William Thomas (Gwilym Marles)

Dylan was given his middle name, "Marlais", in honour of William Thomas, who is also believed to have inspired the character of Rev.

William studied at the Presbyterian College in Carmarthen, but won a scholarship which enabled him to go on to the University of Glasgow in 1856.

After graduating, he became a minister at Llwynrhydowen, and for a time acted as a tutor to William Thomas (Islwyn), the poet.

He translated works by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Robert Browning and Alexander Pope into the Welsh language.

[3] He opened a grammar school, and was politically active, supporting local farmers in a tithe war and campaigning on behalf of the Liberal Party in Parliamentary elections.