Chaps of the Decade

To mark this publication’s tenth anniversary, we are urging readers to nominate the men and women whom they feel represent the shiniest beacons of Chappishness throughout this, and perhaps other (though probably not) foreign lands.

Is St. Stephen of Fry, for instance, a potential Chap of the Decade? Can one reconcile his fruity erudition, wittiness and fondness for corduroy with his irrational loathing of the Panama hat?

Or does Sebastian Horsley, with his velvet suits, painted nails and libertine credentials, more succinctly define the quality of Chappishness for you? Perhaps neither of them even come close, and your local librarian is the most refined human being you have encountered in the last ten years.

Please post your suggestions below, with a few words on why you think the person you have nominated is worthy of the title Chap or Chapette of the Decade. We will publish the top six in the special tenth anniversary edition of the Chap on 4th December.

October 20, 2009

76 Comments »

Comment by Edward Von Hankes — October 20, 2009 @ 12:46 pm

My moneys on Leslie Phillips. sharpe dress sense, a catch phrase, a voice like silk numerous lady friends.

Comment by Harrison Tweed — October 20, 2009 @ 8:59 pm

Sir Dirk Van Den Bogarde (sic Anglicised spelling).
Chap without equal in my never so humble opinion

Comment by J Lewis OA — October 21, 2009 @ 12:56 pm

Sebastian Horsley is, of course, the Chap of Chaps. He lives an admirable existence, and has magnificent collars.
Equally, one would like to mention Nicholas Hewer, who has provided a sense of refinement and elegance to The Apprentice for many years.

Comment by Andrew Sharp Esq. — October 21, 2009 @ 10:09 pm

Sir,
Whilst I would be more than happy to see our fine fellow Fry or our sainted sinner Sebastian win such a prestigious award, it would be remiss of me not to forward the names of a few rather fine fellows. Firstly, a delightfull chap by the name of Luke Toms and his admirable upper-lip furniture. Secondly, for his contributions to the detriment of contemporary art, the intractable Billy Childish. Further, it is all too easy to forget someone right under our noses, I speak of course of the irrepressible Atters.

Comment by Jacques Tinkler — October 22, 2009 @ 12:10 pm

It surely must be David Niven. The yardstick for measuring any Chap. Even the recent newspaper articles about his life-long fondness for the ladies serve to cement his claim to this title.

Comment by Winston Smythe-Higginbottom MBE — October 22, 2009 @ 12:53 pm

Are you people anarcho-dandies? Stop this silly gushing over celebrity types – if there was ever an example of trying too hard this is it. Furthermore, the chappiest chap around this decade is quite obviously me.

Comment by Professor G.W. Podmore (ret'd) — October 22, 2009 @ 9:18 pm

I suppose the chap in question ought to be alive…in which case I would find it impossible not to propose Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes Bt, OBE.

Iron jawed, psychotically reckless, he provides us with a splendid opportunity to engage in vicarious adventure via the printed page or the televisual receiver. Which in my experience is by far the best way to experience peril. His autobiography, incidentally, is a particularly enjoyable read when one is ensconsed by the fire with a bottle of some warming spiritous beverage.

Comment by Right Reverend David A Lawrence-Buck (Defrocked) — October 23, 2009 @ 1:36 pm

I would like, if i may, to put forward my humble suggestion. While watching the intelectual depravity of the news yesterday, perticularly, and I use the word most flipantly, the gentleman, presenting our regional BBC new broadcast, upon the screan came a vision in tayloring, Lord Sebastion Coe. Setting aside the obvious fact that Lord Coe apears to have lost both his hair brush and any form of pomade, can any of our modern sportsman, and for the sake of modernity at least, women, present such a polished and civilised affront?

Comment by Mr Kingham — October 24, 2009 @ 10:15 am

Jolly good shout Podmore! Fiennes gets my vote!

Comment by Pipe Club of Norfolk — October 24, 2009 @ 7:41 pm

When I was up before the Beak a number of years ago, my solicitor said to His Worship, “My client is obviously a decent sort of chap.”

How many of the nominees would have that said about them in a Court of Law?

I nominate Joanna Lumley for her general chappishness and also her work for the Goorkas.

Comment by Stanley (Stan) Wykeham-Rhodes — October 25, 2009 @ 3:29 am

Absolutely Winston! We are anarcho-dandies and any gushing over celebrities and establishment types does us a great disservice. Billy Childish and Stephen Fry both combine the distinctive and demotic in a way that echoes the Chapist ethos. A posthumous award to Humphrey Littleton would be apposite?

