David Davies

A leading industrialist and millionaire who made his fortune in railways, coal and the building of Barry Docks.

Born:

18 DEC 1818

Place of Birth:

Llandinam

"One of the most remarkable Welshmen who has ever lived" - Ivor Thomas, author of David Davies' biography "Top Sawyer" David Davies

Biography:

The remarkable rags-to-riches story of the Montgomeryshire man who rose from povertry to become one of the leading entrepreneurs of the Industrial Revolution.

The eldest of nine children, David Davies was born on 18 December 1818 in a two up two down cottage called Draintewon in the village of Llandinam. His parents, David and Elizabeth, had moved there from Lledrod in Ceredigion in search of a better life. His father was a small tenant farmer who supplemented his income by taking on seasonal work as a sawyer.

David Davies attended the village school which was held in the gallery of the parish church. Even though he was a bright child, he left school at the age of 11 to help his father and for the next twenty years, he worked on the land - both farming and sawing timber.

In 1844, he bought his own 150-acre farm called Neuadd Fach and two years later, at the age of 27, he bought yet another farm. When his father died in 1846, his mother moved to Neuadd Fach.

In 1850, David Davies moved to Gwernerin farm in the Severn Valley, an area prone to flooding. His flood prevention work impressed the then County Surveyor of Montgomeryshire Thomas Penson and he was asked to take on the work of building the foundations, road and embankment for a new iron bridge across the Severn. The bridge is still there today.

As his civil engineering skills developed, David Davies turned his attention to another booming business - the building of railways. In 1855, he successfully bid for the contract to build the Llanidloes to Newtown line.

Other contracts followed including the Vale of Clwyd Railway, the Mid Wales Railway from Llanidloes to Llandovery and the Cambrian Railway. In the space of 15 years, he was responsible for laying 144 miles of track.

In 1865, David Davies took his first major step into the political arena standing in the parliamentary elections as the Liberal candidate in Cardiganshire. He didn't win the seat but he would return again to the hustings.

It was around this time that he became interested in coal - in particular, the untapped resources of the upper Rhondda Valley. He and a small group of investors took out a lease on land near Treorchy.

For 15 months, his workers searched in vain for "black gold". With funds running low, David Davies called a halt to the work but his men were determined to carry on and pledged to work one more week without wages. They hit upon one of the world's finest seams of coal.

So was born the Ocean Coal Company whose workforce rose rapidly from a few hundred to more than 5,000 men. David Davies became known as "Davies yr Ocean" and his reputation travelled far. He was invited to consult on mining operations in Russia, Spain, Brazil and other foreign countries. He was also invited to the opening of the Suez Canal and travelled to Palestine and Egypt.

Despite travelling extensively, David Davies still lived in Llandinam with his wife Margaret, whom he married in 1851, and their only son Edward who was born in 1852.

He had built a grand house for his family called Broneiron where they moved in 1864. When Edward was 21, his father paid for a grand party in the grounds. A huge marquee was erected and 6,000 guests invited to join the celebrations - many of whom travelled to Mid Wales in special trains from the Rhondda coalfields. He bought Plas Dinam in 1884 for his son.

A deeply religious man, David Davies was a strict teetotaller who gave generously to his local community. A member of the School Board, he paid almost entirely for a new school building as well as a new chapel in the village. Every year, he held a party for local children in the grounds of Broneiron and paid for the annual Sunday School trip.

In 1874, he made another bid to be elected MP for Cardiganshire and this time, his attempt was successful. He was re-elected unopposed in 1880 and again in 1885.

During his time in the House of Commons, he made his opposition to drinking known - voting against Sunday opening and extending opening hours and voting for increased taxes on spirits and beer. But it was his views on Irish Home Rule which got him into trouble.

He spoke out against Liberal leader Gladstone and his opposition to this key plank of party policy led to his deselection. He decided to stand as an independent candidate but lost by nine votes.

