Frederick Gordon-Lennox, 9th Duke of Richmond facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Richmond
|
|
|---|---|
Portrait by Allan Warren
|
|
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 February 1904 |
| Died | 2 November 1989 (aged 85) |
| Spouse |
Elizabeth Grace Hudson
(m. 1927) |
| Children |
|
| Parents |
|
Frederick Charles Gordon Lennox, 9th Duke of Richmond (born February 5, 1904 – died November 2, 1989) was an important British noble, engineer, and a famous racing driver. He also helped organize many motor racing events.
Contents
Life of a Duke and Driver
People often called him Freddie Richmond. He was the third son of the 8th Duke of Richmond. Freddie went to Eton College and Christ Church, Oxford for his education.
A Passion for Engineering and Racing
Freddie loved engineering from a young age. After university, he trained at Bentley Motors, a famous car company. In 1929, he started his career in auto racing. He took part in the JCC High-Speed Trial.
The next year, he joined the Austin racing team. He won the exciting Brooklands 500 Miles race. In 1931, he created his own team with MG Midget cars. His team won the Brooklands Double Twelve race. After this, he became more involved in organizing motorsport events.
Taking on the Dukedom
In 1935, Freddie inherited the title of Duke. This also meant he took over the Goodwood Estate and its famous racecourse. Because of taxes, he had to sell some family properties in Scotland. He then focused on the Goodwood Estate near Chichester.
During World War II, Freddie used his engineering skills. He designed and flew his own aircraft. He served in the Royal Air Force. For a time, he worked in Washington, D.C., helping with aircraft production.
Goodwood Circuit: A Racing Legacy
After the war, Freddie worked to rebuild Goodwood. He saw a great opportunity to turn the old wartime fighter airfield into a motor racing circuit. Horse racing was a big part of Goodwood's history. But Freddie was more interested in cars than horses.
The Goodwood Circuit quickly became a very important place for motor racing. However, by 1966, the Duke worried about the dangers of motor racing. He decided to close the main circuit. It was then only used for small club events and private testing.
Freddie was also the longest-serving Vice President of the Royal Automobile Club. He had been involved with them since 1948. Even in the 1930s, he wrote about cars for a newspaper called the Sunday Referee. He also helped start the Guild of Motoring Writers.
Family Life
Freddie married Elizabeth Grace Hudson on December 15, 1927. They were married for 61 years. They had two children:
- Charles Henry Gordon Lennox, who became the 10th Duke of Richmond.
- Lord Nicholas Charles Gordon Lennox, who became a British Ambassador to Spain.
