"With sincere regret, which will be shared by many elsewhere, we record the death of Mr Christopher D Barker JP DL, which took place at his residence, Radnor House, College Road, on Sunday," reported the Gazette 100 years ago.

"In his demise, the town loses one of its most prominent residents and one of its most generous supporters of philanthropic and other schemes."

Mr Barker, who was 76 at his death, came to Malvern in 1867 and was a managing partner in Wood and Co, a bank based at Newcastle-on-Tyne, which was later taken over by Barclays.

In Malvern, Mr Barker took an active part in town matters and was a particular supporter of the rural hospital.

"This institution had a particular fascination for him, and while health permitted, he not only showed the keenest interest in its administration, but was a regular visitor of the in-patients," reported the Gazette.

Mr Barker was also a magistrate, a member of Malvern College's council, a supporter of the Three Choirs Festival, and of Malvern Priory, whose restoration he contributed to liberally.