Leeds Castle Chairman Niall Dickson awarded CBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours

Leeds Castle is delighted to congratulate its Chairman Mr Niall Dickson on his recognition in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

The Queen’s Birthday Honours List awards the incredible achievements of extraordinary people across the UK for commitment to public service. Mr Dickson, Chairman of the Leeds Castle Foundation, was recognised List in his appointment as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services to patient care.

Mr Niall Dickson CBE said:

“I am obviously delighted at this recognition – of all my roles, serving as Chairman of Leeds Castle is a particular privilege. It is such a special place, made more special by having a fantastic team to support all the Trustees and who provide such a wonderful service to our guests and visitors.”
Sir David Steel, Chief Executive of Leeds Castle commented:

“This is richly deserved recognition for the Chairman’s outstanding contribution to the UK’s Health Service over so many years. I would like to personally congratulate Niall on behalf of all who work for the charity.”

Upon her death in 1974, Lady Baillie left Leeds Castle to the Leeds Castle Foundation, a private charitable trust whose aim is to preserve the Castle and its grounds for the benefit of the public in perpetuity. In accordance with her wishes, the Castle is kept as a living house, with bedrooms that regularly accommodate guests at weddings, conferences and banquets.

Leeds Castle in Kent is nearly 900 years old and through its history had been a Norman stronghold; the private property of six of England’s medieval queens; a palace owned by Henry VIII and his first wife Catherine of Aragon; a Jacobean country house and a Georgian mansion. In the 20th century it was bought by the Anglo-American heiress Lady Olive Baillie and became an elegant retreat for the influential and famous; and in the 21st century, it has become one of the most visited historic buildings in Britain.