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Great British Gentleman: Winston Churchill And David Attenborough Beat Beckham

Attenborough

First Posted: 09/12/11 16:15 GMT Updated: 09/12/11 16:28 GMT

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Sir Winston Churchill has been named the greatest British gentleman, with Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry ranking close behind, according to a poll.

The British prime minister, who spearheaded Britain through World War II, came top of a poll of 4,000 people, pioneered by British clothes company Austin Reed.

It would seem Churchill’s observation that ”history will be kind to me for I intend to write it” may have possessed a degree of truth.

Known for his epigrammatic sound bites, "Churchillism’s" have bled into modern conversation. One famous exchange is attributed to Churchill and Lady Nancy Astor:

"Winston, if you were my husband, I'd put poison in your coffee."

"Nancy, if you were my wife, I'd drink it.

The BBC Documentary Frozen Planet has spring-boarded octogenarian Sir David Attenborough onto TV screens once more, his venerable commentary civilising even cankerous polar bears into Englishmen.

It is unsurprising therefore that he was voted second, especially considering his long career in natural history filmmaking. Renowned for his Life series, as well as The Blue Planet and Frozen Planet, many consider Sir David Attenborough a national treasure, though he himself does not care for the term.

A spokesman for Austin Reed, who carried out the poll, said: “Sir Winston Churchill showed unprecedented courage and strength to lead this country and is a worthy choice as the greatest British gentleman.

“In fact, Austin Reed made Winston Churchill’s famous siren suits during the war.

“There were plenty of great contenders for the role, and the results are a pleasing reminder of the number of great characters and personalities that inspire the general public.

“It’s nice to see modern men in the list such as David Beckham, Jenson Button and David Tennant. They all epitomise effortless style and have a real flair for fashion – which is an essential trait for any gentleman.”

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Sir Winston Churchill has been named the greatest British gentleman, with Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry ranking close behind, according to a poll. The British prime minister, who spearhead...
Sir Winston Churchill has been named the greatest British gentleman, with Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry ranking close behind, according to a poll. The British prime minister, who spearhead...
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andyouthink2
18 Fans
12:51 PM on 12/12/2011
Times change,

Churchill in his day yes..

Attenborough most definatley has given the nation more pleasure, and sights of wonderment...beyond any boundaries....he has NO BOUNDARIES...

BOTH these 2 men will live on far far far past anyone on the list, THEIR ACTIONS have shown the world a better place, better aspect and more understanding....

As for Bruiser Forsyth...he is the most selfish 'tv person' ..had to stop watching anything with him in it.....
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Floochi
6 Fans
09:22 PM on 12/11/2011
Sir Winston was typical of his generation.
Changing times have resulted in their being hardly any real gent's left around.
It's a great shame, because it was all part of what made England great.
We are just also rans these days.
The talent is still out there but has been submerged under a pile of rubbish.
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Beeem
20 Fans
09:58 AM on 12/11/2011
Stephen Fry, David Beckham, Jenson Button and David Tennant. Good grief what are we coming to? Why should England tremble?
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Gayle Force Winds
Want some wine with that micro-bio?
187 Fans
11:51 PM on 12/09/2011
(1) The article states that David Beckham, Jenson Button and David Tennant are on the list but their photos are not a part of the slide show; (2) The entire list is not provided so the reader doesn't know whether Colin Firth is fifth on the list...or four thousandth. (3) There's no mention whatsoever of Prince Charles or Prince Philip, both of whom (regardless of what a person's political leanings might be) have been and continue to be great British gentlemen. They deserve to be included in such an article. It is entirely too brief to actually hold interest. I'm taking the time to write a comment because I continue to be frustrated at the quality of writing that gets published under Huffington Post. This particular one does not even have a by-line for the author which makes me even more annoyed. Please bring back the "old fashioned" idea of having editors actually review and approve articles before they're published. That, in my opinion, would improve both the credibility and the readability of the author.
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Vapula
Failure is not an option
1711 Fans
10:30 PM on 12/09/2011
A true British gentleman was Michael Faraday.
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Anonmouse33
The GOP, separating mind and state since 1968.
1114 Fans
07:11 PM on 12/09/2011
to think these 2 great nations could once produce roosevelt and churchill, yet 60 years later also give birth to bush and blair.

times change. apparently as well as our morals.
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andyouthink2
18 Fans
12:41 PM on 12/12/2011
How they must be turning in their grave's....

Both Bush and B.Liar will have the blood stains of ALL those lost due to their actions....

Even their bones will remain stained in their grave!!!!!

One good thing, Bush cant leave his 52 state OPEN PRISON aka USA without fear of arrest...pity B.Liar was in with him.
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