Robert Williams (Trebor Mai) facts for kids

Trebor Mai, a famous Welsh poet

A memorial in Llanrwst for Robert Williams, also known as Trebor Mai

Robert Williams, who was known by his special poet name Trebor Mai, was a talented Welsh poet. He was born on May 25, 1830, near a town called Llanrwst in Wales. His father was a tailor, and Robert also became a tailor. He lived most of his life in Llanrwst and wrote many poems. He passed away in 1877 when he was 47 years old.

The Life of Trebor Mai

Robert Williams was born on May 25, 1830. His family lived in a place called Ty'n-yr-ardd. This area is close to Llanrhychwyn, which is near Llanrwst. This was in the old county of Caernarfonshire. His father worked as a tailor, making clothes for people.

Robert went to a local school in Llanrhychwyn. For a while, he also attended a free school in Llanrwst. Around 1843, his family moved to Llanrwst. There, Robert started to learn his father's tailoring craft.

Becoming a Tailor and Poet

On October 13, 1854, Robert got married. After getting married, he started his own tailoring business in Llanrwst. He stayed in Llanrwst for the rest of his life. Even while working as a tailor, he spent time writing poetry.

Robert Williams is best remembered for his poems called englynion. An englyn is a special type of short Welsh poem. It has a very specific structure and rhythm. He published two small books of his poems during his lifetime. The first was called Fy Noswyl in 1861. The second was named Y Geninen in 1869.

After he passed away, more of his poems were collected. These were published in a larger book. This book was called Gwaith Barddonol Trebor Mai. It came out in 1883. It included all the poems from his earlier books and many new ones. Trebor Mai's work helped keep the Welsh language and poetry alive.