William Davies was born in Narberth Pembrokeshire on 13th December 1851.  His father was Thomas Davies the founder of a Bristol leather manufacturers and in 1875 William joined his father as a partner in the business.  Subsequently they acquired the business of John Cox & Co, Tanners, Bedminster.  He was president of the Anchor Society in 1892 For many years he was the President of the Bristol South Liberal Association and was President of the Bristol Chamber of Commerce in 1885.  In that year he was also returned to the Bristol City Council for Bedminster East ward and became leader of the Liberal party for the council in 1893.  He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1894, served as Mayor in 1895 and in 1897 he was made an Alderman. He was involved with various charitable institutions and was an active in church (non-conformist) and temperance circles. 

Return to Mayors History Page