John Patrick Lionel, Baron Petre, was educated at Eton and Trinity College Oxford. He is the 18th holder of the title Baron Petre which was bestowed on his ancestor, Sir William Petre, Secretary of State to four Tudor Monarchs in 1540.
Lord Petre was HM Lord Lieutenant for Essex for over 14 years until he retired in the summer of 2017. He was awarded the decoration of Knight Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
Since 1970, Lord Petre has been involved in the management of his family’s 3000 acre rural estate of which, since his father’s death in 1989, he has been in sole charge. The estate comprises both in-hand and let farms, woodland, historic house open to the public – Ingatestone Hall – and a variety of let residential property.
Lord Petre is also Lord of the Manor of 17 manors in the Chelmsford/Brentwood/Billericay area.
Prior to the above, he worked in management of a number of London theatres in a variety of capacities and ultimately as General Manager of Hampstead Theatre Club.
Lord Petre is married with one son and one daughter
Lord Petre is also:
- A past Chairman of the St. John Council, Essex
- A past Chairman of the Essex Branch of the Country Landowners and Business Association
- A Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem