Papers of Robert Thomas of Abercegin

The collection includes family correspondence, 1796 - 1841 and literary correspondence, 1810 - 1832. Amongst the writers are the poets, David Thomas, Dafydd Ddu Eryri; Roberts Davies, Gutyn Peris and Robert Davies, Bardd Nantglyn. Numerous correspondents thank Robert Thomas for his friendship and patronage and some letters have poems enclosed.

There is a volume of Welsh poetry, ca 1805 - 1836, containing works by the poets aforementioned and others such as Gwilym Caledfryn; Idris Mon; David Jones, Brydydd Hir. The volume also includes a poem by Anne Thomas, daughter of Robert Thomas.

Amongst the miscellaneous items there is Robert Thomas' will and a list of the tenants in Abercegin, Bangor, 1793 - 1828.

Robert Thomas of Abercegin, timber merchant by trade, was also a tenant on the estate of Lord Penrhyn, Bangor, Caernarfonshire. He was a prominent member of the flourishing literary circle in North Wales at the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th century. He was a friend and patron of the poets and writers of the period.

He married a cousin of his, Susannah Davies of Cefn Rug, Corwen, Merionethshire and had at least one daughter, Anne Thomas.

Arranged according to record type and then chronologically. The papers are incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts.

Open to all users

Transferred to the Department by the great grandchildren of Robert Thomas, Mrs Hughes of Moelfre, Anglesey and Miss E.S. Jones, Bryn Mona, Ffriddoedd, Bangor in January 1950.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, August 2001.

An item level catalogue is available at the Department of Manuscripts of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 8594 - 8627.

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