William Llewelyn Davies

Sir William Llewelyn Davies (born William Davies; 11 October 1887 – 11 November 1952) was a Welsh librarian who was chief librarian of the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth from 1930 until his death.[1]

Early life and education

Davies was born at Plas Gwyn schoolhouse near Pwllheli, in Caernarfonshire, north Wales. His father was a gamekeeper.[2] He was educated in Porthmadog and was a pupil-teacher in Penrhyndeudraeth before studying at the University College of Wales (later to become Aberystwyth University), taking honours in Welsh.[1]

Career

After graduating, Davies taught in various locations in Wales and at the University College, Cardiff (later to become Cardiff University). He was a member of the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War and then an officer in the Army Education Service. In 1919, he was appointed first assistant librarian at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, under John Ballinger; he succeeded Ballinger on his retirement in 1930 and continued as chief librarian until his death.

During his time as chief librarian, he transformed the library with a large acquisition programme, which collected and preserved many Welsh manuscripts and materials located in private hands or other collections.[2] In total he acquired approximately 3.3 million documents (the library had only about 200,000 documents when he was appointed chief librarian). He started the library's academic journal and wrote its official history.

His work for the library and Wales were noted with the award of a knighthood in 1944[2] and an honorary doctorate by the University of Wales in 1951. He served as High Sheriff of Merionethshire in 1951.[3]

He died at the age of 65 in Aberystwyth on 11 November 1952.[1] Following his death his ashes were scattered on the grounds of the library.[2]

Personal life

He added the surname "Llewelyn" after marrying Gwen Llewellyn in 1914.

References
  1. "Obituary: Sir W. Llewelyn Davies". The Times. 12 November 1952. p. 8.
  2. Shenton, Caroline (2021). National Treasures: Saving the Nation's Art in World War II (Hardback). London: John Murray. pp. 56–60, 66, 112, 145–148, 239–240, 248–250. ISBN 978-1-529-38743-8.
  3. Tibbott, Gildas (2001). "Davies, Sir William (Llewelyn) (1887–1952), librarian". Dictionary of Welsh Biography. National Library of Wales. Retrieved 20 October 2021.
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