September 2025

It is with great sadness that Maidstone Museums’ Foundation has learned of the death of our former President Sir Robert Worcester KBE DL.

Sir Robert served as President from 2017 – 2024. After he stepped down from that role, he was accorded the honorary title of President Emeritus which he held until his death on September 5, 2025.

In 2017 MMF was delighted and honoured when Sir Robert accepted our invitation to become President. He and his late wife Lady Margaret were life members, always taking a keen interest in Maidstone’s fine museums.

As President, Sir Robert promoted the charity and welcomed members and guests to his Allington Castle home for the Annual General Meeting in 2018. A conducted tour of Allington Castle and its delightful gardens and grounds was arranged during his time as President.  He was always happy to present awards in competitions for young people supported by MMF such as the Heritage Design Challenge Awards in 2022.

Ivan White, interim MMF chair, said: “Sir Robert was a towering figure in Kent and beyond. He was active in so many fields yet found time in a busy schedule to support MMF and the museums. We valued his contribution to MMF during his seven years as President. He will be greatly missed and on behalf of trustees and members, I send our condolences to his family and friends.”