David Samwell facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Samwell
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| Born | October 15, 1751 Nantglyn, Wales, Great Britain
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| Died | November 23, 1798 (aged 47) |
| Occupation | Naval Surgeon and Poet |
David Samwell (born October 15, 1751 – died November 23, 1798) was a Welsh naval surgeon and poet. A naval surgeon is a doctor who works on a ship. David Samwell was a big supporter of Welsh culture. He was also known by his pen name, Dafydd Ddu Feddyg.
Contents
David Samwell's Life Story
David Samwell was born in a small village called Nantglyn in Denbighshire, Wales. His father, William Samuel, was a local vicar, which is a type of priest. David's grandfather, Edward Samuel, was also famous for being a Welsh writer and poet.
A Doctor on the High Seas
David Samwell became a surgeon in the Royal Navy. This meant he was a doctor for sailors in the British navy. From 1776 to 1779, he sailed all around the world with Captain James Cook. He was on Captain Cook's ship, the HMS Resolution.
As the ship's surgeon, David Samwell's main job was to keep the crew healthy. This was very important on long trips across the Pacific Ocean. During his travels, Samwell wrote about his adventures. He even wrote some poetry while at sea!
Exploring and Writing
David Samwell kept a detailed journal of his time on Captain Cook's ship. This journal tells us a lot about Cook's third and final journey to the Pacific Ocean. In his journal, Samwell wrote about Captain Cook's death in 1779. This happened on the Hawaiian Islands, which were then called the Sandwich Islands.
He also wrote another journal that was never published. It was called Some Account of a Voyage to the South Seas 1776–1777–1778. This book was about different cultures and people he met.
Life in London and Welsh Culture
When he wasn't sailing, Samwell lived in London. There, he often met with other Welshmen. He joined a group called the Gwyneddigion Society, which started in 1770. This society was first for men from North Wales, but soon it welcomed all Welshmen. It was a place for them to celebrate their Welsh heritage.
The society held a lively party every St David's Day, which is a Welsh holiday. David Samwell was known for being one of the loudest and most fun members! People described him as 'tall, strong, with black hair, and a friendly face'.
A Symbol of Peace
In 1792, a Welsh writer named Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams) held the first meeting of a special Welsh gathering. It was called Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain. This event took place at Primrose Hill in London. David Samwell was there.
At this meeting, they set up a stone circle. A sword was put into its sheath in a special ceremony. This was a symbol of peace, especially after the big changes of the French Revolution.
However, the next year, Britain started fighting France in the French Revolutionary Wars. In 1798, David Samwell was working as a surgeon in Versailles, France. He was treating English prisoners of war. He came back to Britain in the autumn of that year. David Samwell passed away in London in November.
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David Samwell, a Welsh naval surgeon and poet.
