Owen Morgan

Sir Owen Morgan Edwards (1858–1920), known as O. M. Edwards, was a prominent Welsh historian, educationalist, and author. Born in a Welsh-speaking region, he experienced the suppression of the Welsh language in his early schooling. After studying at various institutions, including Oxford, where he excelled in history, Edwards became deeply involved in Welsh cultural nationalism. He dedicated his career to promoting Welsh identity and education, serving as the first Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales. In this role, he actively worked to integrate the Welsh language into the school curriculum and resisted perceived anglicizing influences. Edwards was also a prolific writer, founding periodicals and authoring numerous books on Welsh history and culture, aiming to foster national pride and awareness.

Owen Morgan Edwards was born in Llanuwchllyn, a predominantly Welsh-speaking area. His early education was marked by the 'Welsh Not,' a disciplinary measure used to punish students for speaking Welsh, which he himself experienced. After attending schools in Bala and University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, he pursued further studies in philosophy at the University of Glasgow and then history at Balliol College, Oxford. At Oxford, he achieved significant academic success, winning major history prizes. During his time there, he connected with the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society, forming friendships with future Welsh leaders and developing strong cultural nationalist sentiments.

Following his academic career, Edwards held a fellowship and tutored history at Lincoln College, Oxford. In 1907, he was appointed the first Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales. A key aspect of his tenure was his commitment to establishing Welsh language education within Welsh schools. He notably clashed with the Central Welsh Board, believing that the new intermediate schools were detrimental to Welsh culture by promoting Anglicization. Edwards was determined to counter these influences and ensure the preservation and promotion of the Welsh language and heritage.

Edwards was a prolific author and editor, deeply invested in disseminating Welsh history and culture. He founded the periodicals 'Cymru' in 1891 and 'Cymru'r Plant' for children in 1892, with the explicit goal of increasing interest in the Welsh language and history among the Welsh people. His English-language publication, 'Wales' (1901), was less successful. He authored several significant books on Welsh history, including 'Cartrefi Cymru' ('Welsh Homes'), which explored the lives of historical figures through their residences. He also undertook the ambitious project of publishing a series of Welsh classics, 'Cyfres y Fil,' to support Welsh literature.

Beyond his educational and literary work, Edwards briefly served as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Merionethshire from 1899 to 1900, though he found parliamentary life unfulfilling. He received recognition for his contributions, including a knighthood in 1916 and an honorary D.Litt. from the University of Wales in 1918. He was also known for building Neuadd Wen in his hometown. His dedication to Welsh culture extended to his family; his second son, Ifan ab Owen Edwards, founded the influential youth organization Urdd Gobaith Cymru.