Gabriel Hughes Manuscripts

A collection of 136 items, in seven major groups; family papers and correspondence; letters addressed to Gabriel Hughes between 1883 and 1929, which include the correspondents, John Ballinger, Nicholas Bennett, O. M. Edwards, Robert William Jones ('Erfyl Fychan'), Thomas Jones ('Canrhawdfardd'), Father Kane, Limerick; Ellis Pierce ('Elis o'r Nant'), Thomas Roberts, New Barnet; W. Hughes Roberts, London; Thomas Shankland and A. S. D. Smith ('Caradar'); miscellaneous records, minute books, etc. relating to Soar Wesleyan Chapel, Sisson Street, Rhyl, and its various activities; lists of Flintshire and Rhyl place-names, etc.; notes on eminent men of Flintshire, the Vale of Clwyd and Rhyl; church-rate book for the parish of Dyserth, 1861; a collection of Welsh place-names; mainly bibliographical material, including lists of Welsh books published during the nineteenth century (to 1891); books published in Rhyl; a bibliography of (Welsh) Wesleyanism, 1800-1850; a list of books presented by Gabriel Hughes to the Library of U.C.N.W., 1929-1931; music, including a detailed catalogue of Welsh musical publications arranged in alphabetical order (those under A and B are missing); a similar catalogue, but arranged under the year of publication, 1621-1911; lists of Welsh music published in England and Wales; lists of and notes on, Welsh hymn-tunes and their authors; biographical notes on Welsh - and particularly Flintshire - musicians; miscellanea, including newspaper cuttings.

Gabriel Hughes, born 1861 in Gwaunysgor, co. Flint, kept a grocer shop in Vale Road, Rhyl. An active man, he was a deacon, a Sunday school teacher, and for a number of years he was secretary of the Rhyl Union of Band of Hopes. He was a religious man and had been a Wesleyan since childhood. He was very interested in music. In 1888 he established a Musical Society in Soar Chapel, Rhyl, and he organised services there between 1918 and 1930. He was a prominent writer and had works published in the Gwyliedydd Newydd, on the particular subject of Flintshire musicians. He also attempted to compose a 'Welsh Musical Bible'. Although he is not necessarily remembered for it, he paid much attention to the history of Flintshire and the development of Rhyl. He died 21 December 1932.

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Presented by Gabriel Hughes' widow, June 1933.

Catalogue at item level

Usual copyright conditions apply. Reprographics made at the discretion of the archivist.

None expected

Bangor Manuscripts 15642 and 25281. Access Points