‘I’ve known people with exceptional talent – and some have wasted it. Ambition spurs a man on.’
Cricketer. Presenter.
Born in Fitzwilliam, West Yorkshire.
Geoffrey Boycott
‘It takes courage to recognize the real, as opposed to the convenient.’
Actor.
Born in York, North Yorkshire.
Dame Judi Dench
‘I am proud that I was made in Yorkshire, and I am proud of the things we make in Yorkshire. Britain should be proud of that, too.’
Politician. Author.
Born in Batley, West Yorkshire.
Jo Cox (1974-2016)
‘Courage is the art of being the only one who knows you’re scared to death.’
Politician. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Born in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Harold Wilson Baron Wilson of Rievaulx (1916-1995)
‘Do just once what others say you cannot do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again.’
Explorer. Navigator. Cartographer. Naval Captain.
Born in Marton-in-Cleveland, North Yorkshire.
Captain James Cook (1728-1779)
‘When do you feel most alive? When you are a tiny bit away from death.’
Presenter. Journalist. Farmer. Game Show Host.
Born in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Jeremy Clarkson
‘Were I fit for another world, how gladly I would go there.’
Lesbian. Diarist. Landowner.
Born in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Anne Lister (1791-1840)
‘You’ve got to ensure that the holders of an opinion, however, unpopular, are allowed to put across their points of view.’
Stateswoman. Speaker of the House of Commons of the United Kingdom.
Born in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
Betty Boothroyd, Baroness Boothroyd
‘A desperate disease requires a dangerous remedy.’
Soldier. Alférez. Political Conspirator.
Born in York, North Yorkshire.
Guy Fawkes (1570-1606)
‘It is vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquillity: they must have action; they will make it if they cannot find it.’
Novelist. Poet.
Born in Thornton, West Yorkshire.
Charlotte Brontë (1816-1855)
‘Sometimes all you need is a big leap of faith.’
Actor.
Born in Handsworth, South Yorkshire.
Sean Bean
‘Singing is an arduous business and it needs sacrifices.’
Soprano Singer. Musician. Author. Presenter.
Born in Thorne, West Yorkshire.
Lesley Garett
‘You owe it to all of us to get on with what you’re good at.’
Poet. Editor. Playwright. Critic. Librettist.
Born in York, North Yorkshire.
W.H. Auden (1907-1973)
‘This book is dedicated to all those who fell by the airside, for nothing is wasted, and every apparent failure is but a challenge to the courage of others.’
Pilot. Pioneer.
Born in Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire.
Amy Johnson (1903-1941)
‘No one expects to attain to the height of learning, or arts, or power, or wealth, or military glory, without vigorous resolution, strenuous diligence, and steady perseverance.’
Politician. Abolitionist. Philanthropist.
Born in Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire.