Comment by L.Wenban Esq — October 27, 2009 @ 7:17 pm

Atters, Niven, Phillips, Guiness, Simms, Wyngarde all immediately spring to mind. I shall recline with the hookah and see which others emerge from the opiate fug.

Comment by Charlesworth — October 27, 2009 @ 9:08 pm

I heartily approve of the writings of both Smythe-Higginbottom and Wykeham-Rhodes; in part due to my estimation that there are not any chaps, of a sufficient calibre, who remain on the mortal coil.

Today’s ghastly fawning individuals—whether their menial cause celebre be the wireless or cinematography—do absolutely bugger all for the reinstatement of the chap with their slovenly dress sense, boorish elocution and tiresome liberal caterwauling.

On a further personal note, I would like to endorse Wykeham-Rhodes’ proposal for a posthumous award. However, my nomination can only go to one man. The chap who was always impeccably attired, spoke with supremely polished enunciation and tirelessly championed the cause of the caddish bon viveur, in spite of toiling in the disreputable arts… I put forward Terry-Thomas.

Comment by graham swift — October 27, 2009 @ 10:00 pm

Ye Gods! Most of you are not only clueless about the better dressed, but illiterate as well. Chaps of the last ten years? David Niven? Terry-Thomas? Both dead for at least 30 years, I’ll wager. Wykeham-Rhodes – all credit to you for at least understanding the question. At any rate, my vote goes to HRH the Prince of Wales

Comment by Dr Hubert Barrel-Barrel — October 28, 2009 @ 10:52 am

Clearly all people involved in televisual feast ‘Call my Bluff’ to be nominated stop

Additional stop Have on good authority that Lord Coe a frightful tic stop Whoever suggested him question mark Fellow not only owns running shoes but uses them stop As far from being a chap as possible to be stop end

Comment by Charlesworth — October 28, 2009 @ 11:17 am

My dear Swift, I think you have not comprehended my point and would invite you to read it once more.

To put it in rather base terms, I do not think that there are any bona fide chaps of the breathing variety left and was furthering the cause for a posthumous lifetime chap achievement gong to compensate for this.

Thus I refute the ironic and ungentlemanly accusation of ‘illiteracy’ and ignorance of decent tailoring. As for the Prince of Wales—good Lord! The Saxe-Coburg-Gotha heir would be fine if only we were nominating a ‘kerl of the decade’. (Further, as a point of pedantry, Terry-Thomas only ceased to be 19 years ago not ‘at least 30’).

In the absence of a heartfelt apology for such frightfully poor form, I shall instruct Sykes to locate and service the duelling pistols.

Comment by graham swift — October 28, 2009 @ 2:29 pm

Charlesworth, Point taken and no offence intended, I’ll have you know! I was only thinking along the lines implied by “Chaps of the Decade” – which of course WOULD include dear old Humph, who died within the last ten years. I think the Chap itself should be blamed for not stating their case clearly enough in the first place.

Comment by Charlesworth — October 28, 2009 @ 8:33 pm

That’s jolly decent of you Swift, fine show.

Just as well really. Sykes has just reminded me that the local constabulary confiscated the contents of the armoury following the unpleasantness of 2002.

Comment by Lord Bullus — October 30, 2009 @ 1:04 am

One name seems loudly conspicuous by his absence here, chaps. I would nominate Alan Whicker as a beacon of almost every virtue a chap should aspire to. An internationally renowned raconteur, who is equally at home pool-side, sipping Martini’s with a Swiss Count as he is filming the cold cadaver of Mussolini, or unveiling a British military traitor. His perfect moustache and blazer combination is surely worth the accolade alone…

Comment by Albion — October 30, 2009 @ 2:24 pm

Many of the comments above remind me of the now defunct series “This is Your Life”, in the initial series of which were featured people then described as “famous” – it was screened before the word “celebrity” took hold. Latterly, the lives of “ordinary extraordinary” people were covered, such as genuine heroes who saved lives, selflessly. The true spirit behind this Chap/Chapess search requires all of us to reach deeply into our hearts and minds and seek out those people who truly contribute to the sum total of life on Earth. Likewise, there is no reason not to nominate an entire group of people. They could also be fictional. How about: Dan Cruickshank the architectural historian; the pilot who downed the aeroplane in the drink at New York safely; Steampunks; and Neo-Pagans?

