A well-respected auctioneer, whose regular appearances on Homes under the Hammer for more than 20 years made him a household name, has died. Clive Emson passed away on Wednesday peacefully, with his family by his side, at the age of 79. The entrepreneurial businessman, whose mantra was “have gavel, will travel”, was at the helm of Clive Emson Land and Property Auctioneers, an empire spanning from Kent to Cornwall, taking in the Isle of Wight on the way. His behind-the-scenes work with various charities earned him an MBE for services to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Kent. Clive started his far-reaching career in the property business, earning just £1.50 a week as a junior estate agent. The former King's School, Rochester, pupil left at the age of 16 with a couple of O-levels. He disliked the discipline of the public school, hated sport and couldn't wait to leave. And the feeling was mutual. During an interview with KentOnline in 2022, he said: "It was not the best time of my life, and I was a nightmare for them."
Published: May 15, 2026 4:00 am
Source: Kent Online — Read original