B4

A recent international survey on the most important British people of all time yielded some interesting results. It turns out that three of the top ten most famous Brits probably never ever existed! This result has rather disappointed some.

They think it is a shame that the people of the world have recognized as real, historical characters, three fictional characters as being among our nation's top ten most well-known as influential.

TURN

B5

So who are these three, who denied Henry ... and David Beckham a top 10 place? Who stepped over John Lennon and Guy Fawkes in world esteem? Which 3 stand head and shoulders in fame above Margaret Thatcher and Queen Victoria?

DENY

B6

Nottingham exists and so does Sherwood Forest but, People of the World, please understand that Mr. R. Hood never existed! Of course there are stories and legends of various robber heroes but the story of Robin Hood is as historically accurate as that of Father Christmas.

HERO

B7

Finally who could be so important, in world opinion, to be held in fame above Sir Isaac Newton and Mr. Bean (sorry - Rowan Atkinson)? The answer of course is that romantic, sword twirling, nation saving monarch with a round table - King Arthur.

HOLD

B8

You could of course read lots of books that argue for and against King Arthur. Or you could take my word for it - he never existed! Certainly he doesn't / does not deserve a top ten place. Neither in my opinion does Princess Diana, who is also in the top 10.

NOT DESERVE

B9

In my opinion it is a similar to the world voting on the all-time most famous Americans and the list including Mickey Mouse, Superman and Indiana Jones!

FAMOUS

B10

If it did, I wonder if the American people would be pleased with the result.

DO