Comment by David — October 31, 2009 @ 5:19 pm

Sebastian Horsley without a shadow of a doubt.

No lady can ever be considered a true dandy.

Comment by 'Two Types' — October 31, 2009 @ 9:09 pm

I would like to nominate the following:

Mr Tristan Langlois of the National Army Museum

Always immaculately turned out (and the owner of the most delightfully ornate Victorian watch chain).

Comment by 'Two Types' — October 31, 2009 @ 9:16 pm

I might also offer the octogenarian Asian man recently spotted in a Croydon shopping centre:

White suit, immaculate white brogues, neatly parted hair & silk tie.

He was a beacon of natural style in a sea of unnatural fabrics.

Comment by Mark R Hutchinson-Lyons — November 2, 2009 @ 3:22 pm

Am I the only person who thinks that Mr Horsley’s offensive tie knot should disqualify him from being a chap? As should Mr Fry’s appalling dress sense; he has been seen wandering round the Americas wearing a tee-shirt. Are these the people we would hold as beacons to chappishness? I sincerely hope not or we might as well purchase hello magazine on a bi-monthly basis.

Mr Patrick Grant of Norton & Sons is impeccably turned out, polite and passionate about tweed: I would therefore propose him as a Chap of the Decade. Any seconds?

Comment by Seth Onetooth — November 2, 2009 @ 5:15 pm

My votes would go to either Billy Childish, Alan Moore, or Patrick Norton.
Please, please, please don’t let such an accolade go to the herbert Fry.

Comment by Seth Onetooth — November 2, 2009 @ 5:18 pm

I meant Patrick Grant from Norton not Ptrick Norton. Sorry.

Comment by Winthorpe Cartwright the Third — November 2, 2009 @ 5:50 pm

Two contenders spring to mind.

Evelyn Waugh for his championing of mildly unpleasant but highly amusing Catholicism, and Sir Ralph Vaughan Williams for his capturing the English sense of the melodic sublime and, also, his use of an ear trumpet.

Can I also strongly disagree with any support of Fry. A nitwit and gadfly. He behaves like a teenaged Australian.

Comment by Don Coyote — November 2, 2009 @ 7:16 pm

With due consideration to the Anarchic and well as the Dandyist I would like to mention in dispatches Vic Reeves.

Now I can hear the sharp intakes of breath and distant rumbles of alarmed grumbling but the fellow takes pride in his dandyist turn-out & is always sporting a westkit & tie or, as often as not, a tweed suit.

The Anarcho-dandyist movement should resist from becoming an insular rigid-doctrined club & should embrace whoever shows willing in promoting the spirit of what ‘The Chap’ was initially & always should be.

I feel he should be applauded for his efforts. Sartorially anyway; his televisual ‘comedies’ on the other hand are beyond my understanding. Thank heavens.

Comment by Hon. Arthur Midgley — November 3, 2009 @ 9:57 pm

Being a former Spitfire Pilot, Yorkshire fast bowler, and (when retired) walking around the local shopping centre in johdpurs and tweeds should give any man a shot ot the title.

Fortunately, one cove meauses up. My former English master.

‘Whizzer’ Thompson.
(fella died within the last ten years I should think.)

Comment by Hon. Arthur Midgley — November 3, 2009 @ 9:59 pm

Bloody awful typographic errors above gentleman. Sorry.It’s the port.

Comment by Cumbers — November 4, 2009 @ 5:46 am

Surely one of the finest chaps in recent memory is surely Gen. Lord Melchett. The sartorial elegance of the uniform, commendable contempt for hapless and fawning underlings, and most impressive upper lip decoration must set him as a doyen amongst chaps. Unfortunately he does qualify as a chap of the last decade.

As an alternative, may I propose HRH the Duke of Kent. Tailoring of the Highest Quality, undemonstrative demeanor and his leadership of the excellent institution in London’s Great Queen Street make him a chap amongst chaps.

