D. J. Williams (Llanbedr) Papers,

Scope and Content

Papers of D. J. Williams, Llanbedr, Merionethshire, 1773-1949, comprising notebooks and other papers belonging to John Jones ('Tudur Llwyd') and John Peter, 'Ioan Pedr', 1773-1850; miscellaneous business papers, 1846-1903; notes, essays, books, and poems by D. J. Williams, 1911-1949; manuscripts of translations (by others) of books into Welsh, 1942-1945; notes and materials on the history of Llanderfel and Ardudwy, 1935-1938; manuscript and sources for Cyfres Chwedl a Chân, [1930s]; letters to D. J. Williams concerning children's stories, 1933-1949, from various authors; general correspondence of D. J. Williams, 1909-1941; papers relating to the translation into Welsh of school books and Welsh publications, 1932-1949; and radio scripts, stories, plays and lectures, by D. J. Williams and others [20th century].

Administrative / Biographical History

David John Williams (1886-1950) ('Y Ddeilen Werdd', 'Hen Lanc Llan y Mynydd', 'Strabo', 'Y Telynor Bach'), teacher, from Llanbedr, Merionethshire, was a local historian and author of children's books. He researched Merionethshire placenames and Welsh agricultural terms, publishing 'Rhai o Eiriau Amaethwyr Penllyn', Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies, III, and collecting papers of John Jones ('Tudur Llwyd') and John Peter, 'Ioan Pedr'. Between 1926 and 1941, he published textbooks for schools, on Merionethshire poets, Welsh sailors, and spelling, and the Welsh readers Cyfres Chwedl a Chân. He was an active member of the Merioneth Association of the National Union of Teachers, drafting lists of books suitable for translation into Welsh, and a member of Pwyllgor Llyfrau (book Council), Undeb Cymru Fydd. He founded the Welsh comic 'Hwyl', launched in 1949. He was also a County Councillor for Merionethshire.

Arrangement

Arranged by box.

Access Information

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

Acquisition Information

Donated by the executors of D. J. Williams per W. F. Gapper, in 1950.

Note

David John Williams (1886-1950) ('Y Ddeilen Werdd', 'Hen Lanc Llan y Mynydd', 'Strabo', 'Y Telynor Bach'), teacher, from Llanbedr, Merionethshire, was a local historian and author of children's books. He researched Merionethshire placenames and Welsh agricultural terms, publishing 'Rhai o Eiriau Amaethwyr Penllyn', Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies, III, and collecting papers of John Jones ('Tudur Llwyd') and John Peter, 'Ioan Pedr'. Between 1926 and 1941, he published textbooks for schools, on Merionethshire poets, Welsh sailors, and spelling, and the Welsh readers Cyfres Chwedl a Chân. He was an active member of the Merioneth Association of the National Union of Teachers, drafting lists of books suitable for translation into Welsh, and a member of Pwyllgor Llyfrau (book Council), Undeb Cymru Fydd. He founded the Welsh comic 'Hwyl', launched in 1949. He was also a County Councillor for Merionethshire.

The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: NLW, D. J. Williams (Llanbedr) Papers, 1950; Stephens, Meic, Oxford Companion to the Literature of Wales (Oxford, 1986).

Title supplied from contents of fonds. Some papers relating to John Jones and John Peter, collected by D. J. Williams, pre-date his birth.

Other Finding Aids

A hard copy of the catalogue is available at the National Library of Wales. The catalogue can be accessed online.

Archivist's Note

April 2003

Compiled by Annette Strauch for the ANW project.

Conditions Governing Use

Usual copyright regulations apply.

Appraisal Information

Action: All records have been retained.

Accruals

Accruals are not expected.

Additional Information

Published

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales