Papers of Alderman David Matthews, MP, JP

Personal and political papers of Alderman David Matthews

A leading industrialist and politician David Matthews was born in Morriston, Swansea in 1868. He set up the firm of David Matthews Ltd., iron and steel merchants in 1886. He died in 1960 at the age of 92. Matthews entered politics in 1896 when he was elected as Progressive councillor for Morriston ward. He was returned unopposed for Morriston in successive elections until 1918. In about 1900, Matthews changed from Progressive to an Independent member, in which capacity he was to serve both as councillor and alderman for Morriston and St. John's wards until his retirement. Matthews was mayor for two consecutive terms of office, in 1909-1910 and 1910-1911. In July 1924 he was made Honorary Freeman of Swansea. Matthews served on several committees including the New Guildhall Sub-committee, and the Education Committee. From 1912 to 1933 he was chairman of the Parliamentary and General Purposes Committee. He retired from the Council on 16 November 1945.

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A hard copy catalogue is available at the West Glamorgan Archive Service

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The records in this collection were formerly held in the Estates Department, where they had been deposited by Matthews in 1950. The collection came into the custody of the City Archives Office in 1978.

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