Southampton is rich with history at every turn, and even though you might have noticed whilst walking around the city that there is a lot of maritime history and medieval walls, there’s also a sparkle in the air.
From our base as a luxury student accommodation in Southampton you could soon be following the path of some of Southampton’s famous sons and daughters. Here, we put together a list of famous people from Southampton, some who were born and raised here, others who made it their home as a sporting great, and those who are University of Southampton Alumni.
Who knows, someday you might be on this list!
Craig David
Where better to start than with a star of the early 00s. Craig David is a singer-songwriter who came to fame providing the vocals on the Artful Dodger track “Re-Rewind” that reached number 2 in the UK singles chart in 1999.
Southampton who’s ready for my first homecoming show this week?! This is gonna be 💥💥💥 Tix here, get them quick! 👊🏽 https://t.co/fNmhCrxvGC pic.twitter.com/LmxLRzIBfS
— Craig David (@CraigDavid) August 30, 2017
This was followed up by a string of top 10 hits from his debut solo album, including songs like “ Fill Me In”, “7 days” and “Walking Away”.
Craig David has gone on to amass a string of hits over the years – 20 UK top 40 singles – and nominations and awards – 2 Grammy Award Nominations and 14 Brit Award Nominations.
Benny Hill
Benny Hill was a genuine global superstar, with the famous The Benny Hill Show running from 1955 to 1991 making him the most popular comedian in the world for a long period of time from the mid-1970s.
He came from a family of circus clowns, so it was only natural that he would end up with a hit television show that was screened in over 100 countries and he once said about his universal appeal that “I can get my face slapped in six different languages”.
He is best known for his love of the double entendre, and the visual gag of being chased around by scantily clad young women, which might not have worked in the modern era, but it is recognisably him worldwide.
Scott Mills
Another famous son of Southampton is Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills.
In Southampton seeing my dad this mornin,he had a knee op yesterday! Then London for show this afternoon on radio 1
— Scott Mills (@scott_mills) April 29, 2010
He was born in the city in 1974 and has been the sound of the nations favourite radio station, hosting the popular ‘drive time’ show for many years with his ‘The Scott Mills Show’. Mills took a professional risk back in 2001, being honest about his homosexuality at a time when it was not always a given to be open, and in 2007 was listed as the 41st most influential gay person in Britain.
Foxes
Louisa Rose Allen, or Foxes as she is professionally known, is most popularly known for her collaboration with Zedd on the single “Clarity”, as well as with her own single “Youth”.
Back in my hometown today filming…#iamcold @ southampton http://t.co/T9HUpNZjJp
— Foxes (@iamfoxes) December 11, 2013
Clarity was responsible for Foxes winning a Grammy Award in 2014 for Best Dance Recording, and she continues to write and record music.
Matt Le Tissier
Although not born and raised in Southampton Le Tissier is one of its most famous adopted sons. He could just be the best footballer to never win a trophy, having stayed on the books of the Saints for 16 seasons during his professional career.
Had a great day at the site for @CLIC_Sargent’s new ‘Home from Home’ in Southampton. A vital service for families going through a really tough time. Please support their appeal: https://t.co/7LNVlZGhOM pic.twitter.com/tne71TLB2I
— Matt Le Tissier (@mattletiss7) March 22, 2018
He scored world-class goals on a regular basis, inspired one of the world’s great players (Xavi of Barcelona and Spain), and scored 47 from 48 penalty kicks during his career. We highly recommend you go and look at the highlights of his career goals. You’ll be there for some time and won’t get bored!
Chris Packham
Just got out of my car in Southampton and had a juv Peregrine fly right overhead – not a bad start to a rainy morning !
— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) July 27, 2016
Born and bred in Southampton, and an alumni of the University of Southampton, Packham has gone on to be one of the most recognisable faces in the country due to his well-known presenting spots on nature shows such as The Really Wild Show in the 1980s and 1990s, and on Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch since 2009, showcasing his skills and knowledge as a naturalist and nature photographer.
Brian Eno
A famous University of Southampton Alumni that you might not know about is Brian Eno, a world-famous record producer, singer, writer, visual artist, composer, and musician.
Roxy Music’s Paul Thompson, Phil Manzanera and Brian Eno in their room at the Polygon Hotel, Southampton, April 12, 1973 during their For Your Pleasure tour @philmanzanera pic.twitter.com/YOkB5iwk2K
— Brian Eno (@dark_shark) December 10, 2018
From his early days as part of the avant-garde Roxy Music, through his solo career and ambient works, to his production work on albums by David Bowie, U2, and Coldplay to name just a few Eno has inspired many of the world’s creative figures for over 40-years.
At Cumberland Place we are setting exciting new standards for student accommodation in Southampton.
You’ll be living in luxury, in a central Southampton location that leaves you within walking distance of the university and all the amenities and culture on offer.
We provide wonderful communal and social spaces for you to make new friends and become part of a global community.
