John Rhys

Sir John Rhys (also spelled Rhŷs; 21 June 1840 – 17 December 1915) was a Welsh scholar, fellow of the British Academy, celticist and the first Professor of Celtic at Oxford University.

Early years and education

He was born John Rees at Ponterwyd in Ceredigion, to a lead miner and farmer, Hugh Rees, and his wife. Rhys was educated at schools in Pantyffynnon and Ponterwyd before moving to the British School, a recently opened institution at Penllwyn, in 1855. Here Rhys was enrolled as a pupil and teacher, and after leaving studied at Bangor Normal College from 1860 to 1861. Upon leaving Bangor Normal College, Rhys gained employment as headmaster at Rhos-y-bol, Anglesey. It was here that Rhys was introduced to Dr Charles Williams, then the Principal of Jesus College, Oxford University, in 1865. This meeting eventually led to Rhys being accepted into the college, where he studied literae humaniores. In 1869, he was elected to a fellowship at Merton College.John Fraser, , rev. Mari A. Williams, Oxford Dictionary of National...
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