Lord Cadogan, the steward of a 90-acre estate across Chelsea and Kensington, passed away peacefully, aged 86, on 11 June at his home in Chelsea.
After completing military service, Lord Cadogan worked for Schroders for 16 years before joining the family business – the Cadogan Estate – in 1974.
Following his father’s retirement in 1979, he undertook a reorganisation of the estate and changed the business from from being “a traditional collector of ground rents from long leaseholders, to providing the foundations that allowed them to become masters of their own destiny, carefully curating the mixture of occupiers of the shops and restaurants and initiating improvements in managing the whole estate in a cohesive way for the long-term”.
Under his leadership, the business bought Harvey Nichols to gain control of the northern end of Sloane Street. The barracks on the King’s Road were also acquired and developed, creating the Duke of York Square which now provides a focal point for Chelsea. In addition, Lord Cadogan helped to create Cadogan Hall – a new classical concert hall – which was converted from a defunct church.
In a statement, Cadogan said: “He cared intensely for Chelsea, having had a home there all his life. He was particularly enthusiastic about supporting those who were committed to the community or who had served with distinction in Kensington and Chelsea.
“Cut price rentals for flats continue to be provided to nurses, teachers and police officers; he insisted on the provision of grace and favour accommodation for a myriad of deserving people including retired bishops, vicars and charity workers, so that they could see out their retirements peacefully and rents are still frozen for the elderly on the estate.”
The statement added Lord Cadogan “led a full life. He found enjoyment and amusement readily and was wonderful company, gregarious and voluble. He described himself as a ‘countryman’ and whilst his family business has been very successful under his stewardship, he felt most comfortable in the role of philanthropist”.
He passed on chairmanship of the estate to his son Edward, Lord Chelsea, who following the death of his father becomes the ninth Earl Cadogan. Lord Cadogan is survived by his wife Dorothy, his three children Anna-Karina, Edward and William; grandchildren Philippa, George, Charlie, Alexander, Alice, Ella and Bea.
Messages of condolence, which will be passed on to the family, can be sent to Melanie Matthews at 10 Duke of York Square, London SW3 4LY or condolences@cadogan.co.uk
