The survey of 4,146 people by Saga Investment Services found the victorious Prime Minister was most popular with 23 per cent of the vote.
He was narrowly ahead of the Queen on 19pc and Princess Diana with 14pc of the vote.
World War Two was also named the most defining moment in modern British culture with a quarter of voters opting for the bloody conflict.
The research was released ahead of Sunday's 71st anniversary of VE day which marks Nazi Germany's surrender in 1945. Former Tory PM, Dame Margaret Thatcher, also made the top ten of influential Britons along with the late pop icon David Bowie and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
Women are much more likely to see Princess Diana as a key influential figure, with 18pc voting for her against nine pc of men.
Her death is also seen as one of the most culturally significant events with eight pc voting for the tragedy.
Surprisingly, under-50s are far more likely to think World War Two was the most important moment in recent history.
A total of 30 pc of under-50s chose the struggle against the Nazis against 19pc of over-50s.
British over-50s are more likely to value the creation of the NHS in 1948 with 24pc voting for this against 14pc of under 50s.
Opinions differ across the UK as different regions identified their own most significant moment.
Scots were keen to cite the Independence Referendum as a key moment in recent history with 10pc opting for the 2014 vote to break from the UK.
Meanwhile, Olympic fever persists for Londoners with six pc identifying the 2012 games as one of their key cultural moments.
Gareth Shaw, head of consumer affairs at Saga Investment Services, said: "This list shows the diversity of British strength and talent, across politics, science, music, sport and business.
"It's important for us to reflect on the significant people and events of the nation's past, particularly in light of our fast-changing modern society.
"Reflecting on this list, it's hard to argue with the inherent 'greatness' of Britain and it is for that reason that Saga Investment Services launched the British Enhanced Income earlier this year."