John Batchelor Statue in Cardiff: photos, reviews

About

Located in the bustling St. David's Centre of Cardiff, the John Batchelor Statue is a tribute to a remarkable 19th-century figure celebrated for his devotion to freedom. Crafted by the artist James Milo Griffith, this statue stands as both a historical monument and a popular meeting point for locals and visitors alike. With an average Google rating of 4.2, the statue is appreciated for its cultural significance and the sense of continuity it brings to the city's vibrant atmosphere. The significant inscription, "JOHN BATCHELOR B.1820 D.1883 THE FRIEND of FREEDOM," highlights his enduring legacy.

Features

Wheelchair accessible entrance

4.2

based on 65 reviews

Google

4.2/5 65 reviews

Judy C

Historic statue in center of town...a good meeting place.

Guillaume Gressier

J'ai joué du violon 🎻 au pied de la statue c'était sympa

Les Spaine

John Batchelor (1820-1883) was a prominent Welsh Victorian politician, who earned the epithet "Friend of Freedom". Although born in Newport, Monmouthshire, Batchelor became a prominent Cardiff figure, having moved there in his early twenties. He set up business as a timber merchant and, later, slate merchant and also played a key role in establishing the Mount Stuart Dry Dock. He was an active Liberal politician and served as a Liberal Councillor and, later, Mayor of Cardiff, in addition to being Chairman of the Cardiff School Board. He also campaigned against slavery. However, John Batchelor's political activity brought him into conflict with the Bute family (John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute), who had significant land-holdings in Cardiff, including Cardiff Castle, and had built much of the docks. The Butes supported the Tory party and many believed that their conspiring led to the collapse of Batchelor's shipbuilding business. John Batchelor died in 1883 and was buried at Cathays Cemetery, alongside his son Tom Eustace, who had died in infancy. A subscription fund was established to erect a statue in his memory. This was followed by a petition of 12,000 signatures, started by his opponents, campaigning against the statue. The statue, created by the sculptor James Milo Griffith, was finally unveiled on 16 October 1886 and stands in The Hayes, Cardiff. Its plinth is inscribed “JOHN BATCHELOR B.1820 D.1883 THE FRIEND of FREEDOM”. A Conservative solicitor, T. H. Ensor, wrote a scathing piece in the Western Mail, suggesting the words "Friend of Freedom" be replaced with "traitor to the Crown... hater of the clergy... sincerely mourned by unpaid creditors". He was sued unsuccessfully for libel. The case set a legal precedent in British law that the dead could not be libelled.

What is the address of John Batchelor Statue?
John Batchelor Statue is located at The Hayes, CF10 1GA, Cardiff, Saint Davids Centre, United Kingdom.
How to get here by public transport?
The nearest public transport options provide quick and easy access:
- Bus stop Lower St. Mary Street JS (243 m walk)
- Bus stop Royal Hotel KJ (210 m walk)
- Bus stop Canal Street JF (234 m walk)
- Bus station Wyndham Arcade Stop NA (257 m walk)
How is John Batchelor Statue rated by visitors?
John Batchelor Statue has an average rating of 4.2 based on 65 reviews across platforms such as Google.

John Batchelor Statue in Cardiff

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