1) EARLY LIFE
Þ Branson was born at Stonefield Nursing Home in Blackheath, South London, the son of barrister Edward James Branson and Eve Branson (née Huntley Flindt). His grandfather the Right Honourable Sir George Arthur Harwin Branson was a judge of the High Court of Justice and a Privy Councillor. Branson was educated at Scaitcliffe School (now Bishopsgate School) until the age of thirteen. He then attended Stowe School until he was sixteen. Branson has mild dyslexia and had poor academic performance as a student, but discovered his ability to connect with others.
2) PERSONAL LIFE OF MR. RICHARD BRANSON
Þ Branson is the eldest of four siblings. He has two sisters, Lindi and Vanessa. His brother, Ted, followed in his father's footsteps and became a barrister. Branson had poor academic records which contrasted with excellent performance in sports, especially swimming.
Þ With Joan Templeman he has two children, Holly (b. 1981) and Sam (b. 1984). The couple wed—at their daughter Holly's suggestion when she was eight years old—in 1989 at Necker Island, a 74-acre island in the British Virgin Islands that Branson owns. He also owns land on the Caribbean Islands of Antigua and Barbuda. Holly Branson is now a doctor. Branson is a supporter of Oxford United.
Þ In 1998, Branson released his autobiography entitled Losing My Virginity, an international bestseller.
Þ Branson was deeply saddened by the disappearance of fellow adventurer Steve Fossett in September 2007, and the following month wrote an article for Time magazine entitled "My Friend, Steve Fossett".
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