Statue of John Batchelor
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John Batchelor was born in Newport, the son of a Congregationalist timber merchant and shipbuilder. He was apprenticed in ship building and set up in business with his brother in Cardiff. With his Liberal politics, Batchelor was a successful opponent of the dominant Marquesses of Bute in politics and business. He was an eloquent orator. Batchelor became a councillor and mayor of Cardiff when the Liberals took control of Cardiff Town Council in 1853. He helped bring a clean water supply and sewerage system to the town.[2]
Batchelor's ship building business eventually failed after being impeded and undermined by the Bute Estate, who dominated Cardiff Docks. Local non-conformists raised £3,700 to support Batchelor. Batchelor promoted development of Penarth Docks, including proposals for a barrage across the River Taff (which the Butes also opposed). Batchelor retired as a broken man and died on 29 May 1883. [2]
