John Batchelor 1820-1883

This statue stands outside the David Morgan building in Cardiff. John Batchelor was a prominent Welsh business man and politician who earned the name "friend of freedom" In his younger years, he set up in business as a timber and slate merchant. He was elected Mayor of Cardiff and took on the powerful Marquis of Bute who owned most of Cardiff and as a result of his determined efforts, Penarth Docks were built in direct competition to Cardiff docks. He was horrified by the amount of Cholera in Cardiff and was responsible for establishing the city's first sewage system. He married twice and was father to twelve children.  Whenever I have  tried to photograph this statue, there has been a seagull standing on his head, this blip is no exception!