John Kyrle, the "Man of Ross"

John Kyrle (1637-1724), a native of Ross-on-Wye, gained fame for his involvement with the local community, his modest lifestyle and his charitable works. He helped settle disputes, aided the poor and sick, supported the schools and left the beautiful Prospect walk, with its fountain and gardens, to the citizens of Ross. The Prospect is one of the first recorded attempts in the county to beautify a town for the benefit of all the people. The writer Alexander Pope was looking for a role model for his Moral Essays when he heard about John Kyrle and was inspired to write the following lines:

"All our praises why should Lords engross?

Rise, honest Muse! And sing the man of Ross,

Pleas'd Vaga echoes through her winding bounds

And rapid Severn hoarse applause resounds.

Who hung with woods yon mountain's sultry brow,

From the dry rock who bade the waters flow,

Not to the skies in useless columns tost,

Or in proud falls magnificently lost.

But clear and artless pouring through the plain

Health to the sick, and solace to the swain.

Whose causeway parts the vale in shady rows,

Whose seats the weary traveller repose.

Who taught that heav'n directed spire to rise?

'The Man of Ross' each lisping babe replies."

(Note: Vaga is the Latin name for the river Wye)

[Original author: Toria Forsyth-Moser, 2003]