Gavin Astor, 2nd Baron Astor of Hever, was an English soldier, publisher, peer, and member of the Astor family.
Background
Astor was the eldest son of John Jacob Astor, 1st Baron Astor of Hever (1886–1971), and Lady Violet Elliot-Murray-Kynynmound (1889–1965). His mother had two children, Mary (1910–2003) and George (1912–1997), from her previous marriage to Lord Charles Petty-Fitzmaurice (1874–1914).
Education
He was educated at Eton College and New College, Oxford, before joining the Life Guards, where he reached the rank of captain.
Career
He had two younger brothers, Hugh (1920–1999) and John (1923–1987). Business positions included the chairmanship of the Times Publishing Company and life presidency of Times Newspapers Limited. He was appointed High Sheriff of Sussex in 1955.
He inherited the barony and Hever Castle in Kent on the death of his father in 1971.
In 1955, he founded the Astor of Hever Trust, a charity aimed to collect donations for arts, medicine, religion, education, conservation, youth, and sport.