Agenda item

Sir Richard Nichols, formerly Alderman for the Ward of Candlewick

Resolved unanimously:- That this court has learned with great sorrow of the death of Sir Richard Nichols, Common Councilman for the Ward of Candlewick between January and May 1984 and Alderman of that Ward between 1984 and 2007. 

Sir Richard served as Sheriff in 1994 and, in 1997, took Office as Lord Mayor.  Educated at Christ’s Hospital, Sir Richard served as an Almoner at Christ’s Hospital between 1984 and 2004.  Other notable positions held by Sir Richard included his positions as Governor of the City Literary Institute between 1990 and 1995; Governor of the Honourable the Irish Society between 2001 and 2002; and Master of the Salters Company Master of the Salters' Company in 1988.

The members of this Court wish to take this opportunity to offer to Sir Richard’s family, and in particular his wife Lady Shelagh, their sincere sympathy at this sad time.

Sir Robert Gerard Finch, formerly Alderman for the Ward of Coleman Street

Resolved unanimously:- That this court has learned with great sorrow of the death of Sir Robert Gerard Finch, formerly the Alderman for the Ward of Coleman Street.

Sir Robert was elected to the Court of Common Council for the Ward of Coleman Street in 1992 and, very soon thereafter, he was admitted to this Court for the same Ward.  He served as Sheriff between 1999 and 2000 and, in 2003, he took Office as the Lord Mayor.  A qualified solicitor and a partner at Linklaters until 2005, Sir Robert’s knowledge of the City enabled him to speak with great authority about the City financial.  

Sir Robert was always an enthusiastic supporter of the Court of Aldermen and was prominent in the discussions over progression to the Mayoralty. He will long be remembered as a giant of the property industry as well as leading the move to bring Temple Bar to the forecourt at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Following his retirement from this Court in November 2013, Sir Robert was instrumental in initiating the summer band concerts in Guildhall Yard, building on his role as Honorary Colonel of the Inns of Court Yeomanry. A great supporter and benefactor of Bridewell Royal hospital and King Edward’s, Witley, Sir Robert was also a distinguished Chairman of the Brompton NHS Trust and a fund has been established in his memory.

The members of this Court wish to take this opportunity to offer to Sir Robert’s family, and in particular his wife Lady Patricia, their sincere and heart-felt sympathy at this sad time.