Comment by The (dis)honorable Wheatley — November 5, 2009 @ 9:56 am

Sir,

I would like to respectfully disagree with David, whilst congratulating him on his recent bout with Goliath. I believe Chappettes are a fine breed. Holding such a view it would be most remiss of me not to propose Miss Dita von Teese. Whilst she might be a foreign type she has most certainly done her best to promote the type of clothes worn, albeit briefly, in the golden age of the chap. What with corsets, stockings and tassles it could be argued as too much coverage. I however, whilst sitting down, am giving her a prominent vote of support.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1216728/Dita-Von-Teese-shows-shes-queen-burlesque-models-latest-Wonderbra-collection.html

Pip-pip!

Comment by Princely Papers — November 5, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

Patrick Macnee is still with us; and as long as he is, I can think of few (if any) that could compete for this award.

Comment by Charlesworth — November 6, 2009 @ 5:46 pm

Sir,

I was reminded the other evening, when by chance I caught my man Sykes watching one of those newfangled idiots’ lanterns, of a legend amongst chaps.

Thus, I would like to propose Sir Patrick Moore for Chap of the Decade. Admittedly, he may appear somewhat unkempt, but his knowledge and enthusiasm for his hobby are exemplary. Indeed, as is his unquestionable dedication to the furtherance of the monocle, his skills as a musician and service as a Flight Lieutenant in Bomber Command during the war.

To my mind, he represents a refreshing antidote to our appallingly ‘dumbed down’ times because not once, have I seen Moore indulge in any personality nonsense such as media tittle-tattle, light entertainment nor espousing that most boorish of subjects—politics.

Coincidentally, these latter two reasons also constitute my objection to the proposal of that fellow Fry. Not only does he appear to harbour, I can barely bring myself to utter this, ‘socialist sympathies’ but during his shabbily attired broadcast entitled, ‘Last Chance To See’ Sykes informed me that he didn’t once attempt to bag something for library wall. Representing, in my view, most unBritish behaviour.

I am, Yours, etc.,

Charlesworth

Comment by Charlesworth — November 6, 2009 @ 5:56 pm

‘his’

Ah, there it is. It must have dropped off my penultimate sentence.

Rats!

Comment by Cobham — November 7, 2009 @ 7:03 pm

Surely the most noteworthy Chapette in the last decade has been Dame Diana Rigg.

She is still performing in West End productions and is known to enjoy a pre-performance Campari. Let us remain ever mindfull of the fact that she played the infamous Emma Peel in The Avengers a popular series of yesteryear.

If only young Chapettes had more role models today of the same ilk as this inspiring woman! Maybe we would not see such a decline in morals, manners and young ladies could confidently say “No” to orange fake tans, plastic costume jewellery and large hoop earrings.

Comment by Hanbury — November 8, 2009 @ 8:43 am

There is only one chap I know well and that is Hugo de Ferranti, his family have been chaps for almost 1,000 years

Comment by Andrew Murray, MA — November 9, 2009 @ 10:52 am

Mr Stephen Fry has my vote. But several people do come close, including HRH Prince Charles, and perhaps HRH Prince Michael of Kent – I suppose when one has not all that much to do it is spent on clothing, horses, and gardening (Charles’ case, most of Cornwall).

Comment by BJ Chopping, Antiquarian — November 10, 2009 @ 5:34 pm

I support the nomination of Mr Leslie Phillips, the very definition of suave caddishness.

Fry I take as a given, opposition voiced herein notwithstanding.

Comment by Marki — November 11, 2009 @ 11:47 am

FRED WEST?

Comment by Brockman Seawell — November 11, 2009 @ 6:21 pm

Sir Stirling Moss, if for no other reason than after
a prang he escaped from hospital on crutches and took
a bit of crumpet out dancing.

Comment by Miss Anne Thrope — November 17, 2009 @ 1:19 pm

All the above mentioned are examples of the dreadful sort of little people one has tried to become accustomed to whilst perusing the sadly reduced Thunderer. My vote (how common) will always be for that paradigm of refined taste, Stephen Calloway Esq, Curator of Prints in the Word and Image Department at the V&A. Utterly, utterly, utter.

Comment by Alexander Daniel Renquist Esq. LLB (Hons) — November 18, 2009 @ 4:02 am

I would have to throw into the ring the hats (trilbies, to be specific) of:

Michael Palin- Surely one of the last great gentleman explorers. Charming, polite and able to acquaint himself with the most far-flung areas of the globe without losing a pip of his chappishness.

Leslie Phillips- The cad’s cad. His voice alone should ascend him to the upper pantheon of Chapdom. His moustache makes even the most dapper chap quake in his brogues.

