Watcyn Uther Williams Manuscripts

Twelve notebooks in the hand of Watcyn Uther Williams of transcripts of the poetry of Sion Tudur and three portfolios of copies of cywyddau by him. There is also an item described as an introduction to the first volume of the poems of Sion Tudur which includes a brief criticism of the character of the poems. Also, photocopies and tracings of original manuscripts; letters to Watcyn Uther Williams from such people as W. Ambrose Bebb and Sir Ifor Williams as well as note books belonging to Watcyn Uther Williams whilst he was a student at Cardiff with notes on Welsh grammar and history.

In addition, the collection has a few letters addressed to Pedr Hir from various correspondents, together with a bundle of notes on sermons by him.

Watcyn Uther Williams was the son of Peter Williams (Pedr Hir), 1847-1922, man of letters and Baptist minister.

He attended the University of Wales Cardiff, and the Normal College Bangor before receiving a masters degree from the University of Wales in 1906 for a collection of poetry by Sion Tudur, d. 1602. He worked at Porth County School, Rhondda and later became headmaster of Mountain Ash County School, both in Glamorgan. When he retired, he moved to Rhewl near Rhuthun, Denbighshire and died in 1953.

It appears that he continued to collect the poetry of Sion Tudur after receiving his masters on the subject, with the intention of publishing his life long work.

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

Open to all users.

Donated by the children of Watcyn Uther Williams.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, December 2001.

A detailed item level typescript catalogue, recording the first and last lines of each poem, is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers: General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 11668-11773

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