It is with great regret that The Chelsea Society records the death on 5th April 2026 of a long-standing and distinguished member, Dr. Paul Knapman. We send our condolences to his widow, Penny, and her family.
After Epsom college, he studied medicine at St George’s Hospital, qualifying as a doctor before deciding to pursue a career in forensic medicine and the law. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn, and in 1980 succeeded Gavin Thurston as HM Coroner for Westminster. He served until his retirement in 2011, having presided over many thousands of inquests into deaths arising from natural causes, accidents, and self-harm, but also from terrorism, and disaster. He heard evidence in numerous cases that attracted intense national and international attention, including those connected with the Iranian Embassy siege of 1980, and the shooting of WPC Yvonne Fletcher outside the Libyan Embassy in 1984.
He heard inquests arising from major acts of terrorism, including IRA bombings in London and, most notably, the 7 July 2005 attacks, when he served as the “incident coroner” for the multiple coordinated bombings that killed 56 people. His calm authority and organisational clarity were widely credited with helping families, officials and institutions navigate an unprecedented tragedy.
Transport disasters also fell within his jurisdiction, including the Clapham Junction rail crash, the Marchioness riverboat disaster, and later the Ladbroke Grove crash, each involving complex forensic, legal, and emotional challenges. He also presided over many high-profile inquests involving public figures from politics, the arts and international society.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday 9th July at 11.30 at St Bride’s Church, Fleet Street, London EC4Y 8AY followed by a reception at Apothecaries’ Hall, Black Friars Lane, London EV4V 6ER. Please let the family know if you plan to attend via PAKMemorial2026@gmail.com
