Frederick Attenborough

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The University of Leicester, with the Attenborough building in the centre

Frederick Levi Attenborough (1887–1973) was a British academic.

Attenborough was principal of University College, Leicester from 1931 to 1951, and lived with his family on campus in College House (which now houses the University's careers service).

He was married to Mary Clegg (died 1961). They had three children:

Richard Samuel Attenborough, now Lord Attenborough, the actor and director
David Frederick Attenborough, now Sir David, the TV naturalist
John Michael Attenborough

During the Second World War, the Attenboroughs took in two Jewish refugee girls who lived with them in College House. One of them encouraged son David's fascination with the natural world by giving him a piece of amber.

Under Attenborough's guidance, the University College grew in size and reputation and eventually became the University of Leicester, receiving its Royal Charter in 1957.

The university's Attenborough Building, which includes an 18-storey tower and is the tallest building on the campus, was named in his honour. The building was opened in 1970. Attenborough was by this stage quite frail, so the building was opened on his behalf by his youngest son John.