John Humphreys Davies

Who was John Humphreys Davies?

John Humphreys Davies was a Welsh lawyer, bibliographer and educator.

Born at Llangeitho, Ceredigion, he was the son of Robert J. Davies, Cwrtmawr. He received his education at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and Lincoln College, Oxford, before being called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn. His interest in Welsh literature is accredited to his association with O. M. Edwards at Oxford and his brother-in-law, T. E. Ellis. Along with Sir John Williams, who would be his President while Principal at Aberystwyth, he was involved in the movement to establish a National Library for Wales.

From a very early age he became involved in public life at a very early age, being elected an alderman of Cardiganshire County Council in 1895 at the age of 24 and while not an elected member of the authority. In the same year he had some support as the new Liberal candidate for Cardiganshire in succession to Bowen Rowlands. The nomination, however, went to Matthew Vaughan Davies.

In 1905 he became Registrar of his alma mater, and principal in 1919, a position which he held until his death.