Thomas Roberts (radical writer) facts for kids
Thomas Roberts (1765/66–1841) was a Welsh writer who believed in making society fairer. He wrote many books and pamphlets to share his ideas.
Early Life and Family
Thomas Roberts was born in Wales, near a town called Pwllheli. His parents were William and Jane Roberts. When he was very young, before he turned 14, he moved from Wales to London. He likely started learning to be a goldsmith there.
In 1791, Roberts married Mary. Her family was wealthy and belonged to the Quaker faith. Thomas and Mary had six children together: five daughters and one son. They lived near the center of London. Mary passed away in March 1829.
Roberts became a successful goldsmith, partly thanks to Mary's family. He worked in different goldsmith firms in London. He was also an active member of the Gwyneddigion Society. This was a group of Welsh people in London who met to discuss important topics, especially about Welsh language and culture.
His Work and Ideas
The Gwyneddigion Society wanted to promote freedom in society. In 1798, Roberts published a book called Cwyn yn erbyn Gorthrymder. This means "A Complaint Against Oppression." It was a powerful pamphlet that helped develop the Welsh language. It also supported Welsh nationalism, which is the idea of strengthening Welsh culture and identity. Roberts used his writings to show how some things were unfair to Wales and the Welsh language.
He also worked to make the Welsh language more accessible. In 1827, he published an English and Welsh Vocabulary. He also created a small book of Welsh phrases with their English meanings. To help Welsh people read important works, Roberts translated Benjamin Franklin's famous book, Poor Richard's Almanack, into Welsh in 1839. He also translated other religious books into Welsh. Roberts was known for his excellent knowledge of the Welsh language. He even helped correct mistakes in the Welsh version of the Book of Common Prayer.
Roberts strongly believed that everyone should have freedom of thought. He spoke out against the special power held by the main church (called the Established Church). He also wrote about the unfair treatment of people who were not part of that church, like the Methodists. He was inspired by thinkers like Richard Price and Joseph Priestley, who wanted freedom for people to follow their own beliefs. He also agreed with Thomas Paine, who criticized the idea of "priestcraft" (when religious leaders have too much power).
Roberts' writings attacked the practice of tithing, which was when people had to pay a part of their income to the church. He also spoke against churches being controlled by the government. Although some people, like the poet Evan Pritchard, criticized Roberts' views, Roberts often defended the Methodists. He wrote under a pen name, Arvonius, to speak against unfair attacks on Methodists by another London-Welshman, Edward Charles. Roberts' defense came from his Quaker background, which disliked the Established Church, and his belief in fighting against old unfair systems.
Later Years
Towards the end of his life, Thomas Roberts lost a lot of his money. He lived on a pension from the Goldsmiths' company. He passed away on May 24, 1841, at the home of his only surviving daughter, Keturah. He was buried next to his wife, Mary.
Published Works
- Cwyn yn erbyn Gorthrymder (London, 1798) – A pamphlet criticizing the payment of tithes.
- Amddiffyniad y Methodistiaid (Carmarthen, 1806) – A defense of the Methodists.
- An English and Welsh Vocabulary (London, 1827) – A book to help people learn Welsh words.
- The Welsh Interpreter (London, 1831, second edition, 1838) – A phrase book.
- Y Byd a Ddaw, by Isaac Watts (appeared in 1829) – A re-issue of a translation.
- Y Ffordd i Gaffael Cyfoeth neu Rhisiart Druan (London, 1839) – A Welsh version of Benjamin Franklin's Poor Richard.
- He also wrote for Welsh newspapers and magazines in both English and Welsh.
