Originally posted by Dog
But, the numbers you promised somehow seems not to have been posted? I am sure this is simply due to a bad memory...
Just realised, why should I be doing all your hard word for you when you're not giving me any links or facts to back up your comments?
Anyways, here you go:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/section/0,,2108,00.html
The Sunday Times Rich List - covers the UK mainly, but also includes World, US & EU rankings as well. Fully searchable with short bios on each person/couple on the list.
You will require to register to gain access to the page, but its free. So no excuse there.
Not all of the bios give background detail, but I'm sure you'll be prepared to do independant research, given your stated love of facts and stuff.
Anyways, for a kick-off: Bernie Ecclestone, 3rd richest man in Britain (Formula 1 stuff) - his dad was a small boat fisherman. Hardly born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
A lot of the members on this list are "paper" billionaires/millionaires - i.e. they would only be worth that much if they sold their business/cashed in all their shares. They don't actually have all that dosh kicking around as cash in a bank account.
You'll also note that a lot of the entries detail the charitable givings by the people concerned...
Enjoy