Stephen Fry- I mean really, do I need to give any reasons?

Patrick Macnee- This fine fellow was the inspiration for all chaps to follow. Dapper, suave, and most importantly never without his necessary chap’s accessories (hat, umbrella and young lady).

Peter Wyngarde- The other end of the Chap spectrum from Mr. Macnee; rougher round the edges, more flamboyant (to the point of eccentricity on occasion) and with a fine moustache. Half cad, half dandy, all chap.

Comment by Miss H Austin — November 18, 2009 @ 5:49 pm

The inimitable Joanna Lumley is surely the chapette of the decade – charm, style and wit that all women should aspire to. Sadly us chapettes have very few role models, but I think it’s safe to presume we all wish to be spirited away by a modern Leslie Phillips. Gentlemen, take note!

Comment by Cumbers — November 18, 2009 @ 10:21 pm

I am not sure I agree with Alexander Daniel Renquist Esq. on the subject of Leslie Phillips being the cad’s cad; surely that honour must go to the excellent Terry Thomas. Standard of dress, speach, cigarette holder and smooth caddishness must make him the pantheon of gentlemen cads.

Comment by Jakeway — November 20, 2009 @ 1:02 am

Alan Whicker. Daper for over 80 years!

Also Vic Reeves is a sharp dresser. So much so you dont even notice.

Comment by Miss Anne Thrope — November 20, 2009 @ 10:55 am

As one who has crossed the Empty Quarter armed only with an umbrella, medicinal gin, stout stays and Achmed (a charming local boy of many talents), may I add my full support for Miss Joanna Lumley as Chapette of the Decade? Delightful, witty, supportive of the wonderful Goorkhas, and a damn fine gel in my opinion.

Comment by Wetherby Pond Esq — November 21, 2009 @ 1:35 pm

While I have to agree with Mr Terry Thomas, I do think that our own Mr.Gustav Temple is to commended on being Chap of the decade,

For through his efforts in raising awareness of both Tweed, pipes and Chaps, we would not be having this vote or a great magazine. For that sir, I salute you.

I am at odds over Joanna Lumley and Miss Dita Von Teese, they both offer such style and grace to be Chapette of the decade,

Comment by Sir Hugo Cummer-Bund — November 22, 2009 @ 10:41 am

Sirs,

I have recently returned from a motoring tour of the Hebrides to find the Nation gripped by “Chap of the Decade” fever!

Not wishing to miss out on the merriment, I eschewed an immediatee return to my magnum opus (a Latin translation of Eskimo Nell), donned my thinking cap (a rather fetching green and purple fez), lit up the Churchwarden, and drew up the following short-list:

Jools Holland – Curiously, this ever dapper boogie-woogie maestro does not seem to have received a single nomination, however his devotion to sartorial excellence amongst the glorious fleshpots of Soho must surely make him a serious contender.

Mark Gatiss – One of the England’s greatest writers and actors who is rarely seen in public out of his tweeds.

Peter Sallis – Old School charm and easy wit.

Comment by Margaret Rose — November 23, 2009 @ 9:35 pm

Miss Lumley and a cold flannel. How fortifying!

Comment by Anne Marsh — November 24, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

Stephen Fry has my full confidence, even without Panama hat!

Comment by Biggles Wingman — November 24, 2009 @ 7:23 pm

Unfortunately Salvador Dali died in 1989 and so cannot be considered for Chap of the Decade. And another obvious choice would surely be Orson Welles, but he died in 1985.

Thus I will commend the artist Ralph Rumney;

Rumney spent much of his life living as a wanderer, and was variously described as both a ‘recluse’ and a ‘media whore’, seeing his existence as a ‘permanent adventure and endless experiment.’ He moved, as his friend Guy Atkins said, “between penury and almost absurd affluence. One visited him in a squalid room in London’s Neal Street, in a house shared with near down-and-outs. Next, one would find him in Harry’s Bar in Venice, or at a Max Ernst opening in Paris. He seemed to take poverty with more equanimity than riches.”

Comment by The Dishon. Everard Hardstaff — November 26, 2009 @ 2:56 pm

My dear old things,

One simply cannot beleive one’s peepers at the glaring omission of Henry Calthorpe Blofeld OBE; not only as dapper a fellow as ever graced the Long Room, but blessed with a vocalisation of hand-cut velvet, a vocabulary second only to The Fry (Stephen, rather than C.B.) and with a thoroughgoing pedigree vis a vis loucheness – son of a supervillan, played cricket for Eton and dropped out of Cambridge after having acheived his Blue for King’s.