David Davies was also closely associated with the campaign to establish for the University of Wales Aberystwyth and pledged to give £20 for every £100 raised. The college opened its doors in 1872.

Another of his lasting achievements was the building of Barry Docks which he needed to secure a stable overseas market for his Rhondda coal. Regarded as one of the best ports in the world at the time, it was a project which cost around £2m and which saw the population of Barry increase from less than a hundred people in 1881 to almost 13,000 by 1891.

David Davies died aged 72 in 1890 after a short illness and was buried in the churchyard at Llandinam. A statue of him holding the plans for Barry Docks still stands in the middle of the village - a replica of one built for Barry Docks.

His legacy lived on - not only through his engineering feats but also through the Davies family dynasty. His grandson David was the Liberal MP for Montgomeryshire from 1906 - 1929 and was made Baron Davies of Llandinam in 1932. A leading peace campaigner, he also provided the funds to set up the world's first Department of International Politics at the University of Wales Aberystwyth.

David Davies' grand-daughters also made their mark, especially in the world of art - see our profile of Margaret and Gwendoline Davies.

your comments

Les James from Betwys
Would the famous David Davies be an ancestor of the current David Davies, OBE, who was formerly a reporter and broadcaster on the BBC? He was born in 1950.
Thu Nov 5 11:53:24 2009

Hilary Stroude from near Cambridge
My GG Grandmother was Elizabeth Davies. She married John Lawrence a Master Shoemaker and part time farmer from Llanycefn near Narberth. Older family relatives say that Lord David Davies was a relative of Elizabeth Davies. John & Elizabeth had a number of children. Ann my G grandmother was born 4th Feb. 1866. Her birth was registered by David Davies of Llainwen Mynachlog-duu. We assume that this was Elizabeth's father. Ann' siblings were Ben; David (Clerk of Works Aberdare Council); Elizabeth and John.) We believe that Elizabeth her mother was a midwife. The family had a book in which she recorded all the ! births but this has been lost.From the date of birth of David Davies(b 1818) in the article could he and Elizabeth's father have been cousins? For his granddaughter Ann to have been born in 1866 it makes the two David's about the same generation. Can any one help fill in the relationship (if any) of my famiy to David Davies(b.1818)Many thanks.
Tue May 19 10:37:21 2009

Hilary Stroude from near Cambridge
Additional thoughts on David Davies, (b 1818) and my GGG Grandfather David Davies of Llainwen Mynachlog-duu, being cousins.My family folklore says that 1st Lord Davies of Llandinum was a cousin of my G Grandmother Ann Lawrence. See first entry. Indeed if the 2 David Davies' (above)were 1st cousins this would make Lord Davies andAnn Lawrence 3rd cousins. This would match in with the family story. If we are to find an answer we need to know some information on the siblings of David Davies of Lledrod in Ceredigion the father of David Davies (b 1818). Any help greatfully received. If any one! can provide some answers or is related to me I would love to know. I am hoping to tour Pembrokshire one day on the trail of the Lawrence and Davies families.
Tue May 19 10:35:45 2009

Scropie
The first David Davies was my GGG Grandafather. My grandad was his Grandson Edward Davies.
Tue May 5 09:34:21 2009

Mark Steven Davies
Interesting. David Edward Davies from Ithaca, I was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. I now that my father's family was from Cardiff, but that is all I know. My wife and I now live in Salisbury, NC and are going to visit the Davies' sisters art exhibit in Columbia, SC next weekend.
Sun May 3 19:32:05 2009

David Edward Davies, Ithaca New York USA
I hope to stand and view this statue one day soon. I'll be thinking of my grandfather David Newton Davies
Tue Apr 21 09:48:45 2009

Hugh James Noble
My mother was Lord David Davies Daughter,Mary Davies.After my mother died in 2001 I received many photos and books.One of the books is called The History of the Barry Railway Company 1884-1921. Inside the book is a list of "old Pioneers" invited to a luncheon for the sixtieth anniversary of the opening of the Barry docks. It has 24 names and address and details of the employment.e.g John Hughes 79 Tynewydd Road, Barry. joined Barry Railway co.in 1889 as a Tipper.Also inside the book is a card inviting my mother "The Honourable Mary Davies" to the luncheon.
Thu Apr 16 14:59:24 2009

