Williams was born to a deeply religious family in
East Finchley,
Greater London. He attended Brynrefail Grammar school and at
Jesus College, Oxford He took first-class honours in
English in 1933, and
theology in 1935. He was made a deacon at
Michaelmas 1937 (18 September) and ordained priest the following Michaelmas (24 September 1938) — both times by
William Havard,
Bishop of St Asaph, at
St Asaph Cathedral. He served as curate at
St Asaph until 1940, when he was appointed chaplain at
St David's College, Lampeter. In 1945 he moved to
Bangor to take up a post as chaplain and tutor at
St. Mary's College, Bangor, and as Lecturer in Theology at the
University of Wales, Bangor. In 1947 he became a Canon of
Bangor Cathedral, and in 1948 moved to become headmaster of
Llandovery College. He was elected Bishop of Bangor in 1957, consecrated a bishop by
John Morgan,
Archbishop of Wales and
Bishop of Llandaff, at
Llandaff Cathedral on 1 May 1957 and installed at
Bangor Cathedral the following week. Williams became Archbishop of Wales in 1971, also continuing as Bishop of Bangor until his retirement in 1982. Williams was passionate about preserving the Welsh language and he would later gain prominence as a member of a deputation of three who challenged
Margaret Thatcher in her attempt to reduce the status of the
Welsh language. The Welsh language meant a lot to him personally, and because of this he ensured that there should a new translation of the Bible in Welsh. He was also influential in the decision to ordain women priests and the creation of the first Welsh television station
S4C. When a new Welsh version of the Bible was published Williams was invited to preach before
Queen Elizabeth II in St Asaph and
Westminster Abbey. ==References==