Williamson Manuscripts

A collection of the poetical compositions of Bardd Du Mn in his own hand. Elegies mainly, but also compositions for Eisteddfod competitions, including his ode for the controversial Aberffraw Eisteddfod in 1849. Also, miscellaneous papers which include letters by Robert Williamson which relate mainly to poetry and competitions.

Historical essays and fictional tales by Owen Williamson all of which have a strong Anglesey connection. In particular, there are works on the history of Newborough and the surrounding area e.g. Llanddwyn, Tal-y-Foel. A few poetical compositions on such topics as Newborough, Llanddwyn and Edmund Prys, Archdeacon of Merioneth, which were most probably entered in Eisteddfod competitions. Also, genealogical notes, transcripts of documents and translations of articles.

Lecture note books of Owen Williamson and his brother whilst attending the North Wales Training College, ca 1859-1860.

A vestry record containing an account of the high road duty performed in the upper part of the parish of Llangeinwen, Anglesey, 1813-1829.

Robert Williamson was born in 1807 in Halkyn, Flintshire. At the age of eighteen he became a schoolmaster at Newborough, Anglesey where he stayed until the closure of the school in 1843. He married Jane Roberts in 1830 and they are believed to have had about twelve children, some of which died at an early age. He adopted the middle name Mona after moving to Anglesey.

Robert has been described by Glenda Carr as A prolific if uninspired poet, he was one of the unsuccessful competitors for the chair at the Aberffraw eisteddfod of 1849; the competition led to a major scandal. His interests were varied and in his spare time he studied languages, history, genealogy, astronomy and gardening. He also published a number of his poetical compositions in the form of pamphlets.

Owen Williamson, son of Robert Williamson was born in 1840. He, like his father, appears to have suffered from depression and a physical weakness. He attended the North Wales Training College in Caernarfon with his brother, and became a schoolmaster at the church school in Llangeinwen and then at the board school in Dwyran, Anglesey. He was a good antiquarian and a man of letters who enjoyed writing fictional tales and took an interest in the history of the island of Anglesey. Amongst his publications are Hanes Niwbwrch (1895) and the historical romance Ceris y Pwll (1908). Owen Williamson died in 1910.

Arranged according to creator and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts

Open to all users.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, December 2001.

An item level catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 1756-1807, 7390-7414

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

Item 1767 appears to have been obtained by Owen Williamson from the vestry of the parish of Llangeinwen, Anglesey and was never returned.

The Library of the University of Wales Bangor holds several pamphlets of the work of Robert Williamson. See UNIcat - University of Wales Bangor and North East Wales Institute

Carr, Glenda, Robert (Mona) Williamson, 1807-1852 Bardd Du Mn , Anglesey and Antiquarian Society and Field Club Transactions (1982)