Famous British People With Strange Hobbies

[Hazi-Hammenuhoth]

We often read about eccentric people who collect milkbottles, compile notebooks full of bus numbers or have a passion for unusual roundabouts. But how many famous people or those well-known in the pjblix sphere had little-known eccentric hobbies? I ask the question because I have just read that Jeremy Corbyn is an avid drainspotter. Yes, you heard right, a person who finds manhole covers interesting and has photographed manhole covers throughout the country, and even collects them. Have we had previous Prime Ministers or famous Brits with equally unusual secret interests?

[Mamyalynne]

Winston Churchill liked bricklaying.

[Jackdaw33]

I'd love a link to that.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.express.co.uk/expressyourself/234442/The-other-lives-of-Sir-Winston-Churchill

[Arksided]

Jeremy Corbyn, is undoubtedly looking for Ninja Turtles.

[Mamyalynne]

He said it took him to a safe place away from his 'Black Dogs' of depression.

[Mamyalynne]

Tony Blair, a keen numismatist.

[Jackdaw33]

I meant a link to Corbyn.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/Jeremy_Corbyn/11998010/Jeremy-Corbyn-My-zany-love-for-drain-covers-and-trains-doesnt-hurt-anyone.html

[Buenchico]

Does flower arranging count (Alec Douglas-Home) or tricycle riding (Marquess of Salisbury)?
http://snipelondon.com/metropolis/some-notable-hobbies-of-british-prime-ministers-as-stated-on-the-number-10-website

Rod Stewart is pretty obsessive about his hobby too!
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3264325/My-favourite-tracks-ones-trains-says-Rod-Stewart-Singer-reveals-books-second-hotel-room-models-play-tour.html

Simon Cowell lists 'climbing trees' as one of his hobbies, stating that he climbs at least one every day. Apparently it's not his only hobby though ;-)
http://www.timessquaregossip.com/2008/03/idols-simon-cowell-is-peeping-tom.html

Ken Livingstone is possibly the UK's most well-known newt-fancier:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2010/mar/20/ken-livingstone-reptiles-newts
(He even got married in the reptile house at London Zoo)

[Calibax]

Ken Livingstone kept pet newts.

[Calibax]

^You beat me to it, Chris :0)

[goodgoalie]

King George V had one of the best stamp collections in the world:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/simonheffer/7488206/The-King-who-liked-to-collect-his-own-head.html

[scooping]

Gladstone loved felling trees.