Gilbert Inglefield facts for kids

Sir Gilbert Samuel Inglefield (born March 13, 1909 – died October 14, 1991) was a talented British architect. He held a very important position in London as the Lord Mayor of London from November 1967 to November 1968. Being Lord Mayor is like being the main leader of the historic part of London, the City of London. He also received high honors, being a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) and a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB).

Early Life and Family Connections

Gilbert Inglefield was the son of Admiral Sir Frederick Samuel Inglefield. His mother was Millicent Evelyn Cecilia Crompton, who came from a well-known family of bankers in Derbyshire. This means he grew up in a family with strong connections and a history of public service.

A Leader in London's Government

Before becoming Lord Mayor, Sir Gilbert was an Alderman of the City of London. An Alderman is a senior member of the City of London Corporation, which is the local government of the City of London. They help make important decisions for the city.

Building the Barbican Estate

In 1957, Sir Gilbert was chosen for a big job: he became the chairman of the Barbican Committee. This committee was in charge of building the Barbican Estate. The Barbican is a famous part of London with homes, arts centers, and schools. It was a huge project to rebuild an area that was damaged during World War II. His role meant he helped shape a major part of modern London.

A Unique Public Appearance

Sir Gilbert Inglefield was a guest on a popular BBC Radio show called Desert Island Discs. On this show, famous people talk about their lives and choose eight pieces of music, a book, and a luxury item they would take if they were stranded on a desert island. He appeared on the show on July 1, 1968, sharing his thoughts and favorite things with listeners.

London Bridge's New Home

One of the most interesting events Sir Gilbert was involved in happened on September 23, 1968. He traveled to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, in the United States. There, he laid the foundation stone for the relocated London Bridge. Yes, the original London Bridge was taken apart in London and moved all the way to Arizona! Sir Gilbert played a part in marking this historic move.

Honors and Legacy

Sir Gilbert Inglefield received two very high honors from the British Crown: he was a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath (KCB) and a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE). These awards recognize his important service to the country.

From 1950 to 1976, he lived at Eggington House, which is a historic manor house in the village of Eggington, near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire. His connection to the area is still remembered today. A school in Leighton Buzzard, Gilbert Inglefield Middle School (now called Gilbert Inglefield Academy), was named in his honor. This shows how much he was respected and how his work made a lasting impact.