Born 24 November 1648 in Hendre, Penrhyndeudraeth, the eldest son of Richard Humphreys and Margaret, daughter of Robert Wynne of Cesailgyfarch, Caernarfonshire.

[1] He was educated at Oswestry and Bangor grammar schools, and then at Jesus College, Oxford, graduating B.A.

He served as chaplain to the Bishop of Bangor, then as rector of Llanfrothen (1670) and Trawsfynydd (1672).

[2] A patron of Welsh literature, genealogical research and of the then newly formed Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK).

Edward Lhuyd spoke highly of his competence as an antiquarian.