Ranulph Fiennes

Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, OBE (usually simply Ranulph Fiennes, born March 7 1944) is a British explorer and holder of several endurance records. He was the first man to visit both the North and South Poles.

Related Topics:
OBE - March 7 - 1944 - British - Explorer - North - South Pole

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Fiennes was born in England shortly after the death of his father, Lieutenant Colonel Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 2nd Baronet, who was killed in action in World War II. On his birth Fiennes inherited the Baronetcy after being placed upon the Official Roll of the Baronetage, becoming the 3rd Baronet. After the war his mother moved the family to South Africa where he remained until he was twelve. Ranulph then returned to be educated at Eton, after which he joined the British Army.

Related Topics:
England - Baronet - World War II - South Africa - Eton - British Army

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Ranulph Fiennes married his childhood sweetheart Virginia Pepper ("Ginny") in 1970; the two remained married until her death in February 2004.

Related Topics:
1970 - 2004

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He is the third cousin of Hollywood film actors Joseph and Ralph Fiennes, and is a distant cousin of Britain's royal family. Ranulph Fiennes was on the shortlist of those considered to replace Sean Connery in the role of James Bond (despite Fiennes having little acting experience). Fiennes was summarily rejected on meeting Bond producer Cubby Broccoli, who said he had "a face like a farmer's". Ranulph Fiennes owns and operates a sheep and cattle farm on Exmoor.

Related Topics:
Hollywood - Film - Actor - Joseph - Ralph Fiennes - Sean Connery - James Bond - Cubby Broccoli - Exmoor

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