W Watkin Davies (1891–1973)

William Watkin Davies (1891-1973) was a barrister, lecturer and author. He was the only son of the Rev. John Gwynoro Davies (1855-1935) and Jeannie Mary Watkin. Born in Cricieth, Caernarfonshire, he grew up in Barmouth, Merionethshire. He was educated at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and St John's College, Oxford, where he graduated in modern history. He married Cecily Dorothea Crosskey on 22 September 1925. Davies was called to the Bar at Gray's Inn and practised as a barrister on the North Wales Circuit. He served as the history master at Friends School, Saffron Walden, 1915-17, and at Barmouth County School, 1917-19. Subsequently he lectured at Bristol University, 1919-1921, and for the League of Nations Union. He spent much of his later career lecturing in International Politics at the University of Birmingham. Davies wrote the volume Wales (London, 1924) and the important study Lloyd George, 1863-1914 (London, 1939). A regular contributor of articles to journals, he served as the editor of The Welsh Outlook from 1925 until 1927. He died on 25 December 1973. [Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales]