Journals and papers of David Griffith, Curate

Journals, 1854-1896, of David Griffith serving as curate in various parishes throughout Wales, including Capel Curig and Llanbedr, Caernarfonshire; Pontrobert, Montgomeryshire; Aberdr and Hirwaun, Glamorganshire, Gaerwen, Pentraeth, Amlwch, Llanbedr-goch and Trefdraeth, Anglesey. These are written in good Welsh and English and include many descriptions of characters and situations. He is very opinionated, criticising individuals involved with the Church as well as the Church in general, and its Englishness. They provide a valuable insight into the life of a curate and his duties.

Also includes note books, newspaper cuttings, a summary of the contributions of David Griffith to the Welsh church press from 1873-1887 e.g. Yr Haul, Y Cymro and Y Cyfaill Eglwysig and notes on parishes, churches and parsons. A few letters also make up the collection, many written by Owen Williamson of Dwyran, Anglesey on various subjects, in particular on the snobbery of some church members.

David Griffith, schoolmaster and curate, was born in Bontnewydd, Caernarfonshire in 1841. After a period as a student teacher at Bontnewydd Church School, he joined the North Wales Training College at Caernarfon in 1860. He became schoolmaster of his old school, but then moved to Capel Curig in 1861 as schoolmaster where he stayed until 1875.

He was then accepted into Llanbedr Pont Steffan College. He became curate of St Mary's Church, Aberdr, Glamorganshire from 1877-1883 and served at several other parishes throughout Wales until his death in 1910.

Arranged chronologically where possible and incorporated into the General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts.

Open to all users.

Items 1636-1674 donated by Mr John Rowlands of Caernarfon (his mother-in-law, Mrs Jones was a cousin of David Griffith).

Description compiled by Elen Wyn Hughes, April 2002

An item level typescript catalogue is available at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor. Reference numbers : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 1636-1674, 1709-1721, 3001-3006, 4573, 7347-7348

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

See also Williamson Manuscripts on the H E Archive Hub, held at the Archives Department of the University of Wales Bangor for item relating to David Griffith. Reference number : General Collection of Bangor Manuscripts 1777