Charles de Kerchove de Denterghem was burgomaster of Ghent (1857–1881), provincial Council member for East Flanders and senator for the liberal party.

Under his rule the municipal public education in Ghent would be significantly expanded.

A street in Ghent is named after him, the Charles de Kerchove Lane.

He was succeeded as burgomaster of Ghent, by his son-in-law Hippolyte Lippens.

In 1875, he became President of the Maatschappij voor Hofbouw- en Kruidtuinkunde and a strong supporter of the Gentse Floraliën, which would become an international fair on botany.