Thomas Charles Edwards

Thomas Charles Edwards (1837-1900) was the first Principal of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth (1872-1891), and later the second Principal of Bala College (1891-1900) which was founded by his father Lewis Edwards. Also a Calvinistic Methodist minister, he began to preach at the age of 19 and was ordained in 1864. His religious zeal and great intelligence earned him a great reputation as he preached across Wales. Following his appointment as Principal of U.C.W.A in 1872, the College faced difficult early years but it is generally acknowledged that it would not have continued without T. C. Edwards to lead it. A full length sculpture of him by Sir William Goscombe John resides on the seafront outside Aberystwyth's Old College.