The Right Honourable Francis Stephen Phillimore, 5th Baron Phillimore, passed away on 14 May 2025 at the age of 80.
Lord Phillimore was a prominent figure in British polo. He founded Binfield Heath Polo Club in Oxfordshire in 1994, which became a premier centre for competitive low goal polo and remains a friendly and welcoming home to amateurs, professionals, and spectators alike. He was patron of the Coppid Owls polo team, which earned many successes including the Holden White and 8 goal Victor Ludorum, the team was known for developing young talent. He was Vice Chairman of the HPA and was a driving force in the disciplinary and rules committees. In recognition of his service to the sport, he was invited to become a Life Member of the Hurlingham Polo Association in 2021.
Born on 25 November 1944, he was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, before becoming a barrister at Queen Elizabeth Building. He inherited the title in 1994 from his father, Claud Phillimore, 4th Baron Phillimore. He was also a Trustee of the Phillimore Estate in Kensington and supported a host of heritage and charitable initiatives both in England and abroad.
He is survived by his wife Nathalie, daughter Arabella, and sons Tristan and Julian, with Tristan succeeding him as the 6th Baron Phillimore. Our deepest sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.
