benhall-III

(1802 - 1867) Baron Llanofer of Llanofer and Abercarn
Benjamin Hall III's parents were Benjamin Hall II of Hensol, and Charlotte (née Crawshay). He was their first child and was born on the 8th November 1802 at their home, 14 Upper Gower Street, London. His paternal grandfather was Dr. Benjamin Hall, Chancellor of the diocese of Llandaff, and his maternal grandfather was Richard Crawshay, the iron master of Cyfarthfa.	Benjamin Hall III
Although he too was to become a Member of Parliament he was always a countryman at heart. Soon after he came of age he sold his industrial heritage and with the proceeds bought up land adjoining Llanofer when it became available.
Benjamin was a handsome man, and on his wedding day he and his bride Augusta must have made an attractive couple - he was tall and dignified, she small and vivacious and looking her lovliest, 'her blue eyes radiant with happiness'. Dr. Benjamin Hall, Benjamin's grandfather, was to officiate at the church in Llanofer, but on the morning of the wedding he insisted on changing the time from 11am to 10am and could not be persuaded to change his mind. Forunately, the main guests were warned and were just in time to join the procession to the church, although many of the guests missed the ceremony. In spite of the obstinacy of Dr. Hall, Augusta ensured that everyone enjoyed the occasion.
The young Mr. and Mrs. Hall shared an enthusiasm for all things Welsh, and throughout their lives supported eisteddfodau, met all or part of the costs of certain Welsh publications and sponsored bards. Benjamin Hall shared and supported his wife's strongly held views. He was created a baronet in 1838 and elevated to the peerage as Baron Llanofer of Llanofer and Abercarn in 1859.	Llanofer Coat of Arms
In 1854, just after his appointment as President of the Board of Health, cholera broke out in London, and Sir Benjamin, as he then was, went to the East End to direct personally the work to combat the disease. He was so appalled at the conditions there that he piloted a bill through Parliament which 'was the turning point in the sanitary history and evolution of London', which resulted in the creation of the Metropolitan Board of Works, the fore-runner of the London County Council.
A generous landowner and a great politician, it is sad that today the only memory of him seems to be his reponsibility for 'Big Ben', the great bell hung in the Clock Tower at the Palace of Westminster. This was perhaps the least of his achievements.
As First Commissioner for Works, he was responsible for improving the London Parks, planting trees, shrubs and flower borders, and creating new paths; and it was he who stood firm against the storm of protest aroused by his proposal to open the parks to the public. An even greater storm was created by his proposal to have bands playing in the parks on Sundays - the only free time of the majority of Londoners; but again he stood firm, and in spite of set-backs, the general public were able to make full use of the London parks in their brief leisure time.
1 2 next