File C2/28. - Sir John Williams Bart,

Identity area

Reference code

C2/28.

Title

Sir John Williams Bart,

Date(s)

  • 1897-1925. (Creation)

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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.

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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.

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Note

Preferred citation: C2/28.

Alternative identifier(s)

Virtua system control number

vtls004382832

GEAC system control number

(WlAbNL)0000382832

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  • Text: C2/28 (16).