Four Of The Most Famous People From York

Situated in the heart of Yorkshire is the historic city of York. Although famous for heritage sites like York Minster, the city also boasts several famous people who have grown up in this historical northern city.

Although every year November 5th is celebrated in his honour, very few people know that Guy Fawkes came from York. Born in 1570 at High Petergate in York, Fawkes grew up to become one of the most famous Catholic revolutionaries in British history.

Guy Fawkes is renowned for trying to overthrow the government and monarchy by blowing up the houses of parliament. Whilst Fawkes failed in his attempts, he did gain significant fame from the event and to this day his attempts are celebrated on Bonfire Night.

Another famous celebrity to come from York is Dame Judi Dench. Judi Dench made her debut back in 1957 when she played Ophelia in the Old Vic's production of Hamlet. Since then she has gone on to much more glamorous roles and is widely considered to be one of the greatest actresses of the 20th and 21st Century. What's more, whilst most of her work has been focused on theatre directing, Dench has become famous in recent years for her role as M in the James Bond films.

Another of York's most famous faces is football manager and former player, Steve McClaren. Born just on the outskirts of York in a village known as Fulford, McClaren has strong ties with York and Yorkshire; his family dating back several centuries within the area.

McClaren is most famous for his role as England football manager during the period of 2006 and 2007 when England were playing to qualify for the Euro 2008 Championships. Since England did not qualify during this period, McClaren's role was discontinued and he is now focusing on career opportunities abroad.

With a career that spans six decades, the late Frankie Howerd joins the list as one of York's most famous celebrities. Born in 1917, Frankie Howerd began his career as a comedian with his service in the army during World War Two.

Most famous for roles in films such as Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and television shows like Superfrank! and That Was the Week That Was, Howerd had a long and prosperous career and is considered to have been one of the greats of British comedy.

Of course, many more famous people were born and bred in York. A trip to the city offers the chance to not only see the sights and relax in the York hotels, but also a chance to see the city that produced national icons like Judi Dench and Frankie Howerd.