by Sian Napier

snapier@thekmgroup.co.uk

Businessman Charles Lambie, who turned Canterbury’s Westgate Towers and former city jail in Pound Lane into a popular visitor attraction, died suddenly on Saturday at his home in London. He was 47.

A graduate in geography from Kent University, Canterbury, he had lived in the city for many years and also had a home in the Westgate Gardens. His background was in property and estate management and he was a very well known and popular businessman. At the time of his death he was chairman of the trustees of Canterbury Archaeological Trust.

He already owned the city jail and then took over the Westgate Towers on a lease from Canterbury council after the authority said it could no longer afford to keep the building open.

Just before he died Mr Lambie had put his house in the Westgate Gardens up for sale. The historic 17th century former mill house which he bought three years ago was meticulously renovated by him but he said he had other projects he wanted to pursue.

Bob Jones, chairman of Canterbury City Partnership, said he was shocked and devastated to learn of Mr Lambie’s death.

“Charles was such a positive influence in the city and this is a tragic loss to his family and to Canterbury,” Mr Jones said.

“Many people will be very upset by this. He was passionate about Canterbury and made a real impact on the city which in some way needs to be remembered. He was an absolutely charming man and if the word gentleman applied to anyone it applied to Charles. He was one of the really good people.”

Mr Lambie leaves a wife Georgie.

See this week's Gazette for full tributes and reaction.