Humphrey Roberts Manuscript Book

A manuscript book of poetical works between Humphrey Roberts and Dafydd Ddu Eryri, as well as carols, elegies, and religious verses, some of which have been written across the discharges and per contra's written by Humphrey Roberts in his capacity as a tide-waiter.

Humphrey Roberts was a tide-waiter and searcher of coastwise ships on the northern beaches of Anglesey - a post in which he was succeeded by Dafydd Ddu Eryri, the poet. This involved awaiting the arrival of ships (formerly coming in with the tide), and boarding them to prevent evasion of the custom-house regulations.

This manuscript reveals that Humphrey Roberts was a tide-waiter for only a short while, between 1797-1798. His master was the Collector of Customs, William Sparrow of Red Hill, Beaumaris.

It is evident from the content of this manuscript that Humphrey Roberts and Dafydd Ddu Eryri were great friends.

Incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts

Open to all users.

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, August 2003.

A typescript catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference number : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 4154

This document was purchased by the executors of the late Dr T.R. Williams of Aberlleiniog and Ullet Road, Liverpool.