Preece family

Richard Mathias Preece (1797-1854), was born at Cowbridge, Glamorgan, on 7 August 1797. His father, also Richard (1766-1847) was headmaster of the school in Cowbridge, and Richard junior began his career as a schoolteacher. He later worked for the Chester and North Wales Bank in Caernarfon, and was a Bailiff (1828) and Mayor (1844) of Caernarfon. The Preece family moved to London in 1845.

Richard Preece was brought up at Cowbridge Welsh Wesleyan chapel, the first Welsh Wesleyan chapel in South Wales. Fluent and eloquent in both Welsh and English, he was largely responsible for the building of Ebenezer Welsh Wesleyan chapel in Caernarfon. He was in demand as a preacher for chapel openings and other occasions and he was a strong supporter of the Sunday School movement.

Preece married Jane Elizabeth Hughes (1799-1870) at Llanbeblig, Caernarfon, on 27 May 1817. Among their large family of fourteen children was William Henry Preece (1834-1913), FRS, awarded the KCB in 1899 for his pioneering work in telegraphy, radio, and railway signalling.

Sources
  • David Young, The Origin and History of Methodism in Wales and the Borders (London: Charles Kelly, 1893).
  • Edward Cecil Baker, Sir William Preece, FRS. Victorian Engineer Extraordinary (London: Hutchinson, 1976).

Entry written by: DHR
Category: Person
Comment on this entry