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 captivating nature documentaries, particularly the BBC's "Life" collection, he has dedicated his career to exploring and documenting the Earth's diverse flora and fauna. His work has not only educated millions about the natural world but also raised awareness of critical environmental issues, making him a prominent voice in conservation efforts. Attenborough's contributions have significantly shaped public understanding of biology and the importance of preserving our planet.

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 in Isleworth, Middlesex. He grew up in College House on the campus of the University of Leicester, where his father was principal.

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1936: Influence of Grey Owl

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

1945: Attenborough at 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.

1982: Honorary Doctor of Science from Durham University

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

1984: Honorary Doctor of Science from Cambridge University

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

1988: Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Oxford University

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

1997: Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Ghent University

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

1997: Death of Jane Attenborough

In 1997, Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, the wife of David Attenborough, passed away.

1998: Described himself as "a standard, boring 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".

1999: Richard Attenborough's Biopic

In 1999, Richard Attenborough directed a biopic of Archibald Belaney, also known as Grey Owl, who had a strong influence on David Attenborough's views on conservation.

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2002: Publication of "Life on Air"

In 2002, David Attenborough's autobiography, "Life on Air", was published, marking a significant point in documenting his personal and professional journey.

David Attenborough - Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster

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2003: Christopher Parsons Memorial & ARKive Launch

In 2003, Attenborough launched an appeal for a rainforest reserve in Ecuador to memorialize Christopher Parsons, and he helped launch ARKive, a global project to gather natural history media into a digital library.

2005: Backed BirdLife International Project

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

2006: Supported WWF's Borneo Rainforest Campaign

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

March 2009: Appearance on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross

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

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2009: Revision of "Life on Air"

In 2009, David Attenborough's autobiography, "Life on Air", was revised, adding to the original published in 2002.

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: Comment on his Work

In September 2013, David Attenborough commented on his good fortune to be "swanning round the world looking at the most fabulously interesting things" instead of "hewing coal."

2013: Opposing badger cull policy

In 2013, David Attenborough joined 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: Signatory to letter hoping Scotland would remain in the UK

In 2014, David 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 on that issue.

2015: Double Knee Replacement

In 2015, David Attenborough underwent a double knee replacement surgery.

2015: Endorsing Caroline Lucas's parliamentary candidacy

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: Advocacy for Zoological Society of London & Earthshot Prize

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

2020: Campaign Against Deep Sea Mining

In 2020, Attenborough backed a Fauna and Flora International campaign calling for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining due to its impact on marine life.