Robert Septimus Gardiner

Who was Robert Septimus Gardiner?

Robert Septimus Gardiner was a British businessman.

The seventh son of the Rev. George Gregory Gardiner, and grandson of John Gardiner, he attended Grenoble University and was fluent in French, German and English. A successful businessman who served on the boards of many companies; his chief interests were in mining and securities. He also was interested in the arts: he was the composer of the Lyric Polka, he became director and chairman of the board of the Alhambra Theatre.

In 1896 he married Alice von Ziegesar, daughter of Baron von Ziegesar; she wrote a book of poems, A Garland of Roses as well as a novel which remained unpublished. He became a Knight of Grace of the Order of St. John having accomplished this by paying £15,000 towards a newspaper called the Near East. He was the father of three children, Cyril, Gerald, and Nevile, born in 1897, 1900 and 1902, respectively.

He died 16 November 1939.