Richard Hainsworth, Old Oundelian
The second Lord Davies was captured by the Germans near Falaise whilst helping wounded French civilians. He escaped after four days bringing several German prisoners - including one who had been German master at his former school, Oundle, near Peterborough, before the war.
Thu Apr 9 12:09:26 2009

peter robinson from flintshire
I have a medal from 1884 it commemorates the cutting of the sod of the new dock at barry. lord windsor was the chairman of the barry dock and railway co ltd and david davies owner of ocean collieries the vice chairman and driving force
Mon Jul 21 16:21:48 2008

Paul Morgan from Barry
He made barry the town it is today!
Thu Jun 19 12:20:28 2008

Keith, Cardiff
The story about his involvement in the coal industry has given rise to a story (possibly apocryphal) about one of the first shafts that he sunk. Work had been progressing for some 14 months, and no significant seams had been struck. Funds for the scheme were running low, and David Davies addressed the workforce. The story goes that he told them he had sufficient funds to pay them for the week then finishing, but then had no more than a shilling in his pocket. A voice from the crowd called "We'll have that too" and he threw the coin into the men and left.After departing, the men resolved to work for a further week, without wages if necessary. On the Wednesday or Thursday they struck the deep seams of Rhondda steam coal, and he was able to obtain funds and develop the mine - which became known as the Parc colliery. It later merged with the Dare colliery and closed in 1965 after 100 years of operation.
Wed Feb 13 10:02:04 2008

Jack Rudman from Barry
David Davies was a great Welshman and he was well respected in Barry.
Fri Oct 26 15:59:50 2007

Colby from Barry
Im 10 years old and have to do homework on some one famous and cos i live in barry ive chosen David Davis.My mum and dad are taken me to where he was born so i can take some photos of where he used to live.My sister found this site for me so im hoping to do really well in my project.He sounds like he was a really nice man
Tue Oct 16 14:03:09 2007

Evan Jones from North Devon
With reference to my earlier comments about David Davies and my grandfather Evan Jones (1860-1905). There is a glaring error in the facts I quoted! All of the details are correct except that Dinam Hall was opened by the grandson of David Davies in 1903. His name was also David Davies (later Lord Davies). I noticed the error after re-reading the piece from where I obtained the information - Tom Clemett's History of Barry. I also note in your biography of his grandfather, that in fact, David Davies Snr died in 1890. It is true of course that he designed Barry Docks. Please accept my humble apologies.
Tue Jul 10 09:37:31 2007

Jennifer Stamp , Dinas Powys
I have always been interested in the Davies family, originating from my great great grandfather who reputedly was well known to Davied Davies as an employee in Mid Wales. When DD sunk his first pit in the Rhondda my GGGF came down as a worker, eventually settling in Aberdare/Cwmamman where he settled his family from Ponterwydd in Merionethshire. My GM on the other side, moved down to Cilfynydd from Dylife in Montgomeryshire and also knew the family. Unfortunately, there are no 'elders' left who know the extended story now!
Mon Jul 9 16:20:10 2007

Evan Jones, North Devon
Researching my family history, I discovered that my grandfather Evan Jones (1860-1905) was one of the founders of Dinam Hall Chapel in Barry. He was a member of the Forward Movement, part of the Presbyterian Church of Wales. I never knew him as he died 35 years before my birth. Through reading this short biography of David Davies, and documents from other sources, I realise that David Davies was responsible for the building of Barry Docks. Dinam Hall chapel in Barry was opened on 2nd April 1903 by David Davies & was named after his birthplace. Incidentally, my grandfather was a marine engineer who worked at Barry Graving Dock. It is speculative, given these circumstances that my grandfather probably knew David Davies well, how fascinating!
Fri Jul 6 08:49:08 2007

