Thomas Francis Roberts

Who was Thomas Francis Roberts?

Thomas Robert Francis was a Welsh academic and second Principal of the University College of Wales Aberystwyth.

Born at Aberdyfi, he received his education at Towyn and the UCWA before taking a scholarship to St John's College, Oxford, where he took a first in Classical honour moderations in 1881 and again in literae humaniores two years later. After receiving his Bachelor's degree in 1883, he became the first Professor of Greek at the newly established University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire.

In 1891 he succeeded Thomas Charles Edwards at his Alma Mater, the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth. To date, he is both the youngest-appointed and longest-serving Principal. He was also a key figure in developing the fledgling University of Wales, which was established in 1893.