Roberts, R. Silyn (Robert Silyn), 1871-1930

R. Silyn Roberts, Calvinistic Methodist minister, poet and social reformer was born in 1871 in Llanllyfni, Caernarfonshire. He worked as a quarryman before attending the University College of North Wales and the Bala Theological College. He served as a minister at the Welsh chapel in Lewisham, Kent and then in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Merionethshire.

He was an accomplished poet, winning the crown in the 1902 National Eisteddfod for his ode entitled Trystan ac Esyllt . He also published a collection of poetry under the title, Trystan ac Esyllt a Chaniadau Eraill (1904).

He was a labour councillor for the Merioneth County Council and travelled the United States lecturing on the campaign against tuberculosis in Wales. He published a pamphlet on the labour party, Y Blaid Lafur Anibynnol, ei Hanes a'i Hamcan (1908).

From 1922 R. (Silyn) Roberts was a lecturer for the extra mural department at the University College of North Wales and in 1925 he established the North Wales District of the Workers Educational Association.

He was married to Mary Parry of London and had two sons and a daughter. He died in 1930.

For further biographical material, consult the authorised biography Silyn : (Robert Silyn Roberts) 1871-1930 by David Thomas (1956)

From the guide to the R. Silyn Roberts Papers, 1896 - 1939, (Bangor University)