Thomas Darlington (1864-1908), scholar and inspector of schools was born in Cheshire, educated at Whitchurch grammar school, the Leys school and St John's College, Cambridge. He graduated in classics with a BA from the University College London in 1884, MA (London) in 1887, and was gold medal winner. In 1887, he became assistant master at Rugby school and was headmaster of Queen's College, Taunton from 1888 to 1896.
Although unsuccessful in his application for the post of principal of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth in 1891, he came to Wales five years later as a government school inspector and lived in Aberystwyth until his death. A notable linguist, he was proficient in many modern European languages, including Welsh and wrote many articles in Welsh and English on Welsh literary and political subjects. He was married to Annie Edith Bainbridge with whom he had one son and three daughters.
From the guide to the Thomas Darlington Papers, 1889-1904, (Bangor University)
