Murch, Jerom, Sir, 1807-1895

Sir Jerom Murch was born on October 29, 1807, in Honiton, Devon, England.

He was a Unitarian clergyman, municipal activist, and philanthropist. He was educated at University College London. He arrived in Bath in 1833 to serve as a Minister of Trim Street Chapel. Ill health forced his premature retirement in 1845. His wife was an heiress, which is how he was able to buy the land and build his residence, a Victorian mansion Cranwell House in 1856 (now a school and World Heritage site). He became a key figure in Bath’s political and cultural life during the 19th century, serving as a seven-time Mayor of Bath (1860-1862, 1876-1877, 1890, 1892), president of the Royal Mineral Water Hospital (1860-1862, 1878), and Justice of the Peace. His initiatives to help the poor included improving Bath’s water supply and sanitation. In 1864, the city began a series of reforms under his leadership, with improvements to the streets and buildings, lighting, theatres, parks, and amenities. His municipal service, humanitarianism, and philanthropy won him both a knighthood and the accolade of the city's Man of the Century. He published several books, e.g., "The Bath Physicians of Former Times" (1882) and "Biographical Sketches of Bath Celebrities, Ancient and Modern" (1893).

In 1830, he married Ann Meadows-Taylor (1800-1893). He died on March 13, 1895, in Bath, Avon, England.