Papers of J. W. Jones, Blaenau Ffestiniog

Several scrapbooks of manuscripts, newspaper cuttings, photographs, autographs and letters, 1869 - 1953. They include the works of several poets such as Bryfdir, Glyn Myfyr, W. H. Reese, Ap Alun Mabon, Llwyd Eryri, Iestyn, Gomer Richards, Eos Gwynant, Llew Twrog, Bob Owen of Dolwyddelan, O. M. Lloyd, Moelwyn, R. R. Morris and Rolant Wyn. Amongst the correspondents are eminent people such as Michael D. Jones, George M. Ll. Davies and T. Gwynn Jones. Miscellaneous items are also included which reflect life in Ffestiniog, such as a poster of a boxing match.

Letters to John William Jones and others from several correspondents including Bob Owen Croesor, John Jones (Ioan Brothen), Lewis Jones of Granville, New York, Ap Alun Mabon, National Library of Wales, Iorwerth Peate and Eifion Wyn. Also, a series of letters from J. Lloyd Humphreys, manager of the Oakley Quarry, 1922-1933.

The work of John William Jones consists of an original manuscript of a collection of stories published under the title Y Fainc 'Sglodion. Also, an essay on Rolant Wyn.

There are also collections of poetry by J. Moelwyn Hughes, Glyn Myfyr, Alafon, Barlwydon, Elfyn, Ioan Brothen and Rolant Wyn.

Rate book of Deneio parish, 1867 with names of occupiers, owners, description of property, situation, rentals, rateable values, arrears. Also, minutes of Ciniawdy Sinc y Mynydd, Ffestiniog and a speech by Rev. W. Pari Huws, 1913.

J. W. Jones of Minffordd, Oakley Square, Blaenau Ffestiniog was a truly learned quarryman and a generous friend of the University of Wales Bangor. Born in 1883, he was a writer who's main interest was to safeguard the work of poets. He was an authority in particular on the poets of Ffestiniog.

Items were received at different occasions, and have thus been incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts separately.

Open to all users.

Many items donated by John William Jones over a period of years.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, June 2002.

An item level typescript catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 1547, 1908-1909, 2384-2385, 3210, 4909, 5850-5864, 7220, 7223, 10551, 11581, 11614, 11638-11640

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics are made at the discretion of the Archivist.

Consult the Gwilym Deudraeth Papers and the Rev. W. Pari Huws Papers for related material. Collection level descriptions are available on the Archives Hub.

Jones, John William, Y Fainc 'Sglodion : casgliad o rai o straeon y chwarel a'r capel (Blaenau Ffestiniog, 1953)