William Edwards

William Edwards was a Welsh Methodist minister who also practised as a stonemason, architect and bridge engineer. Edwards was born the son of Edward David in Eglwysilan, Caerphilly County Borough, and began preaching in his early twenties. In 1745 he became joint pastor of a newly established Independent chapel at Groeswen, remaining in the post until his death. 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. After several attempts he succeeded and went on to build further bridges across South Wales. On his death he was buried in St Ilan's church in Eglwysilan, where his tomb is a grade II* listed structure. Three of his sons also became bridge builders, two of whom built Newport bridge in 1801. A fourth son was killed in action at Gibraltar.