William Edwards (architect)
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William Edwards (1719 – 1789) was a Welsh Methodist minister who also practised as a stonemason, architect and bridge engineer.
Edwards' most famous creation was the bridge at Pontypridd, built between 1746 and 1754. The contract included a "guarantee" clause, and Edwards actually constructed three successive bridges at the same site, with only the last surviving the torrential waters of the River Taff. At 140 ft, the bridge was the largest single span in the world when it was constructed. Edwards' master-stroke was to lighten the weight of the stone by leaving "holes" in the lower part of the structure. The resulting construction still stands today, although another bridge next to it carries modern traffic.
Edwards also built bridges in Aberafan, Betws, Pontardawe and Usk. He is buried in the graveyard of Eglwysilan church.
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