In pictures: Famous people from Leamington throughout history
Here are some of the best known names who have had or have a connection to the town
By Oliver Williams
Published 27th Jan 2023, 22:14 BST
Updated 30th Jan 2023, 12:13 BST
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
The Courier and Warwickshire World have put together a list of some of the most famous or best known people from Leamington throughout history.
Among them are sporting stars, a hero soldier, an elephant trainer, a writer, an artist, an actress, an actor, a Formula 1 team owner and an occultist.
Aleister Crowley was born in Leamington in 1875. He was an occultist, philosopher, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He was also branded as evil and egotistical, a raging genius, and a messiah of anti-Christianity Few people in modern history generated as much controversy, shock, and scandal as Aleister Crowley. British writer and 'magician' Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947). (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Photo: Hulton Archive
10. 1921: British scientist and pioneering pathologist Sir Bernard Spilsbury (1878 - 1947), at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)
Born in Leamington in 1877, Sir Bernard Henry Spilsbury was hailed as ‘the greatest pathologist of the age’ by UK medical journal, Lancet. He became the foremost medical detective of his day and was called to give evidence for the Crown in over 200 murder trials over a period of 30 years. He was appointed as Honorary Home Office Pathologist. 1921: British scientist and pioneering pathologist Sir Bernard Spilsbury (1878 - 1947), at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London. (Photo by Topical Press Agency/Getty Images) Photo: Topical Press Agency
11. Famous people from Leamington
During his successful career professional footballer and former North Leamington School pupil Ben Foster has played as a goalkeeper for West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City, Watford and Manchester United as well as the England national team. He was part of League Cup winning teams at total of three times for both Manchester United (twice) and Birmingham between 2008 and 2011. More recently, Ben has set up a very successful podcast and Youtube channel called Ben Foster - The Cycling GK. Photo: Picture supplied
12. Actor and broadcaster Norman Painting holding his OBE, after receiving his investiture from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London, March 16th 1976. (Photo by Stan Phillips/Fox Photos/Getty Images)
Norman George Painting OBE was an English actor, broadcaster and writer. He was born in Leamington in 1924. He played Phil Archer in the BBC Radio 4 soap opera The Archers from the pilot episodes aired in 1950 until his death in 2009 - This set a Guinness World Record for an actor playing a continuous role which he held posthumously until it was surpassed by co-actor Lesley Saweard and co-star Patricia Greene. Actor and broadcaster Norman Painting holding his OBE, after receiving his investiture from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, London, March 16th 1976. (Photo by Stan Phillips/Fox Photos/Getty Images) Photo: Stan Phillips