Moses Williams (antiquarian) facts for kids
Moses Williams was an important Welsh scholar and church leader. He was born on March 2, 1685. He passed away around March 2, 1742. He helped create new versions of the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer in the Welsh language. He was also an antiquarian, someone who studies old things.
Life of Moses Williams
Moses Williams was born in a place called Y Glaslyn. This was near Llandysul in Ceredigion, south-west Wales. His father, Samuel Williams, was a church leader. He was a Vicar in Llandyfriog and a Rector in Llangunllo. His mother was Margaret.
Moses Williams became a deacon in the church in 1708. He then became a priest in 1713. He married Margaret Davies, who was from Cwmwysg, near Defynnog.
Williams worked in many different places. He was a Curate in Kent from 1708 to 1713. He then became a Vicar in Llanwenog, Cardiganshire. He served there from 1715 to 1742. He was also a Vicar in Defynnog, Brecknockshire. His name is even carved on a beam in the old rectory there. Later, he became a Rector in Chilton Trinity, Somerset. His last role was as a Vicar at St Mary's in Bridgwater, Somerset. He worked there from 1732 until he passed away.
In 1719, Moses Williams was chosen to be a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very respected group for scientists and scholars. He died in Bridgwater.
Moses Williams' Important Works
Moses Williams played a big part in publishing new books. He oversaw new editions of the Bible. He also worked on the Anglican Book of Common Prayer. Both of these were printed in the Welsh language.
Williams had a large collection of books. Many of these were old Welsh books and manuscripts. After he died, his library went to William Jones. Later, these books became part of the library at Shirburn Castle. This castle belonged to George Parker, 2nd Earl of Macclesfield.
Williams also worked with other famous scholars. He helped Edward Lhuyd with his book, the Archæologia Britannica. This book was published in 1707. He also worked with William Wotton on a book called Leges Wallicae. This book came out in 1730. It was a special edition of the old laws of Hywel Dda. It showed the original text alongside a translation.
