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John Kyrle: The Man of Ross
Early Life and Education
John Kyrle (22 May 1637 – 7 November 1724), known as “The Man of Ross,” was an English philanthropist renowned for his contributions to Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire.
Born in Dymock, Gloucestershire, he was the son of Walter Kyrle, a barrister and Member of Parliament. The Kyrle family had longstanding ties to Ross, where they had lived for generations. His grandfather, James Kyrle of Walford Court, had served as High Sheriff of Herefordshire. The family’s surname was originally spelled “Crull,” a name common among Norman aristocrats, but it gradually disappeared as the Anglo-French nobility adopted English spellings. John Kyrle’s great-uncle was the statesman John Hampden, and his great-aunt, Ann, was the sister of poet Edmund Waller.
Kyrle matriculated at Balliol College, Oxford, in 1654 and later studied law at the Middle Temple in 1657, though he never qualified as a barrister. Following his father’s death in 1650, he inherited the family estate, including a house overlooking Ross’s market square, where he resided for the rest of his life.
Philanthropy in Ross-on-Wye
Rather than using his wealth for personal gain, Kyrle adopted a modest lifestyle and dedicated himself to the well-being of Ross and its residents. He took an active interest in education, town improvements, and community welfare. He personally planted trees around the town with the help of laborers, worked to resolve disputes among townspeople, and sought to prevent expensive legal battles. His generosity extended to the poor, and he spent his wealth on charitable projects.
One of his most significant contributions was the creation of The Prospect, a public garden established in 1700 on a hilltop overlooking Ross. He rented the land from the Marquess of Bath in 1696 and transformed it into a scenic walking area with pathways, benches, and a fountain providing clean water to the town. The park remains a prominent feature of Ross, located next to St. Mary’s Church.
Kyrle led an active lifestyle, often working outdoors with laborers on his farm. He passed away on 7 November 1724 at the age of 87 and was buried in the chancel of Ross Church.
Legacy
Kyrle’s impact on Ross-on-Wye endures. His contributions are commemorated in The Prospect, the Man of Ross public house on Wye Street, and his former townhouse in the market square. The town’s secondary school also bears his name.
Beyond Ross, his philanthropic spirit inspired the creation of the Kyrle Society in 1876 by Miranda and Octavia Hill. This organization aimed to improve the lives of working-class people by promoting public parks, home decoration, and urban beautification. The Kyrle Society played a key role in the early civic amenity movement and was a forerunner of the National Trust.