TTFN!

Hardstaff

Comment by G G Bricklebank — November 26, 2009 @ 8:31 pm

Has to be Sir Roger Moore – for his UNICEF Work, campaign against the horrors of foie gras, engaging memoir – even the shameless Post Office ads were quite fun. Surely he can now be forgiven for his flappy-trousered Bond. He should be honoured for all that – and for being the definitive Simon Templar. What a Chap!

Comment by The Earl of Essex — November 30, 2009 @ 7:17 am

I think that doyen of sartorial commentators, Nick Foulkes, deserves recognition; Not only is he always immaculately attired, but he has been ploughing the lonely farrow of promoting gentlemany elegance and good taste, since well before our beloved Chap magazine emerged into the new dawn.

Comment by Smith — November 30, 2009 @ 4:10 pm

Cary Grant or Fred Astaire or Charley Chaplin…and Scarlett Johannson for an absolutely splendid example of a marvellous ‘chapette’ of the most delicious kind…I shall stop now.

Comment by Alistair Tweed Esq — November 30, 2009 @ 7:14 pm

One cannot help but concur with Sir Ranulph Fiennes and Joanna Lumley.

I would also offer up for your ernest consideration Brigadier James Cowan, commander of the British Forces in Afganistan and a jolly good egg.

Comment by Baron von Zach — December 10, 2009 @ 1:15 am

Gentleman,

May I take the liberty and propose another international entry?

My vote goes to a man, who established himself as the hallmark of chapiness in recent years in a sort or way that was unseen AND unheard of for the past 70 odd years.

It is none other as Herr Max Raabe, frontman and singer of the German Palast Ordchester.

I bet two shillings that looking at this will leave you in awe:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1JIki1RkM4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJWy3gJAHlQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21yzXbPGhWc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msYK1YFhL74

Comment by Miss P — December 10, 2009 @ 6:54 pm

Might I propose Sir Jock Stirrup and our charming mayor, Boris, who for chivalry alone, must now be revered.

Comment by Nigel Smith-Smythe-Smith — December 23, 2009 @ 1:57 pm

ANTON DU BEKE, the epitomy of the modern chap….

Comment by St Rothers — December 27, 2009 @ 10:44 pm

ATTERS! Good grief sirs! where the hell is the bounder Atters? He is surely high if not top of the contemporary! The man is a hero of our modern times.

Comment by Norah Darling — December 28, 2009 @ 12:33 pm

Question –

Can a chap be of the lower orders?
As a daughter of the soil I believe there are too many toffs on this list. May I nominate the great Vic Reeves: always immaculate, properly eccentric, likes the ladies. Also, what about the lovely Peter Sallis: never seen without a tie, would definately give up his seat for a lady and is always in tweeds.

Comment by Laua Shrewsbury-Russell — January 18, 2010 @ 10:10 am

Gentlemen,
I would like to nominate Mr. Neil Hannon, for the suit wearing and the trend for seducing ladies of all ages. He shall always be ensconced in a special place in our hearts. Whoever sid that good things come in small packages was especially correct!

Comment by Hon. Laxley Fortinbrass Bumhole (pron, Bummel) — January 20, 2010 @ 12:47 am

My dear chaps,

Some thoughts: I heartily concur with the nominations for Dame Diana Rigg, Leslie Phillips, Alan Whicker and Jim Moir (better known as Victor Reeves).

I must protest about the support for that Fry chap. It was once said of him that he is a stupid person’s idea of a clever person – I would add (without wishing to offend) that he is a common man’s idea of a chap. There it is. He even went to chokey as a result of some base financial urges; not knocking off a copper’s helmet or anything understandable. For shame.

Postumous inductions to chapdom for T-T, Niv and the Duke of Windsor.

Yours
LFB

Comment by Dearne Grange — January 23, 2010 @ 2:44 pm

I would like to acquaint the suggestion (if not for reasons of admiration rather than covetousness!) both my Sportsman and Chap of the decade in Roger Federer. (Scoff, scoff?!).

The man’s demonstrable discernment with fashion is testament to the bygone era of great sporting chappery and it’s tailoring. What ever happened to the elegance of Neil Fox, Richie Benaud or David Gower?; past ambassadors of denier cri. Centre Court down at the All English is where.

