Charles Gordon-Lennox, 11th Duke of Richmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Richmond
CBE DL
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The Duke in 2011
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| Born |
Charles Henry Gordon Lennox
8 January 1955 |
| Title | 11th Duke of Richmond 11th Duke of Lennox 11th Duke of Aubigny 6th Duke of Gordon etc |
| Spouse(s) |
Sally Clayton
(m. 1976; div. 1989)Hon. Janet Elizabeth Astor
(m. 1991) |
| Children | 5 |
| Parents |
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Charles Henry Gordon Lennox, born on January 8, 1955, is known as the 11th Duke of Richmond. He holds several important titles, including the Duke of Lennox, Duke of Aubigny, and Duke of Gordon. Before becoming Duke, he was known as Lord Settrington and then Earl of March and Kinrara. He is a British aristocrat and owns the famous Goodwood Estate in Sussex, England. He is also the person who started the popular Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Goodwood Revival events.
The Duke of Richmond is involved in many car-related organizations. He is the President of the British Automobile Racing Club. He is also a patron of the TT Riders Association. He is an honorary member of the British Racing Drivers Club and other motoring groups.
Contents
His Early Life and Photography
Charles had a strong interest in film and photography from a young age. When he was 17, he worked with the famous film director Stanley Kubrick. This was for the movie Barry Lyndon.
The Goodwood Estate
In 1995, Charles moved to Goodwood House, which is his family's main home. He took over managing the estate. This was a family tradition, as the heir often takes charge around their fortieth birthday.
Goodwood's Motor Racing History
Motor racing at Goodwood was first started by his grandfather, Freddie March. He opened the Goodwood Motor Circuit in 1948. Charles continued this family legacy. In 1993, he created the Goodwood Festival of Speed at Goodwood House. This event celebrates cars and racing. He also brought motor racing back to the circuit in 1998 with the Goodwood Revival. The circuit had been closed since 1966. Both the Festival of Speed and the Revival are now famous events around the world. They are known for being unique and exciting.
What is Goodwood Estate?
The Goodwood Estate is very large, covering about 12,000 acres. It is located north of Chichester. The estate is home to many different businesses. These include the Goodwood Racecourse, which is for horse racing. There is also a large organic farm. The estate has two golf courses and an airport called Goodwood Aerodrome. This airport also has a flying school. A large hotel with 91 rooms is also part of the estate.
The Goodwood Estate Company employs over 550 people. About 800,000 visitors come to the estate every year. Other important places on the estate include the Goodwood Cricket Club. The headquarters for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is also located there.
Awards and Recognition
Since 2006, Charles has been a Deputy Lieutenant (DL) for West Sussex. In 2024, he was given the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). This award was for his contributions to heritage, sport, and charity.
Family Life
The Duke has been married two times. He has three sons and two daughters. His first marriage was in 1976 to Sally Clayton. They had one daughter:
- Lady Alexandra Gordon Lennox (born 1985).
After his first marriage ended, he married Janet Elizabeth Astor on November 30, 1991. With Janet, he has one daughter and three sons:
- Charles Henry Gordon Lennox, Earl of March and Kinrara (born 1994). He is the heir apparent to the family titles.
- Lord William Rupert Charles Gordon Lennox (born 1996).
- Lady Eloise Cordelia Gordon Lennox (born 2000).
- Lord Frederick Lysander Gordon Lennox (born 2000).
Titles and Styles
- 8 January 1955 – 2 November 1989: Lord Settrington
- 2 November 1989 – 1 September 2017: Earl of March and Kinrara
- 1 September 2017 – present: His Grace The Duke of Richmond, Lennox and Gordon
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of the Duke of Richmond, Lennox and Gordon
