Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1897-1925. (Creation)
Level of description
File
Extent and medium
Folder (4.75 cm.)
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
Sir John Williams (1840-1926), royal physician, president of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and chief founder of the National Library of Wales, was born in Gwynfe, Carmarthenshire. His private library included important manuscripts from the estate of Peniarth, Merionethshire. It was Sir John who, amongst others, pioneered the setting up of a Welsh hospital in South Africa during the Boer War. Amongst the many honours bestowed upon him during his lifetime, he was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1894.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Most of the letters, 1897-1925, are relatively short notes, arranging meetings, giving items of news and requesting pieces of information for the author's researches. There are many references to Welsh books and manuscripts, and occasional, passing references to contemporary national and political events. There is also some discussion of the development of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, the University of Wales, and the establishment and early growth of the National Library of Wales. There are several interesting references to the selection of the venue for the National Library and the eventual choice of Aberystwyth and to the appointment of the Library's officers. Sir John also occasionally refers to the early history of the National Museum, founded at Cardiff in the early twentieth century. During 1908 and 1909 there are letters referring to meetings with D. Lloyd George, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, and John Herbert Lewis, relating to attempts to wrest improved funding for the National Library from the Liberal government.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Conditions governing reproduction
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Preferred citation: C2/28.
Alternative identifier(s)
Virtua system control number
GEAC system control number
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- National Library of Wales (Subject)
- University College of Wales (Aberystwyth, Wales) (Subject)
- University of Wales (Subject)
- National Museum of Wales (Subject)
- Lloyd George, David, 1863-1945. (Subject)
- Lewis, J. Herbert (John Herbert), Sir, 1858-1933 (Subject)