Plas Bodafon Papers

This collection consists of family papers including pedigrees, wills, deeds and various other documents including material relating to the family disputes about seating and burial places in Penrhosllugwy Church, in 1587 and 1712, as well as material on Dr William Mason' medical consultations with Princess Victoria in 1832 such as a record of visits, medicines prescribed etc.

The Williams' of Plas Bodafon, Penrhosllugwy, an ancient Anglesey family, were descended from Cadrod Hardd, first Lord of Bodafon and intermarried with the Maesoglan, Llwydiarth and Henllys families. Politically, they were supporters of the King during the Civil War and throughout many generations were staunch members of the Church of England.

One of the most notable members of the family was Richard Williams who lived during the reigns of Queen Anne (1702-1714) and the King George I (1714-1727). He was known as a strong character and defender of his rights. Material in this collection shows his involvement in renewed litigation over a dispute about seating and burial places in Penrhosllugwy Church, ca. 1712, see reference number General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts: 4633.

Three clergymen followed him in succession; all named Richard, each working in Anglesey, two of whom became Rector of Llanrhuddlad. The daughter and heiress of the third Reverend Richard Williams was married in 1815 to Dr William Mason of Caernarfon, a well known physician who treated the Duchess of Kent and her daughter, the future Queen Victoria, when they visited Anglesey in 1832. Three clergymen were born as a result of this marriage, one of whom was runner up for the Hertford Prize in Oxford, the other an Honorary Canon of Manchester.

Material arranged according to subject, in chronological order and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts .

Open to all users

Deposited by Mrs Dorothy Williams Mason

Description compiled by Anne Lenaghan, September 2001

Item level word-processed list is available at the Archives Department at the University of Wales, Bangor. Reference numbers: General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts: 4602-4667

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