Richard Davies was a Welsh businessman and ship-owner and nonconformist Liberal politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1868 to 1886.
Background
Davies was born at Llangefni, Anglesey, the son of Richard Davies, a merchant of Llangefni, and his wife Anne Jones of Coed Hywel. When his father set up subsidiary businesses under the management of his three sons, Richard Davies was assigned to the old ferry-terminal of Porthaethwy, which was reconstituted as Menai Bridge.
Education
He was educated at Llangefni national school.
Career
Davies became a notable figure in politics as a Welsh radical nonconformist. He stood as Liberal candidate for Caernarvon at the 1852 general election but lost by 93 votes. Davies was Anglesey"s first Nonconformist Justice of the Peace and was High Sheriff of Anglesey in 1858.
He retained the seat till the 1886 general election, when he retired, being opposed to the proposal for Irish Home Rule.
At one time Davies lived at Bwlch-y-fen, but afterwards at Treborth, opposite Menai Bridge and was a benefactor to Bangor Normal College and to the ‘British’ schools. He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Anglesey in 1884.
Davies died at Treborth at the age of 77 and was buried in Llandysilio churchyard. Famously his final words are reputed to be "cannot be fathomed".
.(The Davies" family was closely associated with this church, it having been built at Robert"s expense)
Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Richard Davies.
Membership
20th United Kingdom Parliament. 21st United Kingdom Parliament. 22nd United Kingdom Parliament.
23rd United Kingdom Parliament]
He was elected unopposed as the Member of Parliament (Member of Parliament) for Anglesey in the election of 1868.