The most famous faces from the South East London borough of Greenwich have been revealed and the result may come as a surprise!

An interactive map created by researcher and geographer Topi Tjukanov shared the birthplaces of the most 'notable people' around the world, including Greenwich. 

It showed the area's most notable names and biggest stars, from legendary musicians to notable artists. 

You can explore the map and view the noteworthy people from hometowns all over the world in four different categories:

  • Culture
  • Discovery & Science
  • Leadership
  • Sports & Games

You can try out the map now via the website

News Shopper:

Who are the most famous people from Greenwich?

Dame Vanessa Redgrave

Academy award-winning actress Dame Vanessa Redgrave was born in Greenwich in 1937 and has a career that spans over six decades. 

Dame Vanessa has stared on the big screen and stage, gaining over six Oscar nominations and winning Best Supporting Actress for Julia in 1977, she is also known for being the voice of the mature Jennifer Worth in BBC's Call the Midwife. 

Queen Elizabeth I

The former Queen and daughter of King Henry VII and Anne Boleyn were born in the Palace of Placentia which is also known as the Greenwich Palace but no longer stands today.

Queen Elizabeth I reigned for nearly 50 years, from 1558 until 1603 and is most remembered for being the 'Virgin Queen' due to her resistance to being married off and having children. 

Sir Richard Branson

Business mogul Sir Richard Branson is best known for being the co-founder of the global business empire, Virgin Group.

Sir Richard's Virgin Group now controls more than 400 companies from airlines, rail, hotels, music and much more.

Steve Harley

Steve Harley was best known as the singer-songwriter and the frontman of rock group Cockney Rebel.

Harley had many hits throughout his career including 'Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)' and 'Mr Soft'.

The singer lead the group from 1972 until his death on March 17 2024, aged 73.


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Arthur Locker

Novelist and journalist Arthur Locker also grew up in Greenwich and was most known for his work based on his experiences visiting Australia. 

Some of his books include Sweet Seventeen, On a Coral Reef and Stephen Scudamore the Younger.