William Richards

William Richards (1749 – 13 September 1818) was a Welsh Baptist minister; he spent much of his life in King's Lynn, in Norfolk, and wrote a history of the town. His other publications included a Welsh-English dictionary.

Life Richards was born at Penrydd, near Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, towards the end of 1749. His father, Henry Richards (died 1 July 1768, aged 59), was a farmer, who moved in 1758 to St. Clears, Carmarthenshire. He had only one year's schooling, in his twelfth year.

Other publications In addition to pamphlets and single sermons, Richards also published

Review of Mr. Carter's Strictures on Infant Baptism (Lynn, 1781). Observations on Infant Sprinkling (Lynn, 1781). The History of Antichrist, or Free Thoughts on the Corruptions of Christianity (Lynn, 1784; published in Welsh, as Llun Anghrist, Carmarthen, 1790) These three publications were in controversy with John Carter, independent minister of Mattishall, Norfolk).

Review of the Memoirs of the Protectorial House of Cromwell, by the Rev. Mark Noble, F. A. S.(Lynn, 1787). A Serious Discourse concerning Infant Baptism (Lynn, 1793). Reflections on French Atheism and English Christianity (1794) Food for a Fast-Day A Welsh-English Dictionary (1798); a companion English-Welsh dictionary was partly completed by Richards in manuscript, and an edition of both dictionaries was published at Carmarthen in 1828–32. A Word in Season, or a Plea for the Baptists(1804, in controversy with Isaac Allen, independent minister of Lynn). Address on the Duration or Perpetuity of Christian Baptism, with some Introductory Hints upon the Subjects and Mode of that Ordinance (1806). The Seasonable Monitor (Lynn, 1812–18; in seven parts).

The Welsh Nonconformists' Memorial; or, Cambro-British Biography, edited by John Evans, was published posthumously in 1820. A miscellaneous collection, much of it, including an account of Michael Servetus, had originally appeared in the Monthly Repository under the pseudonym "Gwilym Emlyn". To the Gentleman's Magazine for October 1789, he contributed a letter (dated 14 October 1789, and signed Gwilym Dyfed), supporting the story of the discovery of America by Madoc. He wrote for the three volumes of the Cambrian Register, 1796–1818.

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