The boys on Fleet Street really yanked his inguen over that white two-piece; but didn’t he look starling?

M. Dearne Grange

Comment by The Chap — March 1, 2010 @ 2:59 pm

Chaps, Surely Stephen Fry is the only Viable Candidate? A Natural ability to look Well dressed without any effort. Impeccable Good Manners and a fantastically cheerful demeanor. I understood he may have had some early issues with his batting but so did many of us who attended Good Scools.

Regards

The Chap

Comment by Lord Smuddger — March 3, 2010 @ 10:55 pm

Re-above The Chap. When addressing the game of cricket, it is esentail to establish which team one is batting for!
In ones considered opinion the only chap to be considered in this discusion is without doubt the great Peter Sellars. Dispute this at your peril

Comment by Just This Smashing Fellow, You Know? — March 12, 2010 @ 8:47 pm

Mr. Dan Cruickshank, for his work documenting Johnny Foreigner in his natural habitat, or Mr. Patrick Moore, as one of the last Great Eccentrics, and proponents of that glorious accoutrement, the Monocle! Both fine chaps!
I believe that Mr. Leslie Phillips would have been a fine suggestion of a time, but that time is sadly passed. I believe the same must be said of Peter Sellers.
David Niven, however, would certainly have my support for Chap of the Past Century – colonial officer, dandy, rake, hun-basher, and a writer of surprising quality! Surely this man, who sports an ascot tie and cigarette on the cover of his autobiography (for what great man should be ashamed of flaunting his life?), embodies the stand of the Chap against so-called ‘progress’.

Comment by B. R.-Smith — March 21, 2010 @ 2:50 pm

One or two of your more reactionary readers may be appalled, but I would nominate Tony Benn. Think about it. I would go so far as to assert that in his kindliness, his concern for those less fortunate than himself, his patriotic love of all that is best of Britain and his appreciation of the contemplative possibilities offered by a cup of tea or twelve and a pipe, he embodies all or much of the essential nature of the true Chap and Gentleman.

Comment by Peter Reedman — March 29, 2010 @ 3:23 am

Sir Roger Moore is my nomination. Need I say (any) moore?

Comment by The Honourable Mrs. Wattington-Smythe — April 15, 2010 @ 9:58 am

What of David Mitchell? He seems like a thoroughly decent sort of fellow – exceptionally erudite, wears a fine sort of cord and is never seen to have been in the vicinity of a sportswear emporium.

Comment by Lord Chappers of the Glenn — July 9, 2010 @ 12:03 pm

My fellow chap followers if ever there was a chap then I win this hands down. I am the hippest hoppiest getting down with the chapps chappiest chap that ever roamed the chapland.
I am the one and only and you cant take that away from me.

Comment by Jerome Bertie Astor-Hastings — August 24, 2010 @ 6:28 pm

Clearly Stephen Fry deserves much accolade and as such I nominate him as a ‘Champion Chap in waiting’. If he continues to enhance the virtues of ‘chappiness’ into the next decade then the crown must be his in 2020. I the meantime its a close run thing between Leslie Phillips and Tony Benn. Benn’s social integrity v’s Philips philandering.

It has to be Leslie Phillips; champion Chap of the decade!

Comment by Auntie Drucilla — August 27, 2010 @ 4:43 pm

This needs to be sub-divided into at least the following categories:
Best suburban chap
Best chap during normal office hours
Best weekend chap
Best all-rounder for these categories would go to John Cleese.

If we concentrate on:
Best morning chap
Best after luncheon chap
Best early evening chap
Best chap of the night
Best all-rounder for these categories would be Princess Anne.

You could even break it down by rooms of the house:
Best bathroom chap
Best kitchen chap

You get the idea…..

Comment by Auntie Drucilla — August 27, 2010 @ 4:58 pm

I forgot to mention modes of transportation:
Best chap in a taxi
Best chap on a cross-channel ferry
Best chap on ice skates
Best chap in a biplane
Best all-rounder in these categories easily goes to Stephen Fry.

Comment by The Archdeacon — August 27, 2010 @ 5:19 pm

I nominate:

Best chap in a refrigerator: Jeremy Paxman
Best chap in a tumble dryer (set to medium heat): Nicholas Parsons
Best chap in a bread bin: Vic Reeves

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Chaps of the Decade

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