The following obituary was written by David Tennant

Robert Elliott 1952 – 2023

Robert Elliott had a stellar career in the city, becoming senior partner of Linklaters in 2011, His team landed the administration of Lehman Brothers, dubbed one of the ‘instructions of the century’ and he also advised on the £45bn recapitalisation of Royal Bank of Scotland in 2009. During his five years at the top Robert established a world class reputation as a lawyer, with his intellectual flair, sense of humour and natural charm. When he signed off as senior partner, in 2016, Linklaters income topped £1.3bn for the first time.

He stayed on in an advisory role after retiring from the firm, but it was outside the demands of the day job where Robert made an equally impressive contribution. He was wonderfully supportive of Tonbridge School, from the day his eldest son Robbie arrived at Park House, in September 1995.

His support took various forms. He has always had a keen interest in sailing and arranged for the boys in the sailing club to take part in the millennium Round the Island race, with nearly two thousand entries. He generously chartered a Sigma 38 for the event and then announced he would be sailing in a different boat! The paperwork was sorted out, the entrance fee was paid and all we had to do was turn up and race. The eight boys who took part in that race still talk about the experience. And when the National Youth Music Theatre visited Tonbridge, shortly after the EM Forster Theatre opened, he helped to make the production possible. It was a very special evening.

A skilled skier and sailor, Robert used to compete in Cowes Week every year, in the very competitive Etchells Class and was a member of the Royal Yacht squadron. It was not long before his interest moved on to the America’s Cup, the Formula One of sailing, and he persuaded Linklaters to become a major backer. He was passionate about winning the America’s Cup for the UK, with Ben Ainslie as skipper, but sadly it was not to be.

Robbie became Head of Park and Captain of the 1st XV. Robert and Sally were always on the touch line. Robert was also a keen follower of cricket, becoming a non-executive director of Surrey County Cricket Club.  

Jamie, Robbie's younger brother, came to Tonbridge as a music scholar in 2001 and two years later Robert became a governor of the school, initially under Graham Thompson and then Sir Jonathan Cohen, as well as becoming a member of the Skinners’ Company. It was decided Robert should be Jonathan's successor when he stood down as Chairman of the Governors in 2017.

Very sadly, Robert’s tenure as Chairman coincided with a horrible diagnosis of motor neurone disease. He took part in various trials, which helped to slow the progress of the disease. Nonetheless, Robert did everything possible to remain fit, exercising in the gym and keeping very busy. During the pandemic he provided tireless support to the Headmaster and his team to ensure a high level of continuity for the boys’ education, whether remote or in-person. Our current success in the exam league tables is testament to what a difference that approach made to pupils at the School. He never let his illness get in the way of taking his responsibilities as Chairman seriously.

Robert and Sally packed in an incredible amount, with a lot of travelling, a very busy social life and a demanding schedule, but it was their family who always came first. Devoted parents to their three children and grandchildren, they loved their holidays down in Cornwall and as Robert became ill, he spent increasing amounts of time in their beautiful home in Trevose.

Robbie, Katherine and Jamie all raised substantial sums for motor neurone charities and Robert often said that without the support of such a loving and close family, ‘he would be sunk’. In all his letters and emails there was never a hint of self-pity. Every sentence concentrated on the positive. Sally looked after him with a level of care and devotion which was truly astonishing; they were a wonderful team.

Tonbridge School has lost a devoted friend, and a gifted leader. Robert managed, in his 71 years, to fit in far more than most of us manage in a lifetime and the School has benefitted immeasurably from his wise counsel and wide experience. He will be greatly missed and the thoughts and prayers of all of the Tonbridge community are with his devoted family; Sally, Robbie, Katherine and Jamie, at this very sad time.

(Chairman of the Governors 2017-2022)

Linklaters have set up a donations page in memory of Robert for a cause dear to Robert and his family. If you would like to make a donation to this charity, you can do so by using the following link.