Page "Leslie Phillips" Paragraph 1

Contrary to the impression given by his public persona, Phillips came from a background of poverty.

He was born in Tottenham, North London, England, the son of Cecelia Margaret ( née Newlove ) and Frederick Samuel Phillips, who worked at Glover and Main, manufacturers of cookers in Edmonton, London ; the " filthy, sulphurous " air of the factory gave him a weak heart and edema, leading to his death at the age of 44.

In 1931, the family moved to Chingford, London where Phillips attended Larkswood primary school.