W. J. Gruffydd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
W. J. Gruffydd
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| Born | 14 February 1881 Bethel, Caernarfonshire, Wales
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| Died | 29 September 1954 (aged 73) Caernarfon, Carnarfonshire, Wales
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William John Gruffydd (born February 14, 1881 – died September 29, 1954) was a famous Welsh scholar, poet, writer, and editor. He was also the last Member of Parliament (MP) for the University of Wales area.
Early Life and Education
William John Gruffydd was born in a place called Gorffwysfa, in Bethel, Caernarfonshire. His father worked in a stone quarry.
In 1894, after finishing primary school in Bethel, he was one of the first students to attend the new Caernarvon County School. In 1899, he earned a spot at Jesus College, Oxford, where he studied English literature.
After college, in 1904, he became an assistant teacher at Beaumaris Grammar School. In 1906, he started teaching Celtic studies at University College, Cardiff.
In 1909, he married Gwenda Evans. They had one son together.
During the First World War, he joined the Royal Navy. He served as a naval officer from 1915 to 1918 in the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.
After the war, he became a Professor of Celtic at University College, Cardiff, in 1918. He held this important teaching position until he retired in 1946.
A Scholar and Poet
Gruffydd was an expert in Celtic culture, which includes the history, languages, and traditions of Celtic peoples.
He taught at schools before becoming a lecturer in Celtic studies. From 1918 to 1946, he was a Professor of Celtic at Cardiff University.
He was also the President of the Council for the National Eisteddfod of Wales. This is a big festival that celebrates Welsh culture, especially music and poetry.
Gruffydd edited Y Llenor, which means 'The Littérateur'. This was a very important Welsh-language magazine about literature. He wrote many poems and stories himself. He also helped Welsh scholarship by writing important books about Welsh literature and old legends.
In Politics
William John Gruffydd came from a family that was interested in Welsh politics and social issues. He was a member of Plaid Cymru, a political party that supports Wales. He even served as a deputy leader for the party in 1937.
However, Gruffydd disagreed with the party's main leader, Saunders Lewis. Because of these disagreements, he eventually left the party.
In 1943, Gruffydd was elected to Parliament as a Liberal MP. He won his seat for the University of Wales in a special election held on January 29, 1943. He was running against Saunders Lewis from Plaid Cymru.
He was re-elected easily in the 1945 general election. He remained an MP until 1950, when the special university seats in Parliament were removed. He did not run for Parliament again after that.
Later Life and Passing
William John Gruffydd passed away at his home in Caernarfon on September 29, 1954. He was buried in the cemetery at Llanddeiniolen. His burial place is near a yew tree that he wrote about in one of his most famous poems.
