William Edwards (architect)

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William Edwards (February 1719 in Eglwysilan, Glamorgan ; † August 7, 1789 ) was a Welsh Methodist pastor who was also active as a stonemason, architect and bridge builder. Edwards was born in Eglwysilan, Glamorgan , and began preaching at the age of 22. In 1745 he became the liaison pastor of the newly built independence chapel in Groeswen . He retained this post until his death and was buried in the cemetery of the Eglwysilan Church.

Well-known bridges

Old and new bridge in Pontypridd, Wales
The old arch bridge in Pontypridd, Wales

Edwards' most famous construction is the bridge at Pontypridd , built between 1746 and 1754. The construction contract included a guarantee clause, and Edwards built three bridges in succession on the same site, only the last of which withstood the torrential floods of the River Taff. With a length of 40 m, the bridge was at that time the longest arch bridge in the world with a single tension arch. Edwards' secret to success was to reduce the weight of the stones by allowing cavities in the lower part of the structure. The resulting construction still stands today, although another bridge next to it transports modern traffic. The bridge opened in 1755 and celebrated its 250th birthday in 2005.

Edwards also built bridges in Aberafan , Betws , Cilycwm Pontardawe and Usk and was responsible for the design of Morriston , the first planned industrial town near Swansea .

Individual evidence

  1. ^ The Welsh Academy Encyclopaedia of Wales . John Davies, Nigel Jenkins , Menna Baines and Peredur Lynch (2008) pg106 ISBN 9780708319536
personal data
SURNAME Edwards, William
BRIEF DESCRIPTION welsh architect
DATE OF BIRTH February 1719
PLACE OF BIRTH Eglwysilane
DATE OF DEATH August 7, 1789