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, natural historian, and author. He is most renowned for his groundbreaking nature documentary series, the 'Life' collection, produced in collaboration with the BBC Studios Natural History Unit. These comprehensive series offer an extensive exploration of animal and plant life across the globe. Attenborough's work has significantly raised awareness of environmental issues and the importance of conservation, making him a leading voice in promoting understanding and appreciation for the natural world.

Sections (5)

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

May 1926: David Attenborough Born

In May 1926, David Frederick Attenborough was born in Isleworth, Middlesex. He grew up in College House on the campus of the University of Leicester, where his father, Frederick, was principal.

Others born on this day/year

1936: Lecture by Grey Owl

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

1945: Scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge

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

1947: National service in the Royal Navy

In 1947, David Attenborough was called up for national service in the Royal Navy and spent two years stationed in North Wales and the Firth of Forth.

1950: Marriage to Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel

In 1950, David Attenborough married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel. They later had two children, Robert and Susan.

1997: Death of Jane Attenborough

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

1998: Attenborough Describes Himself as "Left-Wing Liberal"

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

2002: Publication of Life on Air

In 2002, David Attenborough's autobiography, Life on Air, was published, marking a significant milestone in documenting his life and career.

David Attenborough - Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

Check it on Amazon

2003: Rainforest Reserve Appeal

In 2003, David Attenborough launched an appeal for the World Land Trust to create a rainforest reserve in Ecuador in memory of Christopher Parsons.

2005: Supported BirdLife Project

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

2006: Supported WWF Campaign

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

March 2009: Attenborough on Evolution and Belief in God

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

2009: Revision of Life on Air

In 2009, David Attenborough revised his autobiography, Life on Air, likely incorporating new experiences and reflections since the original publication.

David Attenborough - Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

Check it on Amazon

June 2013: Pacemaker Fitted

In June 2013, David Attenborough had a pacemaker fitted.

September 2013: Remarks on Continuing Work

In September 2013, David Attenborough commented on his good fortune in continuing to explore the world and its interesting phenomena.

2013: Attenborough Joins Musicians in Opposing Badger Cull

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

2014: Attenborough Supports Scotland Remaining in the UK

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

2015: Double Knee Replacement

In 2015, David Attenborough underwent a double knee replacement.

2015: Attenborough Endorses Green Party's Caroline Lucas

Prior to the 2015 UK general election, David Attenborough was one of several celebrities who endorsed the parliamentary candidacy of the Green Party's Caroline Lucas.

2020: Advocated for ZSL

In 2020, David Attenborough advocated on behalf of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and its conservation efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was also named as a member of the Earthshot Prize Council.