Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Heath, Charles (1761-1831)

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HEATH, CHARLES (1761–1831), topographer, was a native of Hurcott, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire, where his father owned extensive paper mills. About 1791 he set up as a printer at Monmouth, and prepared a number of topographical works on the neighbourhood. These he printed at his own press, and all ran through many editions. Heath was twice mayor of Monmouth. After his death (7 Jan. 1831) his fellow-townsmen erected a monument above his grave in St. Mary's churchyard, Monmouth, and the inscription stated that his books ‘first brought into the notice of tourists’ the many picturesque points of interest in the neighbourhood. His works included historical and descriptive accounts of the town of Monmouth (1804), of the Kymin Pavilion and Beaulieu Grove (1807, 1809), of Tintern Abbey (1793, 1806), of the town and castle of Chepstow (1793, 1805, and 1808), and of Raglan Castle (1797; 11th edition, 1829). He also wrote ‘An Excursion down the Wye from Ross to Monmouth.’

[Gent. Mag. 1831, pt. i. p. 92; J. P. Anderson's Book of British Topography; information kindly communicated by H. A. Evans, esq., of Tutshill Lodge, Chepstow.]