Our county has long produced heroic men from all walks of life, from science to sport and culture to comedy.
We look at some of the most outstanding talent.
13. Geoffrey (Geoff) Boycott
The Test cricketer, who played cricket for Yorkshire and England. In a prolific and sometimes controversial playing career from 1962 to 1986, Boycott established
himself as one of England’s most successful opening batsmen. He was born in the mining village of Fitzwilliam, between Wakefield and Pontefract. Photo: GettyImages
14. Alan Bennett
Born in Armley, Leeds, he is one of our finest playwrights and screenwriters of, to name but a few, Talking Heads, A Private Function and The History Boys.
15. Simon Armitage
English poet, playwright and novelist who was appointed Poet Laureate on 10 May 2019.
He is professor of poetry at the University of Leeds. He grew up in Marsden.