John Montgomery Traherne facts for kids
John Montgomery Traherne (born 1788 – died 1860) was an important Welsh figure. He was an Anglican priest, a historian who studied old things (an antiquarian), and a judge (magistrate). He was also a Deputy Lieutenant for County of Glamorgan. He belonged to several important groups like the Royal Society and the Society of Antiquaries of London. His most famous book is Historical Notices of Sir Matthew Craddock of Swansea.
Early Life and Education
John Montgomery Traherne was born in 1788 at Coedarhydyglyn, near what is now Culverhouse Cross in western Cardiff. He was the only son of Llewelyn Traherne, who was a High Sheriff of Glamorgan. His mother, Charlotte, passed away when he was young.
In 1799, his great-aunt, Mrs. John Llewellin, helped him greatly. She paid for his schooling at private schools. Later, in 1807, he went to Oriel College, Oxford. There, he was taught by Edward Copleston, who later became a bishop.
While studying, Traherne met Rev. Thomas Rackett. Mr. Rackett helped him become very interested in studying local history and old objects. This interest led Traherne to meet many important writers and scientists in London. Traherne finished his first degree in 1810 and his master's degree in 1813.
Career and Contributions
John Montgomery Traherne became a deacon in 1812 and a priest in 1813. He was ordained by Bishop Richard Beadon. From 1817 to 1820, he worked as a magistrate in Glamorgan. A magistrate is like a local judge who handles minor legal cases.
Later, from 1844 to 1851, he held an important position as the chancellor of the Diocese of Llandaff and the Llandaff Cathedral.
Traherne was a member of many respected societies. These included the Royal Society (for science), the Society of Antiquaries of London (for history), the Linnean Society of London (for biology), and the Geological Society of London (for geology). He was also an honorary member of other historical societies.
Like his wife, Traherne loved history and literature. He wrote many works about local and South Welsh history. Sometimes, he used different names for his writings. His best-known work is Historical Notices of Sir Matthew Craddock of Swansea. He also often wrote articles for the "Archaeologia" journal and other similar publications.
Personal Life and Legacy
In 1823, John Montgomery Traherne inherited his family's estate at Coedarhydyglyn. He had the old house taken down and built a new, beautiful Regency-style villa. He also helped restore the St. Georges-super-Ely village church in 1838. He became the lord of the manor and the church of St Hilary, which his mother's family had bought years before.
On April 23, 1830, Traherne married Charlotte-Louisa. She was the daughter of Thomas Mansel Talbot and the sister of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot, who was a very important person in Glamorgan.
John Montgomery Traherne passed away at Coedarhydyglyn in 1860. He did not have any children. Over the years, he collected and put together 123 volumes of historical papers. These are now kept safely at the National Archives of Wales.
Selected Works
- Historical notices of sir Matthew Cradock, knt, (1840)
- Stradling correspondence: a series of letters written in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, with notices of the family of Stradling of St. Donat's Castle, Co. Glamorgan, (1840)
