William Mervyn

William Mervyn Pickwoad (3 January 1912 – 6 August 1976) was a prominent English actor, celebrated for his role as the bishop in the comedic series All Gas and Gaiters, as well as for his performances as the old gentleman in The Railway Children and Inspector Charles Rose in The Odd Man and its subsequent adaptations.

Born in Nairobi, British East Africa, Mervyn received his education in Britain at Forest School, Snaresbrook. He began his acting career in regional theaters, dedicating five years to the stage before making his West End debut in The Guinea Pig at the Criterion Theatre in 1946. His theatrical repertoire included notable productions such as Lend Me Robin at the Embassy Theatre, Ring Round the Moon, The Mortimer Touch, Oscar Wilde’s A Woman of No Importance at the Savoy Theatre in 1953, and Charley's Aunt.

As his career progressed, Mervyn took on roles such as O'Trigger in The Rivals, Lord Greenham in Aren't We All?, and Sir Patrick Cullen in The Doctor's Dilemma. Although he found acclaim in theater, it was television that brought him widespread fame. He gained recognition with his portrayal of Sir Hector in the 1962 series Saki and later as the Bishop of St. Ogg's in All Gas and Gaiters.

Additionally, he played Chief Inspector Charles Rose in the Granada series The Odd Man and its spin-offs, as well as Hon. Mr. Justice Campbell in Crown Court. Mervyn's film career included a role in the 1949 classic The Blue Lamp, and he appeared in the 1966 Doctor Who story The War Machines.

Married to theatre designer and architect Anne Margaret Payne-Cook, Mervyn had three sons: Michael Pickwoad, a future Doctor Who production designer; Richard, a television director; and Nicholas, a bookbinding expert. His granddaughter, Amy Pickwoad, also