THE Earl of Darnley – who played an active role within a number of charitable causes involving Hereford Cathedral and the Diocese for many years – has died aged 75.

Adam Ivo Stuart Bligh, 11th Earl of Darnley, moved to Herefordshire with his family in October 1984 to farm the Netherwood Estate, near Bromyard.

He quickly came to love the county and became involved in many different aspects of Herefordshire life and was particularly active with Herefordshire Cathedral Perpetual Trust, the Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust (HHCT), of which he was chairman, and Hereford Cathedral School, of which he was a greatly valued chair of Governors.

Lord Darnley was also very involved with his local parish church at Thornbury and was treasurer for Bromyard Deanery, with his interest in diocesan finances leading him to membership of the Revenue committee and the Diocesan Board of Finance Executive.

Originally from Kent, he maintained his links and family connections there, particularly with Cobham Hall, the Darnley family seat.

His grandparents were associated with the cricket trophy, The Ashes. His grandfather, Ivo Bligh, later 8th Earl of Darnley, captained the English team that toured Australia in 1882/3.

During the tour he met Florence Morphy who during a friendly cricket match on Boxing Day 1882 burned the cricket bails and presented them to Ivo Bligh in a small urn, now immortalised as The Ashes. Ivo Bligh and Florence Murphy married in 1884.

Commenting on Lord Darnley’s death, the Dean of Hereford, The Very Revd. Michael Tavinor, said: "We are greatly saddened to hear of the death of Lord Darnley.

"He was a tireless supporter of the cathedral in so many ways – a long-standing member of the Executive of the Perpetual Trust and a highly respected Chair of Governors of Hereford Cathedral School.

"Adam’s Christian faith was very important to him and guided so much of what he held dear. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with Lady Darnley and her family in this sad time of loss."

Tributes were also paid by David Furnival, Chairman of HHCT, who said Lord Darnley put ‘great energy’ into his work with the trust over two decades.

“Adam was a dedicated, generous and much-respected chairman. He was a good listener to the many strong and sometimes diverse views of the other trustees. He was always able, quietly and efficiently, to draw together these views and come forward with equitable solutions thereby ensuring the efficient governance of the charity,” he said.

“Under his leadership the Trust moved forward with many innovations such as the introduction of ‘Cornerstone’ grants to Churches with special and urgent needs, as well as new initiatives such as the very popular Music in Quiet Places series of concerts of which he was a Patron.

“Adam never missed a meeting of the Executive Committee during his term of office and his quiet and friendly manner was always welcome at the many social and fundraising events which were held. The Trustees and members of the Trust will sorely miss his wise council and encyclopaedic knowledge of churches and his friendship, which was valued by so many.”

Lord Darnley, who died on Sunday, leaves his wife, Lady Darnley (Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire), two children and six grandchildren.

The funeral service will be private, but all are invited to a service of thanksgiving for his life, which will be held at Hereford Cathedral on Friday, September 8.

Further details will be issued in due course.