William Davies Evans

framed|William Evans Captain William Davies Evans (27 January 1790 – 3 August 1872) was a Welsh seafarer and inventor who was the first chess player to play the Evans Gambit, a chess opening.

Biography Early life Evans was born at St Dogwells, Pembrokeshire, Wales. He almost certainly went to Haverfordwest Grammar School, the only school in Pembrokeshire at that time. About the beginning of the century the family moved to Castle Pill, an inlet on the north side of Milford Haven, just east of Milford town.

Early career Evans served at sea in the navy from 1804, when he was 14, until the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815.

He was then transferred to the postal department. By 1819, he had reached the title of Captain of the sailing packet.

Inventions Evans invented tri-coloured lighting on naval vessels to prevent collisions at night. For this invention, the British government awarded him £1500 and a gold chronometer, while the Tsar of Russia gave him £200.

Chess player By 1818, he had learned the moves of chess.

Death He is buried at the Belgian port of Ostend.

Gallery