Iorwerth Peate facts for kids
Iorwerth Cyfeiliog Peate (born February 27, 1901, died October 19, 1982) was a famous Welsh poet and scholar. He is most known for helping to create the St Fagans National Museum of History, a wonderful place where you can learn about Welsh life and culture. He worked with Cyril Fox to make this museum a reality.
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Early Life and Education
Iorwerth Cyfeiliog Peate was born in a small village called Llanbrynmair in Wales. His father and grandfather were both carpenters. He went to school in Llanbryn-Mair and then to Machynlleth Grammar School. In 1918, he started studying at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, which is now called Aberystwyth University.
Discovering a Passion for Welsh Life
While at Aberystwyth University, Iorwerth became very interested in folk studies and anthropology. This means he loved learning about people's traditions, cultures, and how they lived. His teachers, Professor Herbert John Fleure and writer T. Gwynn Jones, helped spark this interest.
In 1924, he earned a special degree for his research. He studied the people, their language, and their stories in the Dyfi valley. During his time at university, Iorwerth also won awards for his poetry and for taking part in the eisteddfod, which are Welsh festivals of music, literature, and performance.
Working at the National Museum
Iorwerth started his career by giving talks in rural areas of Wales. In 1927, he got a job at the National Museum of Wales. His task was to organize and list all the museum's collections about Welsh folk life.
Creating a Special Museum
Iorwerth had a big dream. He was inspired by museums in other countries that showed how people used to live, often with old buildings moved to one place. He wanted to create a similar museum for Wales. It was a challenging idea, and not everyone agreed with him at first.
However, work on his dream museum began in 1946. It was built on the grounds of St Fagans Castle, which was given by the Earl of Plymouth. The museum opened its doors in 1948. It was first called the Welsh Folk Museum, and today it is known as the St Fagans National Museum of History. Iorwerth was in charge of the museum from its opening until 1971.
His Beliefs and Achievements
Iorwerth wrote many books and articles about Welsh folk life in both English and Welsh. He also wrote a regular column for a Welsh newspaper called Y Cymro.
He was a conscientious objector during World War II, which means he believed in peace and refused to fight. He also strongly believed in keeping the Welsh language alive and well.
Iorwerth was a judge for the National Eisteddfod of Wales for many years. He received special honours, including honorary doctorates from two universities. He even turned down an award from the British Empire in 1963.
Family Life
In 1929, Iorwerth married Nansi Davies, whom he had met when they were both students. They had one son. They lived in Rhiwbina Garden Village in Cardiff. There is a special blue plaque on their house to honour him.
Iorwerth and Nansi are buried together at the Pen Rhiw Unitarian chapel cemetery, which is located within the grounds of the St Fagans National Museum of History.
Published Works
Iorwerth Cyfeiliog Peate wrote many books and guides about Welsh culture and history. Here are some of them:
- Gyda'r wawr (1923)
- Guide to the Collection of Welsh Bygones (1929)
- Cymru a'i phob (1931)
- Y crefftwr yng Nghymru (1933)
- Guide to the Collection Illustrating Welsh Folk Crafts and Industries (1935)
- Welsh Society and Eisteddfod Medals and Relics (1938)
- The Welsh House: a Study in Folk Culture (1940)
- Diwylliant gwerin Cymru (1942)
- Clock and Watch Makers in Wales (1945)
- Canu Chwarter Canrif (1957)
- Tradition and Folk Life: a Welsh View (1972)
- Diwylliant Gwerin Cymru (1975)
- Rhwng Dau Fyd (1976)
- Personau (1982)
