Sir William Gladstone, 7th Baronet

Sir Erskine William Gladstone of Fasque and Balfour, 7th Baronet, was born on 29 October 1925 and died on 29 March 2018. He was known for his roles as a teacher, naval officer, and Scouting leader.

He was the son of Sir Charles Gladstone and Isla Margaret Gladstone (née Crum). Gladstone was a great-grandson of William Ewart Gladstone, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. His education included attendance at Eton College and subsequently at Christ Church, Oxford, where he earned an honours degree in history.

In 1943, he joined the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve and served during World War II. His naval service was mainly aboard destroyers in the Indian Ocean. He left the navy with the rank of lieutenant.

Following his military service, Gladstone pursued a career in education. He held teaching positions at Shrewsbury School and Eton College. In 1961, he was appointed head master of Lancing College, a position he held until his retirement from teaching in 1969.

Gladstone became the 7th Baronet upon the death of his father in 1968. He married Rosamund Anne Hambro on 10 September 1962, and they had three children. Rosamund was the daughter of Major Robert Alexander Hambro and Barbara Jessica Hardy Beaton.

In addition to his academic career, Gladstone was actively involved in public service and charitable organizations. He served as Justice of the Peace for Flintshire in 1982, was Vice-Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd from 1984 to 1985, and was Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd from 1985 until 2000.

A member of The Scout Association from his school days at Eton, Gladstone played a significant role in supporting Scouting. He encouraged the Scout Group at Lancing School during his tenure as Head Master and was appointed Chief Scout by The Scout Association, serving from 1972 to 1982. His focus included promoting Scouting in underserved areas, particularly in inner-city regions and new housing developments. In 1979, he was elected chairman of the World Organization of the Scout Movement's committee.

Gladstone was appointed a Knight Companion of the Garter in 1999.

He authored several books, including "Gladstone: A Bicentenary Portrait" (2009), "People in Places" (2013), and "Family, Friends & Fervours" (2015).

Sir Erskine William Gladstone died at the age of 92 at his residence, Hawarden Castle, in Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales. His son, Charles Gladstone, succeeded him as the 8th Baronet.