Attenborough was among several celebrities who endorsed the parliamentary candidacy of the Green Party's Caroline Lucas prior to the general election.

2020: Support for Global Moratorium on Deep Sea Mining

In 2020, David Attenborough backed a Fauna and Flora International campaign calling for a global moratorium on deep sea mining.

2020: Advocacy for ZSL and Appointment to Earthshot Prize Council

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, David Attenborough advocated for the Zoological Society of London and was named a member of the Earthshot Prize Council.

2020: Advocacy for Reduced Meat Consumption

In his 2020 documentary film David Attenborough: A Life On Our Planet, David Attenborough advocated for people to adopt a vegetarian diet or to reduce meat consumption to save wildlife.

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2021: Attenborough addresses G7 leaders on climate change

In 2021, Attenborough told the leaders of the 47th G7 summit that tackling climate change was as much a political challenge as a scientific one and urged for more action, stating that we are on the verge of destabilising the entire planet.