William Hughes

William Hughes (died 1600) was a Welsh bishop of St Asaph.

Life He was the son of Hugh ap Kynric of Carnarvonshire, and Gwenllian, daughter of John Vychan ab John ab Gruffydd ab Owen Pygott. He matriculated as a sizar of Queens' College, Cambridge, in November 1554 and took his B.A. degree in 1557. He became fellow of Christ's College, Cambridge 1557, M.A. 1560, B.D. 1565, and that year was appointed Lady Margaret preacher.

About 1560 Hughes became chaplain to Thomas Howard, 4th Duke of Norfolk. Attending his patron to Oxford in 1568, he was on 19 April incorporated B.D. of the university, and in 1570, through the influence of the duke, he was allowed to proceed D.D.

From 1567 to his death Hughes was rector of Llysvaen in Carnarvonshire. He was also rector of Dennington, Suffolk, but resigned the benefice before 10 December 1573. In December 1573 Hughes was made Bishop of St Asaph.

Hughes gave assistance to William Morgan in his translation of the Bible into Welsh; and made an issue of having Welsh-speaking priests. On the other hand, his administration of his diocese became the subject of an inquiry. The report dated 24 February 1587, described the bishop as holding in commendam, with the archdeaconry and the rectory of Llysvaen, which he held by virtue of a faculty obtained in 1573, 15 livings. He had leased out parts of the bishopric, as lordships, manors, and rectories. The bishop was further charged with extorting money from his clergy on his visitations.

In October 1600 Hughes died, and was buried in the choir of St Asaph Cathedral. By his wife Lucia, daughter of Robert Knowesley of Denbighshire, he left a son, William, and a daughter, Anne, who married Thomas, youngest son of Sir Thomas Mostyn.