William Williams (Gwilym Cyfeiliog)
William Williams | |
|---|---|
| Born | 4 January 1801 Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, Wales |
| Died | 3 June 1876 (aged 75) Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, Wales |
| Occupations | Poet and hymnwriter |
William Williams (4 January 1801 – 3 June 1876), also known as Gwilym Cyfeiliog, was a Welsh poet and hymnwriter.
Biography
Williams was born on 4 January 1801 at Winllan, Llanbrynmair, Montgomeryshire, Wales. His brother Richard Williams (1802–1842) was a noted minister and author. William was taught at a school ran by his uncle John Roberts, and also at a school ran by William Owen. Williams then returned home to work on a farm and flannel mill owned by his father.[1]
In 1822, Williams came into possession of land, houses, and a flannel mill at Bont Dolgadfan, Llanbrynmair. He spent time as a "vestry clerk, assistant overseer, and parish registrar." He was married three times and had ten children total, including the antiquarian/lawyer Richard Williams (1835–1906).[1]
Beginning in 1823, Williams' poetry was published in Y Dysgedydd, Goleuad Cymru, Y Drysorfa, Seren Gomer, and the Gwyliedydd. In 1823, his awdl titled "The founding of St. David's College" won second place at the Carmarthen eisteddfod behind Daniel Ddu o Geredigion. Williams was considered a good writer of englynion.[1] His hymn called "Caed trefn i faddau pechod yn yr Iawn" became so well known that it was translated into the Khasi language in India.[1]
Williams died on 3 June 1876 at Bont Dolgadfan, Llanbrynmair. In 1878, his son Richard, noted above, published a collection of his father's works called Caniadau Cyfeiliog.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e "WILLIAMS, WILLIAM (Gwilym Cyfeiliog; 1801 - 1876), poet and hymn-writer". Dictionary of Welsh Biography. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
External links
- Media related to William Williams (Gwilym Cyfeiliog) at Wikimedia Commons