William Roberts (priest)

William Roberts (born circa 1700, died 1766) was a Welsh Anglican priest and antiquarian. He is primarily known for his contributions to the study of Welsh history and literature during the 18th century.

Roberts was ordained as a priest and served in various parishes in Wales, including Llandyrnog and Llanfair Dyffryn Clwyd in Denbighshire. While dedicated to his pastoral duties, he also developed a strong interest in the history and traditions of his native land.

He was a keen collector of manuscripts, particularly those relating to Welsh poetry and genealogy. Roberts is believed to have transcribed and preserved numerous important works that might otherwise have been lost. He corresponded with other prominent Welsh antiquarians of his time, sharing information and contributing to the growing scholarly interest in Welsh culture.

His work involved tracing pedigrees of prominent Welsh families and documenting historical events related to the region. Although he published little during his lifetime, his collected manuscripts and transcriptions proved valuable sources for later historians and scholars researching Welsh history and literature.

Roberts's contributions are recognized for helping to preserve and promote awareness of Welsh heritage during a period when the Welsh language and culture were facing significant challenges. His meticulous work in collecting and transcribing historical documents ensured their survival for future generations of scholars.