David Jenkins, Cardiff.
The sentence about David Davies's parents having come from Lledrod in Ceredigion is totally incorrect - they were both from Llandinam, as census returns and the bishop's transcipts for the parish show.
Mon Jul 2 14:42:56 2007

Chris Morris, Skewen
The more you read and find out about this man the more there is to admire. He really was a Welsh hero who seemed to care about his fellow human beings.
Thu Mar 29 14:40:36 2007

David Marsh, Ealing, London
I attend a musical holiday at Broneirion, Llandinam every year in David Davies' old house and the statue is my annual end-of-journey from London landmark. The house, village and whole area are beautiful, the local people wonderful and the story of Davies from the great days of Liberalism is fascinating.
Sun Mar 18 13:11:20 2007

Gary from Newport Gwent
I am currently researching for an assignment on past and modern day entrpreneurs and came across David Davies almost by chance. This site has been tremendous in giving me a background to this man whom we all should have heard of but many of us don't. Now I've been in touch with the Vale of Glamorgan Council to find out more about the building of Barry Docks, which I have past by for the last 40 years as my auntie lives nearby and have always wondered but never found out why such a big port was built in, with due respect, a small town as it was. Thank you for the insight.
Tue Nov 28 15:32:40 2006

Alan,
thanks for all your infomation, about an ancestor of mine , its good that someones looking after my inheritance, just wish i could get my hands on it, oh well never mind , maybe one day !!!
Sun Nov 5 12:50:34 2006

jon barrett
you rock david
Tue Oct 17 12:57:21 2006

Carol Loughlin, Dyffryn Conwy
I drive through Llandinam frequently, and always wondered who David Davies was after seeing the statue - now I know!
Mon Aug 14 10:03:27 2006

Phil Copleston from Launceston, Cornwall
Please note these corrections to paragraph 8: "Other contracts followed including the Vale of Clwyd Railway, [add - "the Newtown & Machynlleth Railway,"] the Mid Wales Railway from Llanidloes to Brecon [not Llandovery - that was the 'Central Wales' line from there to Craven Arms, crossing over the Mid Wales at Builth Road station] and the Cambrian Railways [not Railway - as an amalgamation of several local lines its official title was ALWAYS plural]."
Tue Mar 28 13:57:48 2006

Josh Griffiths from Bridgend
This site really helped me with my halfterm homework.
Sun Feb 26 15:32:35 2006

Siriol Colley from Nottingham
I have a small book in front of me by Lord Davies 'Foundations of Victory'. It is dedicated to my grandfather. 'To my friend Edgar Jones in appreciation of his services to the Cause of Justice and the Temple of Peace and his efforts to lay the'foundations' with the sincere gratitude of the author. D. 4th April 1941
Sun Feb 5 22:59:23 2006

SHAN (DAVIES) HOBSON - Taffs Well
Would anyone have the names of David Davies the Ocean's siblings. I have just started to look into our family history and believe we are connected to one of his brothers and are trying to confirm the connection.
Thu Dec 1 14:55:17 2005

William Gooch,Monmouth
This site really helped me with a history essay on the entrepreneurs of the industrial revolution!
Mon Nov 21 19:39:48 2005

lauren from barry
im doin a project on david davies for my history homework and this website really helped me thanks
Mon Oct 31 14:48:56 2005

Steve Jones, Bargoed
Very interesting man! Never heard of him before.
Sun Jun 12 10:05:14 2005

Sidney G Docker from Llandinam
The grandson of David Davies who became the first Lord Davies gave money to purchase an X-ray machine for a Cardiff hospital and volunteered to become the 1st to be examined. Sadly it was discovered that he had a cancerous growth and he died in 1944. His son Michael who became the second Lord Davies was killed in Holland in September 1944 holding the rank of Major in the R.W.F.
Fri Jul 9 12:23:36 2004

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