Former Sussex Chancellor, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, dies
Posted on behalf of: University of Sussex
Last updated: Wednesday, 6 September 2017
Charles Gordon-Lennox - the 10th Duke of Richmond and former Chancellor of the University of Sussex (1985 to 1998) - died on 1 September 2017.
Previously known by his courtesy title the Earl of March, the Duke of Richmond was elected as the University’s third Chancellor in March 1985. Prior that he was a member of the University Council from 1975 and the University Treasurer from 1979 to 1982.
Vice-Chancellor, Adam Tickell, said: “Unfortunately I didn’t have the chance to meet the Duke of Richmond – I really wish I had. His dedication to the University over a long period was appreciated by the whole community and, in many ways, he embodied the best of Sussex. He joined the struggle against apartheid when many found it easy to look away.”
The University’s Richmond building was named after him as a lasting reminder of the contribution the Duke made during his 23 years at Sussex.
He was Chancellor during the University’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1986, which were marked by a service of thanksgiving at Chichester Cathedral followed by a garden party at Goodwood House.
The Duke of Richmond was a keen promoter of business and enterprise in West Sussex and served as Lord Lieutenant of the county from 1989 to 1994.
The Duke came to be seen as a conscientious custodian of Goodwood, the West Sussex estate that has been in his family for the past 300 years. He oversaw a £5 million transformation of his estate’s racecourse and revitalised its ‘Glorious Goodwood’ flat-racing event.
His son, Charles, has continued to develop the estate – restoring its historic motor-racing circuit and establishing the annual Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival weekends.