Career
Although born in Newport, Monmouthsire, 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.
John Batchelor died in 1883 and a subscription fund was established to erect a statue in his memory. This was followed by a petition of 1200 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.