113. A History of Wales: Dr John Davies (1938 - 2015)
Dr Paul O'Leary, Dr Eryn White
Dr John Davies was born in Llwynypia, Rhondda Fawr, in 1938, and spent his early years in Treorchy, before moving to Bwlch-llan, Ceredigion.
His early years shaped his commitment to the Welsh language and nation. Dr Davies joined Aberystwyth University as a lecturer in the then Department of Welsh History in 1973, promoted to senior lecturer in 1981 and until retiring in1990.
A leading historian of his generation, he contributed greatly to the knowledge and interest in Welsh history.
His most notable work was 'Hanes Cymru', a Welsh-language history of Wales and the Welsh people published in 1990, and in English as' A History of Wales' in 1993, revised and updated editions emerging in 2007 and 2014.
Being a very talented lecturer and public communicator, he was subsequently able to enjoy a highly successful career as a television and radio broadcaster in both Welsh and English.
He is fondly remembered as the Warden of Pantycelyn from 1974 to 1992.
Further Information
Dr Paul O'Leary
Dr Eryn White
