Geoffrey Bond OBE (1939-2026)
The funeral service for the late Geoffrey Bond OBE was held at Southwell Minster on Wednesday 19th August 2026. Conducted by the Reverend Canon Dr Neil Evans, the service was attended by more than 400 people. The eulogy was delivered by Geoffrey’s son, Charles Bond, and readings were given by Sir Michael Bond and Graham Bond (Geoffrey’s brothers) and by Charlotte Bond (Geoffrey’s daughter).
Geoffrey is perhaps best remembered in Southwell for his meticulous restoration of Burgage Manor – the boyhood home of Lord Byron, the celebrated Romantic poet. Built in 1802 as a school, the house was a run-down youth hostel in the twentieth century. A passionate Byronista, Geoffrey devoted years to re-furnishing the house as it had been in Byron’s time whilst also making it a wonderful home for his family. An expert antiques collector, Geoffrey assembled an inspired display, including his unique collection of more than 1,400 books about the poet which are now housed in the room where Byron wrote much of his early poetry.
Geoffrey’s extensive knowledge and expertise about Byron led him to write three books about the poet; the third book was published only two years ago – Byron’s Manor: Birthplace of his poetry – which reveals that Burgage Manor is where Byron wrote his first published poetry.
Geoffrey was a founding benefactor of Southwell Music Festival and the first Chair of the Festival Trustees in 2014. Geoffrey continued to be a generous supporter of the festival sponsoring the festival annually, hosting numerous fundraising events, financially supporting the apprenticeship scheme, and, very recently, helping to secure a large donation for next year’s festival.
Outside Southwell, Geoffrey was involved in so many activities it is difficult to count them all – he achieved the work of ten (or more) men in his full and varied life. He was senior partner in the Nottingham law firm Ashton Bond Gigg whilst simultaneously pursuing his passion and support for heritage, arts, and culture. He was co-founder of the National Justice Museum in Nottingham and led the restoration of Papplewick Pumping station – an ornate Victorian masterpiece in Ravenshead. Geoffrey was also a Deputy Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire representing the monarch at a range of official events.
Geoffrey served as Sheriff to the Lord Mayor of London for one year travelling to many countries to represent the City financial. He was also Master of two City of London Livery Companies and was Chairman of Museums, Libraries, and Archives for London. Everywhere he was a generous donor to good causes, most recently the return of Byron’s statue back to Hyde Park in London.
Geoffrey’s dedication to culture was recognised by the award of an OBE in 2008 for services to Heritage and the Arts.
Southwell has benefitted enormously from Geoffrey’s generous patronage for many years and he will be greatly missed by the whole community.
Donations to Beaumond House Hospice Care can be made at https://geoffreybond.muchloved.com
Professor Stanley Chapman