Goronwy Edwards

Sir (John) Goronwy Edwards F.B.A. (1891 – 20 June 1976) was a Welsh historian. After 29 years as a Fellow of Jesus College, Oxford, he spent 12 years as Director of the Institute of Historical Research and Professor of History at the University of London.

Biography
Edwards, who was proficient in Welsh before he could read English, was educated at Holywell Grammar School before matriculating at Jesus College, Oxford in 1909. His 1913 essay on Danby gained him proxime accessit in the Stanhope prize competition. After obtaining his degree in 1913, he worked for a time at Manchester University before serving with the Royal Welch Fusiliers during the First World War. He obtained the rank of captain and served in France. In 1919, he returned to Jesus College as Fellow and Tutor in History, where he specialised in medieval English and Welsh history, serving also as Senior Tutor for 13 years. He was highly regarded as a lecturer, tutor and supervisor of research students. He was joint editor of the English Historical Review from 1938 and was appointed a Fellow of the British Academy in 1943. He had hoped to be appointed Principal of the college when it fell vacant on the death of Alfred Hazel. Instead, the decision was taken to appoint Frederick Ogilvie as principal, with Edwards becoming vice-principal.

In 1948, Edwards accepted the invitation to become Director of the Institute of Historical Research and Professor of History at the University of London. In addition to his continuing scholarship, he also presided over many committees with, it was said, "exemplary patience". In addition, he served on the Royal Commission on Ancient Monuments in Wales and Monmouthshire, and the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts. He was knighted in July 1960, shortly before his retirement. He was president of the Royal Historical Society from 1961 to 1965.

He was awarded the Cymmrodorion medal on his eightieth birthday to mark his service to Wales. He died on 20 June 1976 at the age of 85.