Michael Palin named greatest ever Yorkshireman, according to poll

Dame Judi Dench was chosen by almost half of those surveyed as the greatest ever Yorkshirewoman

A poll of 2,000 Brits saw nearly three in 10 select the Monty Python legend as the best man from the northern region (Tim P. Whitby/ Getty Images)

Funnyman Michael Palin has been named the greatest ever Yorkshireman, according to a poll.

A poll of 2,000 Brits saw nearly three in 10 select the Monty Python legend as the best export from the northern region.

Second on the list was actor Sean Bean, followed by Sir Patrick Stewart.

Halifax-born Ed Sheeran came fourth with Jeremy Clarkson rounding out the top five.

Dame Judi Dench was chosen by almost half of respondents as the greatest ever Yorkshirewoman, followed by Jess Ennis-Hill and the Brontë sisters.

The poll was conducted by the energy supplier npower to celebrate Yorkshire Day on 1 August.

Commercial director at npower and proud Yorkshireman Andy Wiggans said: “Yorkshire Day is a reason to celebrate everything brilliant about the UK’s biggest county, and there is no shortage of legendary Yorkshire folk to pick from with a list like this.

“We wanted to give the nation the chance to think about the region and how much it has given the country – and the rest of the world.

“After all, where would we be without Monty Python’s dead parrot sketch – inspired by Michael Palin’s disastrous trip to a mechanic, who refused to accept there was something wrong with his car?”

When asked to think about Yorkshire, the first thing that springs to mind for Britons is Yorkshire pudding, with one in five saying the Sunday roast staple is the single best thing to have originated from the region.

A further 14 per cent believe the “catseye” reflective road stud is Yorkshire’s greatest export while one in 10 selected the creation of the world’s first commercial steam locomotive, which was built in Holbeck by engineer Matthew Murray in 1812.

It also emerged two thirds of the country have either visited Yorkshire or lived there are some point in their lives, with 34 per cent still to visit.

And a tenth of respondents loved their time there so much they would consider making the move permanently.

This could be due to the lilting accent, which 45 per cent of Brits say they are happy to hear.

However, an incredible one in eight Britons admit they would struggle to locate Yorkshire on a map of the UK.

Poll makers also found Yorkshire’s reputation for being careful with money is well-founded, with a tenth of Britons believing people from the county are better at looking after their money than those from elsewhere.

And twice as many people think those from Yorkshire are more likely to be careful when it comes to saving energy than anywhere else in the UK.

Mr Wiggans added: “Whether you have been once, twice or lived there for years, it is great to see how much the area has contributed to society.

“We have generated some of the most famous names throughout history – and it is exciting to wonder who the next will be.”

The top 10 best Yorkshiremen

1. Michael Palin

2. Sean Bean

3. Sir Patrick Stewart

4. Ed Sheeran

5. Jeremy Clarkson

6. Brian Blessed

7. Alan Bennett

8. The Chuckle Brothers

9. Brian Clough

10. Geoffrey Boycott

The top 10 best Yorkshirewomen

1. Dame Judi Dench

2. Jess Ennis-Hill

3. The Brontë sisters

4. Dame Diana Rigg

5. Maureen Lipman

6. Kimberley Walsh

7. Penelope Wilton

8. Jodie Whittaker

9. Nicola Adams

10. Amy Johnson

South West News Service