Gordon Bottomley, 1874-1948

The Edward Thomas Collection was started in 1940 when Gordon Bottomley, the poet and dramatist, presented the autograph manuscript of 'Wales' and 238 letters which Thomas had written to him between 1902 and 1917. In 1948 Dr R. George Thomas, agreed to edit the letters for publication. His contact with the poet's family led to much of the material that remained in the family's possession coming to Cardiff. In addition, a large collection of photocopies, transcripts and notes from libraries in this country and north America has been assembled in Cardiff making it the largest accumulation of material relating to Edward Thomas and his family.