William Edwards (architect)

William Edwards (1719 – 1789) was a Welsh Methodist minister, bridge builder, architect, and stonemason. He is best known for designing and building the Old Bridge at Pontypridd, Wales, a single-span stone arch bridge that was, for a time, the longest single-span bridge in the world.

Edwards was born in Eglwysilan, Glamorgan, Wales. Initially a farmer and mason, he began his career building smaller bridges, gaining experience and a reputation for sound construction. He was a prominent figure in the Welsh Methodist revival and often preached at religious gatherings.

The first bridge at Pontypridd, commissioned in 1746, was washed away. A second bridge, with a wider span, followed but also failed. Undeterred, Edwards attempted a third bridge, which also succumbed to flooding. His eventual success came with the fourth iteration, the Old Bridge, completed in 1756. This design incorporated three large cylindrical holes through the haunches of the arch, reducing the weight and improving the bridge's stability. This innovative design proved successful, allowing the bridge to endure for many years.

Beyond Pontypridd, Edwards designed and built other bridges in South Wales, including bridges at Cynon, Merthyr Tydfil, and Neath. He also designed and built chapels and other structures. His work is characterized by its strength, practicality, and a simple elegance reflecting his religious beliefs. William Edwards is recognized as a significant figure in Welsh architectural history.