Sir Herbert Isambard Owen (1850–1927)

Abstract

Isambard Owen, born in Chepstow to a Welsh father, studied at Cambridge and St George's Hospital where he qualified in 1875 and was later physician and Dean. In 1904 he moved to Newcastle-upon-Tyne as Principal of Armstrong College. He left in 1909 to become Bristol University's Vice-Chancellor, retiring in 1921. Although not resident in Wales he was an ardent Welshman. After joining the Cymmrodorion Society in 1877 he became involved in the struggle to improve primary and secondary education in Wales, partly by promoting use of the Welsh language in schools. His main contribution to Welsh academic life was in the foundation of the University of Wales and, later, of the medical school in Cardiff. He wrote the University's Charter and from 1895 until 1910 was its Senior Deputy Chancellor - and stand-in for two Princes of Wales (later Edward VII and George V) who served as Chancellor.