William Edwards (architect)

William Edwards (February 1719 – 7 August 1789) was a Welsh Methodist minister who also practised as a stonemason, architect and bridge engineer.

[1] He taught himself the rudiments of masonry and at the age of 27 was commissioned to build a bridge over the Taff for £500 and to maintain it for 7 years.

On his death, he was buried in St Ilan's church in Eglwysilan, where his tomb is a grade II* listed structure.

His friends generously came forward and helped him with the means of building his third bridge, which proved a complete success.

The plan which he adopted, of more equally balancing the work and relieving the severe thrust upon the haunches, was to introduce three cylindrical holes or tunnels in the masonry at those parts of the bridge.

Shortly after, he was chosen minister of congregation to which he belonged, and he continued to hold the office for about forty years, until his death.

The contract included a "guarantee" clause, and Edwards actually constructed four successive bridges at the same site, with only the last surviving the torrential waters of the river Taff.