Papers of Rev. Thomas Edwards (Gwynedd)

The papers consist of three volumes, being collections of poetry in the hand of Peter Bailey Williams, Rector of Llanrug and Llanberis, Caernarfonshire from 1792 until 1836. The first volume is dated 1794. They contain the works of Aneirin, Taliesin, Guto'r Glyn, William Llyn, Gruffudd Grug and numerous other Welsh poets.

Also included are two volumes, once owned by Griffith Williams, Gutyn Peris, 1769 - 1838. The first volume is a collection of poetry in various metres in the hand of the aforementioned, together with his autobiography. The second volume contains the rules of Welsh poetry. Also included is a volume of Festival Sermons written in a late seventeenth century hand and preached at various London Churches between 1690 and 1706.

Amongst the manuscripts of Gwynedd himself, there are poems, addresses, Eisteddfod compositions and Eisteddfod adjudications. Also, a collection of diaries, 1880-1921. In addition, the collection includes a group of correspondence addressed to Gwynedd and copies of replies written by him,1890-1923, mostly relating to Eisteddfod matters. There are extracts from the Aber Vestry Minute Book, 1820-1894, a list of the members of the Gorsedd of the Bards, 1911 and a journal of a visit to the United States in 1889 which records some interesting impressions of Washington, Buffalo, Boston, Oneida, Utica and other towns en route.

The Rev. Thomas Edwards, also known by his bardic name Gwynedd was born in 1844 at Glasinfryn, Pentir, Caernarfonshire. In 1867 he was ordained Deacon by the Bishop of Bangor and in the following year he became a Priest. He served as Curate of Llandegfan, Anglesey between 1867 and 1872 and then at Dwygyfylchi, Caernarfonshire, 1872-1876. He then moved to Llanfihangel-y-Pennant in 1876, Llanllyfni in 1891 and finally Aber in 1901 where he served as Rector until his death in 1924. Rev. Thomas Edwards was also a Canon of Bangor Cathedral, 1908-1924 and a diocesan inspector of schools, 1880-1889.

As well as being a cleric, Gwynedd was also a poet, antiquary and eisteddfodwr. He won the chair at the National Eisteddfod at Blaenau Ffestiniog in 1885 and was also treasurer of the Gorsedd of the Bards from 1902 until 1924.

The papers of the Rev. Thomas Edwards are incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts. There is no apparent system of arrangement.

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 : 14675 - 14798.

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

For further material relating to Peter Bailey Williams see Gwyneddon Manuscripts. held at the Department of Manuscripts of the University of Wales Bangor.