Robin Gillett facts for kids

Sir Robin Danvers Penrose Gillett (born November 9, 1925 – died April 21, 2009) was an important figure in London. He held the special job of Lord Mayor of London from 1976 to 1977. He was also a ceremonial officer called the Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod for many years.

Early Life and Education

Robin Gillett was born in London on November 9, 1925. He was the only child of Captain Sir Harold Gillett, 1st Baronet, who was also a Lord Mayor of London a few years before him.

Robin went to school at Pangbourne College from 1939 to 1943. He also attended Hill Crest School.

He was married twice. First, in 1950, he married Elizabeth Marion Grace. They had two sons, Nicholas and Christopher. Later, in 2000, he married Alwynne Winifred Hay.

Life at Sea

Robin Gillett started his career at sea as a cadet with Canadian Pacific Steamships Ltd. This was during World War II, and he served on ships in the North Atlantic, Mediterranean, and Russian convoys. He stayed with Canadian Pacific after the war.

In 1951, he earned his Master Mariner's Certificate, which meant he was qualified to command a large ship. He also joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1950. This was a part-time naval force.

He served for a year in the Persian Gulf on a frigate (a type of warship) called HMS Flamingo. In 1957, he became the youngest Staff Commander on the Empress of Scotland, a large Canadian Pacific passenger ship. He left his sea career in 1960.

Working in the City of London

After leaving the sea, Robin Gillett joined a company at Lloyd's of London, which is a famous insurance market. He worked there as an Administration Manager.

In 1965, he was elected to the Common Council of the City of London. This meant he helped manage the city. He also became an underwriting member of Lloyd's. In 1969, he was elected an Alderman, another important role in the city government. He then served as Sheriff of the City of London in 1973. He received a special honor, being knighted GBE, in 1976.

On September 29, 1976, Robin Gillett was chosen as the Lord Mayor of London. This is a very old and important job. He moved into the Mansion House, London, which is the official residence of the Lord Mayor. Sadly, his father had passed away just eight days before he was elected. It was a busy year for him, and a big event was the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. After his time as Lord Mayor, he returned to his work.

From 1985 to 2000, he was appointed Gentleman Usher of the Purple Rod of the Order of the British Empire. This is a ceremonial role linked to a special order of chivalry.

Achievements and Honors

Sir Robin Gillett held many important positions and received several honors throughout his life:

• He was an Elder Brother of Trinity House, an organization that looks after lighthouses and navigation.
• He was a Master, Honourable Company of Master Mariners, which is a group for experienced ship captains.
• He served as Chairman of Governors for Pangbourne College, his old school.
• He was Chancellor of City University London during his time as Lord Mayor.
• He received honors from other countries, including the Commander of the Order of Dannebrog from Denmark and the Grand Cross of Municipal Merit from Peru.
• He was also a Knight of the Order of St John.
• He wrote two books: A Fish out of Water (2001) and Dogwatch Doggerel (2004).

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