John Roberts ('Telynor Cymru') Papers,

Papers, 1795-1980, mainly relating to John Roberts and his family, including papers, 1846-1888, concerning John Roberts, among them manuscript music, letters to Roberts and press cuttings; papers, 1875-1953, of, or relating to, J. L. Roberts ('Telynor Maldwyn', son of John Roberts); miscellaneous family papers, 1907-1911; stray letters, 1874-1980; music manuscripts, 1848 and undated; miscellanea, 1905-1981; and printed items, 1832-1848.

John Roberts (1816-1894) from Rhiwlas Isaf, Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire, was a Welsh harpist and is remembered as 'Telynor Cymru' (the Harpist of Wales'). For almost ten years he served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Later he moved to Newtown, Montgmeryshire, where he was to remain for the rest of his days. The famous Caernarfon harpist Richard Roberts (1796-1855) taught him, and John Roberts became famous for penillion singing to accompany the harp. He won a large number of prestigious prizes at various eisteddfodau and performed before members of the Royal Family. He died in May 1894.

Arranged into the following: John Roberts papers; J.L. Roberts papers; other family papers; correspondence; music manuscripts; miscellaneous papers; and printed books.

Readers consulting modern papers in the National Library of Wales are required to sign the 'Modern papers - data protection' form.

Deposited by Mr and Mrs Dave Cook, Brynmawr, Gwent, in 1996.

John Roberts (1816-1894) from Rhiwlas Isaf, Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire, was a Welsh harpist and is remembered as 'Telynor Cymru' (the Harpist of Wales'). For almost ten years he served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Later he moved to Newtown, Montgmeryshire, where he was to remain for the rest of his days. The famous Caernarfon harpist Richard Roberts (1796-1855) taught him, and John Roberts became famous for penillion singing to accompany the harp. He won a large number of prestigious prizes at various eisteddfodau and performed before members of the Royal Family. He died in May 1894.

Title supplied from contents of fonds. The papers pre-date and postdate the life of John Roberts as they were assembled by the donors of the archive.

A hard copy of the catalogue is available in Minor Lists and Summaries 1996, pp.58-59, at the National Library of Wales. The catalogue can be accessed available online.

June 2003

Compiled by Annette Strauch for the ANW project. The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: NLW, Minor Lists and Summaries, 1996; Dictionary of Welsh Biography down to 1940 (London, 1959).

Usual copyright regulations apply.

Action: All records donated to the NLW have been retained.

Accruals are not expected.

Published

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales