Pennar Davies facts for kids
William Thomas Pennar Davies (born November 12, 1911 – died December 29, 1996) was a Welsh minister and writer. He was known for his poetry and his work to promote the Welsh language.
Contents
Early Life and Studies
William Thomas Davies was born in Mountain Ash. His father was a miner. He later chose the name "Pennar" to show his strong connection to Welsh culture. Pennar is the name of a stream in Mountain Ash.
He studied at several universities. These included the University of Wales, Cardiff, Balliol College and Mansfield College, Oxford in England, and Yale University in the United States.
Becoming a Minister and Professor
In 1943, Pennar Davies became a Congregational minister in Cardiff. Later, he became a professor of Church History. He taught at Bala-Bangor Theological College and Brecon Congregational Memorial College.
He was the Principal of Brecon Congregational Memorial College starting in 1950. Then, from 1959 until he retired in 1979, he was the Principal of Swansea Memorial College.
Writing and the Welsh Language
Pennar Davies wrote poetry using the pen name Davies Aberpennar. Until about 1948, he wrote in both Welsh and English. After that, he wrote almost entirely in Welsh. He had learned Welsh when he was a young man.
His Books
Pennar Davies wrote many books. They included poetry, short stories, and novels. He also wrote non-fiction works.
Poetry Collections
- Cinio'r Cythraul (1946)
- Naw Wfft (1957)
- Yr Efrydd o Lyn Cynon (1961)
- Y Tlws yn y Lotws (1971)
Short Stories
- Y Dyn a'r Llygoden Mawr (1941)
- Caregl Nwyf (1966)
Novels
- Meibion Darogan (1968)
- Mabinogi Mwys (1979)
Non-fiction
- Rhwng Chwedl a Chredo (1966)
Involvement in Politics
Pennar Davies was a member of Plaid Cymru. This is a political party in Wales that supports Welsh independence and the Welsh language. He joined the party's main committee in 1947.
He also worked for the party's newspaper, The Welsh Nationalist. He was its Literary Editor from 1947 and then its Editor from 1949. During this time, the newspaper published new poems by famous Welsh poets like Idris Davies and R. S. Thomas.
Pennar Davies also ran for Parliament in the Llanelli area. He was a candidate in the 1964 and 1966 UK general elections. He was a strong supporter of having television and radio programs in the Welsh language.
Family Life
Pennar Davies and his wife, Rosemarie, had five children. Their oldest son, Dr Meirion Pennar, became a well-known Welsh language academic, poet, and translator.
