Rev. James Davies, born James Banks, (20 May 1820 – 11 March 1883) was an English classical scholar, writer, headmaster, landowner, and prebendary of the Church of England.[1]
James Banks was born in Herefordshire. He matriculated at St Mary Hall, Oxford, in October 1841 and became a scholar of Lincoln College, Oxford, graduating there B.A. 1844, M.A. 1846.[2] He was ordained in 1845. He was for some years headmaster of King Edward's School, Ludlow, and perpetual curate of Christ Church, Forest of Dean.[3] In 1858 by royal license he assumed the surname of Davies in lieu of Banks,[2] due to coming into possession of some property near Kington, Herefordshire.[3]
He married in 1847; the marriage produced many children. His estate was an inheritance from his great-uncle James Davies, DL.[4]