Alfred Williams (poet) facts for kids

Alfred Owen Williams (born February 7, 1877 – died April 10, 1930) was a talented poet, writer, and collector of old folk songs. He spent most of his life in South Marston, a village near Swindon, UK.

Alfred taught himself almost everything he knew. He wrote his most famous book, Life in a Railway Factory (published in 1915), in his free time. This was after long, hard days working at the Great Western Railway factory in Swindon. People often called him “The Hammerman Poet” because of his job.

Early Life and Work

Alfred Williams was born in a small house called Cambria Cottage in South Marston. His father was a carpenter. Alfred grew up in a family that faced tough times.

He started working as a farm labourer when he was just eleven years old. At fourteen, he began working at the Swindon Railway Works. There, he operated a powerful steam hammer for the next twenty-three years.

A Poet's Journey

Alfred Williams got married in 1903. He kept a very busy schedule, working full-time and studying on his own. He loved to learn and write.

In 1909, he published his first book of poems, called Songs in Wiltshire. Sadly, his health started to get worse, and he had to leave the factory in 1914.

Legacy and Recognition

Alfred Williams wrote six books of poetry. He also wrote several prose books about his home village and other nearby places. He passed away in 1930 in South Marston.

His book, Life in a Railway Factory, is considered very important. Many say it is the most significant book ever written about Swindon.

You can find a special sculpture, called a bust, of Alfred Williams. It was made by the artist Harry Carleton Attwood. This bust is kept at the Swindon Museum and Art Gallery.