His involvement in the club continued a long family tradition with both his grandfather, Sir Samuel Hill-Wood, and his father, Denis Hill-Wood, having previously served as chairman. He remained in position after selling shares to Stan Kroenke, the current club owner, but was forced to step down through ill health five years ago.

Arsenal won two league titles, the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup under Graham, whose appointment was overseen by Hill-Wood in 1986.

Hill-Wood was also at the helm when Wenger was appointed in 1996, and the Frenchman's arrival proved both transformative for the club and the game in England. The Gunners won three Premier League titles and four FA Cups under Wenger while Hill-Wood was chairman, changing footballing cultures in the country in the process.

An announcement on the club's website, www.arsenal.com, read: "Peter and his family's influence on the club cannot be understated, but at this most difficult time for his family and friends, it is Peter the man who we remember with great fondness. Our thoughts are with his wife Sally and his children Sarah, Julian and Charles."

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