Charles Gardner was born in Cheltenham 20th August 1843, the eldest son of Henry Gale Gardner  . He was educated at Bristol Grammar School and Mr David Vine's Academy in Kingsdown, Bristol.  He became senior partner in the firm of Gardner Thomas & Co., wholesale grocers, Nelson Street, Bristol.  In 1865 he joined the 1st Gloucester Volunteer Artillery and in 1873 received his Captain's commission.  He was elected Councillor for the District ward in 1881 and had an unbroken membership of the city council for over 48 years.  He became a Justice of the Peace in 1898. He served as Mayor in 1901 when his term of office covered the visit of the Prince & Princess of Wales on 5th March 1902 to 'cut the first sod' of the Royal Edward Dock at Avonmouth.  He and Alderman Howell Davies shared the costs of entertaining the 'royals' and some 600 other guests on that occasion.    He was active in the Wesleyan church and held many offices including preacher and class leader.  He died on 14th December 1932 at the age of 89.