Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1795-1980 / (Creation)
Level of description
Fonds
Extent and medium
0.029 cubic metres (1 box)
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
John Roberts (1816-1894) from Rhiwlas Isaf, Llanrhaeadr, Denbighshire, was a Welsh harpist and is remembered as 'Telynor Cymru' (the Harpist of Wales'). For almost ten years he served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Later he moved to Newtown, Montgmeryshire, where he was to remain for the rest of his days. The famous Caernarfon harpist Richard Roberts (1796-1855) taught him, and John Roberts became famous for penillion singing to accompany the harp. He won a large number of prestigious prizes at various eisteddfodau and performed before members of the Royal Family. He died in May 1894.
Archival history
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Deposited by Mr and Mrs Dave Cook, Brynmawr, Gwent, in 1996.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Papers, 1795-1980, mainly relating to John Roberts and his family, including papers, 1846-1888, concerning John Roberts, among them manuscript music, letters to Roberts and press cuttings; papers, 1875-1953, of, or relating to, J. L. Roberts ('Telynor Maldwyn', son of John Roberts); miscellaneous family papers, 1907-1911; stray letters, 1874-1980; music manuscripts, 1848 and undated; miscellanea, 1905-1981; and printed items, 1832-1848.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Action: All records donated to the NLW have been retained.
Accruals
Accruals are not expected.
System of arrangement
Arranged into the following: John Roberts papers; J.L. Roberts papers; other family papers; correspondence; music manuscripts; miscellaneous papers; and printed books.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Readers consulting modern papers in the National Library of Wales are required to sign the 'Modern papers - data protection' form.
Conditions governing reproduction
Usual copyright regulations apply.
Language of material
Script of material
Language and script notes
English.
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
A hard copy of the catalogue is available in Minor Lists and Summaries 1996, pp.58-59, at the National Library of Wales. The catalogue can be accessed available online.
Allied materials area
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related units of description
Notes area
Note
Title supplied from contents of fonds. The papers pre-date and postdate the life of John Roberts as they were assembled by the donors of the archive.
Alternative identifier(s)
Virtua system control number
Project identifier
Access points
Place access points
Name access points
Genre access points
Description control area
Description identifier
Institution identifier
Rules and/or conventions used
Description follows ANW guidelines based on ISAD(G) 2nd ed.;AACR2; and LCSH
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
June 2003
Language(s)
- English
Script(s)
Sources
Archivist's note
Compiled by Annette Strauch for the ANW project. The following sources were used in the compilation of this description: NLW, Minor Lists and Summaries, 1996; Dictionary of Welsh Biography down to 1940 (London, 1959).