Following his death in 1883, a subscription fund was opened for a memorial to commemorate his public service and J. Milo Griffith received the commission for £1,000 in 1884. The statue evoked strong emotions in Cardiff with the Western Mail publishing a mock epitaph written by political rivals. This led to an assault on the paper's editor by Batchelor's sons. In January 1887 the council was presented with a petition signed by 1200 people requesting the removal of the statue as it was occupying valuable ground and because he was a man 'whose memory is associated with the politics of a particular party'. The petition was rejected. Also in January 1887 the statue was daubed with paint and coal tar. The statue remained in situ and became a popular venue for open-air political meetings.

 

 

 

The Cardiff Free Library opened in June 1896 as the cover of the programme of the proceedings indicates. [535]

A postcard of the 'Free Library, Cardiff' with the statue of John Batchelor from the Penarth Dock Collection post marked Bruxeules 11th January 1907. [001] I used the library facilities often but the fine Victorian gents facilities below the Hayes Island was often found to be of great personal relief. The fine marble and ceramic conveniences date from 1898. [000] [002]