Series AE1 - Workers' Educational Association

Robert Silyn Roberts (1871-1930) from Bryn Llidiart, Llanllyfni, Cardiganshire, was a poet, a worker for social reform and a pacifist. He worked as a slate quarryman before receiving his education at the University College of North Wales, Bangor. Between 1905 and 1912 he was a Calvinistic Methodist minister in Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Merionethshire after officiating in Lewisham, from 1901 until 1905. In 1902, he won the Crown in the National Eisteddfod of Wales. His 'Telynegion' which he published in 1900 with W. J. Gruffydd, opened a new chapter in the history of Welsh literature. He published a pamphlet on the Independent Labour Party in 1908 and was elected a Labour member on the Merioneth County Council. In 1912 Silyn Roberts was appointed the first secretary of the Welsh Appointments Borad of the University of Wales. From 1914 he was active in seeking commissions for Welshmen in the armed services, and from 1918 until 1922 he served as commissioner for Wales to organize training for disabled ex-servicemen. In 1922 he was appointed tutor of extra-mural classes under the auspices of the University College of North Wales, Bangor, and in 1925 he was primarily responsible for the setting up of the North Wales district of the WEA. He travelled widely in Europe and North America and published regular columns in several Welsh newspapers. He was married to Mary Silyn Roberts (n©♭e Parry), and they had three children. He died on 15 August 1930.