Papers of Ceridwen Peris

The collection consists of papers concerning the family of Ceridwen Peris's father such as their connection with the famous preacher, John Elias and correspondence from various notable Welsh men and women to Ceridwen Peris. Also included are minutes and records relating to various societies and unions, namely, Cymdeithas Ddirwestol Boneddigesau Llanberis, the Temperance Society of the Gentlewomen of Llanberis, established in 1878; the Fourcrosses Band of Hope, 1882 - 1889 and the Fourcrosses Temperance Union, 1894 - 1916. The diaries within the collection, 1851 - 1921 are mainly in the hand of the Rev. Williams Jones. These consist of the names of those who took part in Fellowship and Prayer Meetings as well as the names of those he visited. A few diaries are in the hand of the father of the Rev. Williams Jones and in the hand of Ceridwen Peris. The last catalogued item is a note book containing an essay / biographical details regarding the virtuous women of the 19th century - perhaps composed by Ceridwen Peris for entry in an Eisteddfod competition.

Ceridwen Peris, the wife of the Rev. Williams Jones, Fourcrosses, born in Llanberis, Caernarfonshire, was a prominent figure amongst various good causes, in particular with a temperance union called Undeb Dirwestol Merched Gogledd Cymru. This North Wales Women's Temperance Union was established in 1892, and from 1895 onwards, Ceridwen Peris was one of its main members - organising, travelling and giving addresses. She was editor of Y Gymraes, the official journal of the union from October 1896 to October 1919. Ceridwen Peris was also a member of the governors of Pwllheli County School in 1893.

The Rev. William Jones retired from his Fourcrosses ministry near Pwllheli, Caernarfonshire in 1919 and moved with his wife to Cricieth. He died on 9 March 1925.

Ceridwen Peris was widely acknowledged for her long service to good causes and was awarded the O.B.E. in 1921. She died in Bangor on 17 April 1943.

The papers of Ceridwen Peris are incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts. There is no apparent system of arrangement, although some items are grouped together according to type.

Open to all users.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, July 2001.

An item level typescript catalogue is available at the Department of Manuscripts of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts : 5619 - 5646.

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