Heritage boards honour Attenborough legacy to city

The panels were unveiled in Victoria Park, near the University of Leicester's Attenborough building

The Attenborough family's deep ties to Leicester are detailed in two new heritage panels in the city's Victoria Park.

Leicester City Council said both installations, which went on display on Tuesday, told the tale of the family's connection to the city.

One panel focuses on the work of Frederick Attenborough, who helped shape University College (now the University of Leicester), and his sons Lord Richard Attenborough, Sir David Attenborough and John Attenborough.

The other panel honours the work of Mary Attenborough, who provided sanctuary at Evington Hall for 50 unaccompanied child refugees during the Spanish Civil War.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby said the Attenboroughs were "synonymous" with Leicester and added he had been "struck by their warmth" for the people of the city.

Soulsby added: "We made Lord Attenborough and Sir David freemen of the city in 1990, and it is wonderful to be able to follow this up with this dedication to the whole family, including Mary's work with refugees, so that more people can learn about their commitment to the city."

The council said one panel considered the work of Frederick Attenborough, Lord Richard Attenborough, Sir David Attenborough and John Attenborough

The family moved to the city in 1932 when Frederick Attenborough was appointed as the second principal of University College.

His sons went on to make significant contributions in their respective fields.

Actor and director Lord Richard Attenborough starred in films including The Great Escape and Jurassic Park, and won the 1982 Academy Award for Best Director for the film Gandhi.

Broadcaster Sir David Attenborough's work as a writer, presenter and narrator spans eight decades, from Zoo Quest in 1954 through to Life on Earth, Wildlife on One, and the Planet Earth series.

John Attenborough worked in the motor trade and was managing director of Mann Egerton, heading their Rolls-Royce division, and the head of the British operations of Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo, the council said.