The Attenborough connection
Leicester enjoys a special connection with the Attenborough Family, known across the world for their work in wildlife conservation, broadcast, and theatre.
Frederick Attenborough (Sir David, Lord Richard and John’s father) became the second principal of University College Leicester in 1932. Sir David and the late Richard, Lord Attenborough have come to be known as national treasures – though Sir David has gone on record to say he does not like the term.
The Attenborough Family lived on the campus in College House for almost 20 years – and the building the brothers spent their childhood in remains on site to this day. A keen eye can also pick out carvings made by a young John on the side of the small cottage facing Victoria Park.
A third generation of the Attenborough Family now works closely with the
University, with Michael Attenborough CBE – son of the late Lord Richard – patron of the Attenborough Arts Centre. Michael joined his uncle Sir David in the dedication of Centenary Square, which serves as the centre of the main Leicester campus.
The landmark 18-storey Attenborough Tower is also named for the family’s immeasurable contribution to our history.
In celebration of the University’s Centenary, Michael has voiced an audio tour of the main campus, where he recounts tales of his ‘Grandpa Fred’ and ‘Granny Mary’ and their commitment to education and the realisation of the full potential of every Leicester student.
He also remembers how his father
Richard once locked a young David in one of the padded cells of the former Leicestershire and Rutland County Lunatic Asylum, now the Fielding Johnson Building.