Robin Leigh-Pemberton, Baron Kingsdown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Lord Kingsdown
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Lord Kingsdown in the robes of a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter
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| Governor of the Bank of England | |
| In office 1 July 1983 – 30 June 1993 |
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| Appointed by | Nigel Lawson |
| Preceded by | Gordon Richardson |
| Succeeded by | Edward George |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 5 January 1927 |
| Died | 24 November 2013 (aged 86) |
| Nationality | British |
| Children | Hon. James Leigh-Pemberton |
| Alma mater | Trinity College, Oxford |
| Profession | Economist |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1945-1948 |
| Unit | Grenadier Guards |
Robert "Robin" Leigh-Pemberton, Baron Kingsdown (born January 5, 1927 – died November 24, 2013) was an important British banker and a member of the House of Lords. He is best known for being the Governor of the Bank of England for ten years, from 1983 to 1993.
Contents
Robin's Early Life and Career
Robin Leigh-Pemberton went to school at St Peter's Court and then Eton College. He later studied at Trinity College, part of the University of Oxford, and finished his studies in 1950.
In 1954, he became a lawyer, which is called being "called to the Bar." He worked as a lawyer for several years. After that, he went back to Kent to manage his family's large estate, called Torry Hill.
He also served as a Justice of the Peace, which means he helped keep law and order in his local area. He was also the leader of the Kent County Council, helping to run the local government for Kent.
Eventually, he became the chairman of the National Westminster Bank, a very big bank. His most important role was becoming the Governor of the Bank of England. He held this position for a decade, from 1983 to 1993.
Special Recognitions and Roles
Robin Leigh-Pemberton received many special honors during his life. In 1987, he joined the Privy Council, a group of advisors to the British monarch.
On July 14, 1993, he was made a life peer. This meant he became a member of the House of Lords for the rest of his life, and he was given the title Baron Kingsdown.
In 1994, he became a Knight Companion of the Order of the Garter. This is a very old and important order of knighthood in Britain. He was also the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, representing the King or Queen in his home county.
He held other important roles too. He was an Honorary Colonel for a military unit called the Kent and Sharpshooters Yeomanry from 1979 to 1992. He also served as Pro Chancellor of the University of Kent from 1977 to 1984. He was also on the board of directors for the Bank of International Settlements, which is an organization for central banks around the world.
Robin's Family and Home Life
The Leigh-Pemberton family has a long history with Kingsdown and Torry Hill in Kent. Robin rebuilt the family's large house there in the 1960s. From the house, you can see a beautiful view towards the Isle of Sheppey and the Thames estuary.
On the estate, there is a special court for a game called Eton Fives. This court was built in 1925 and is thought to be the only one attached to a private home. Robin's father also built a private miniature railway in the 1930s. This small train still runs for several miles on the estate today.
One of his sons, James Leigh-Pemberton, continues a family tradition. He works for the Duchy of Cornwall, which is a private estate that provides income for the heir to the British throne. James is the Receiver-General, managing its finances. Robin's brother, Jeremy Leigh-Pemberton, is also involved in local community work in Kent.
Robin's younger brother is Nigel Douglas, who is an opera singer.
Images for kids
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The Coat of Arms of Baron Kingsdown.
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See also
- Kingsdown and Torry Hill
- Delors Committee
