David Charles was a Welsh Calvinistic Methodist cleric and educator, who was one of the men behind the foundation of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth.
Background
Charles was the son of a linen draper and grandson of the prominent Methodist Thomas Charles. He was born in Bala, Merionethshire, Wales, and educated by a local Anglican rector (the Reverend J Lloyd), which led to his continuing his education at Jesus College, Oxford, matriculating in 1831 and graduating in 1835.
Education
During his time at Oxford, he lived in the same rooms in Jesus College as his grandfather had when he studied there.
Career
In 1842, he became principal of Trevecca College, Brecknock and remained in position for 20 years, encouraging his students to obtain degrees from the University of London before returning to Wales to preach. Students however disliked his overbearing attitude. Hugh Owen appointed Charles as secretary of the University for Wales movement in 1868, in succession to Thomas Nicholas.
He attracted support and donations from lower-class subscribers, in comparison to the approach taken by Nicholas, but this raised little and the efforts of others were needed to keep the scheme going.
He died there on 13 December 1878, and was buried at Llanidloes.