Waddington, Augusta: (see Lady Llanover).

Waithman, Robert (l764-l833): from Wrexham, became a successful draper in London, where he rose to become M.P., Sheriff, and Lord Mayor.

Wales, Prince of: (see Windsor, Charles).

Wales, Princess of: (see Spencer, Lady Diana).

Wallace, Alfred Russell (l823-l9l3): b. Usk, Monmouth, the famous naturalist and author came to his opinions based on his own research into the processes of evolution independently of Darwin.

Walter, Lucy (l630-58): Pembrokeshire born, the mistress of Charles 11 when he was the Prince of Wales. Their son James, Duke of Monmouth, was executed after his rebellion against James 11.

Walters, John (l72l-97): lexicographer; compiled an English-Welsh dictionary and books on Welsh language.

Ward, John Powell (b. l937): university lecturer, poet and critic, also editor of Poetry Wales, l975 to l980.

Watkins, David (b. 1942): captain of Great Britain in Rugby Union and Rugby League, a feat he duplicated for Wales before retiring to become Chairman of Newport Rugby Club.

Watkin, Morgan (l878-l970): scholar many of whose works deal with French influence on the literature and language of medieval Wales.

Watkins, Vernon (l906-l967): b. Swansea; contemporary of Dylan Thomas, Watkins lived a quiet life, with much of his poetry dealing with life's perplexing problems and the innocent memories of youth. Inspired by the beauty of the Gower, he is regarded as one of the greatest of Welsh poets in English.

Webb, Harry (l920-l996): Swansea-born prolific poet, journalist, essayist, television writer, and political activist who used both Welsh and English to express his main themes, which he called "unrepentantly nationalistic." His first collection of poems is The Green Desert (l969).

Welsh Americans: a group of Welsh Baptists under John Myles founded a church at Swanzey, Mass. in l662. The Quakers found a home in Pennsylvania where the original Welsh Tract, granted by William Penn, still retains Welsh names such as Bryn Mawr, Bala Cynwyd, Tredyffryn and so on. The Welsh who came to Delaware in l703 named their tract Pencader where they built two churches, both still standing. The Welsh Society of Philadelphia, founded in l729, is the oldest ethnic society of its kind in the U.S. Large numbers of Welsh men and women moved to Pennsylvania, where they made up large numbers of the population of Scranton, Pittston, and Wilkes-Barre in the late l9th century. Others came from the quarrying districts of North Wales to settle in Bangor, Delta, and Cardiff on the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. Others moved out West, to Minnesota, Oregon, and California. The largest percentage of Welsh is found in Utah, where Welsh Mormons began the famous Tabernacle Choir.

Welsh Australians: four Welsh men and women arrived in Austalia as convicts on the First Fleet of l788 followed by many rioters from Merthyr and by Chartist leaders in mid l9th century. Gold and coal attracted thousands more. William Meirion Evans of Llanfrothen, Merioneth, held the first Welsh religious services in l849 at Burra. David Jones from Barmouth owned the largest drapery story in Victoria. David John Thomas of Carmarthen, an eminent surgeon, founded the Melbourne Hospital. Edgeworth David discovered and developed major coal seams in New South Wales. Lewis Thomas of Talybont became known as the “King of the Queensland Coalfields.” Sir Samuel Walker Griffith, from Merthyr, was the principal architect of the federal constitution. William Morris Hughes, “the little digger,” was the Prime Minister of Australia (1915-1923). Thomas Price was elected the first Labour Premier of South Australia (1905).

Welsh Canadians: The first Welshman to arrive in Canada is believed to have been Sir Thomas Button, who led an expedition to find the Northwest Passage in 1612. Other early Welsh in Canada came after the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and following the aftermath of the American Revolution (1775-1783). One of the first efforts to encourage Welsh emigration to Canada began in 1812 when John Matthews settled in the township of Southwald, near what is now London, Ontario. By 1817 he had brought over more relatives who built homes on the 100-acre lots granted to them by Colonel Thomas Talbot. The colony attracted 385 Welsh settlers by 1850. Early Welsh immigration to Canada was also spurred on by the Cariboo gold rush in British Columbia in 1858. The development of mining provided employment for many skilled Welsh miners who remained in the area. In 1902 Welsh immigrants arrived in Saskatchewan from Patagonia, which had been incorporated into Argentina. Many Welsh came to Alberta from their home country during the peak homesteading years after the turn of the century to become active in the trade union movement. David Milwyn Duggan, a Welshman, was the mayor of Edmonton from 1921 to 1923. Many other states have active Welsh societies, mainly in the larger cities, such as Vancouver, Ottowa, and Toronto.

Welsh Cavalry: name given affectionately to the lst Queen’s Dragoon Guards (f. l685), mostly made up of solders from Wales. For their bravery in Iraq, the Welshmen of the Dragoons, nicknamed “the commando light horse cavalry” were made honorary Royal Marines in April, 2003.

Welsh, Freddie (Frederick Hall Thomas, l886-l927): b. Pontypridd; he went to the U.S. as a teenager. He defeated Willie Ritchie in l9l4 to win the World Lightweight title, retained it for three years and was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997.

Welsh Heroes: in a poll conducted by Culturenet.Cymru in 2004 to determine the l00 greatest Welsh men and women, Aneurin Bevan topped the list, just beating out Owain Glyndwr, with Tom Jones coming in at third place. Three and a half million visitors to the website sent in 85,000 votes. Fourth was Gwynfor Evans; fifth, Richard Burton; sixth, Gareth Edwards; seventh, Dylan Thomas; eighth, David Loyd George; ninth, Robert Owen; and coming in at number l0, Saunders Lewis. John Charles, who died a few days after the poll ended on March lst, came in at number l9. Top Welsh women were Catherine Zeta Jones at number l3 and Tanni Grey-Thompson at number 25.

Welsh Imperial Singers: "the Gentlemen of Song," toured Britain and overseas, including the U.S. and Canada, l926 and l939. Led by R. Festyn Davies from Trawsfynydd, the all-male choir gave its first concert in Anglesey in October, l926. The outbreak of war in l939 ended this glorious choir.

Welsh National Gymanfa Ganu Association (W.N.G.G.A): an organization that began at Goat Island, Niagara Falls in 1929, it holds a national North American Gymanfa in a different location in the U.S. and Canada each Labor Day weekend (including Wales on two occasions). The Gymanfa has evolved into a four-day cultural event to be known as the North American Festival of Wales.

Welsh National Opera Company: begun as an idea at the home of a London Welshman in l943, the company debuted with Cavalleria Rusticana at Cardiff's Prince of Wales Theatre in l946. In l970 the Welsh Philharmonic was formed that later became the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera. The Chorus became fully professional in 1973 one year after Carl Rizzi had become Musical Director, leading the company to international fame.

Welsh Nightingale, the (see Wynne, Edith).

Welsh Pony: acknowledged as the world’s most beautiful pony, the breed became officially recognized in 190l with the formation of the Welsh Pony and Cob Society. The Mountain pony is easily tamed and bred. A Welsh cob named Fronaeth Cymraes Ddu was bought for 4000 pounds in 2004 in Ceredigion.

Welsh Regiment: formed in l990 by combining 3d Battalion, Royal Welch Fusiliers and 2d Battalion the Royal Regiment of Wales.

Weston, Simon (b. l96l): from Nelson, Treharris, joined the Welsh Guards in l978, was horribly burned in the Falklands War aboard the Sir Galahad. He set up the Weston Spirit in l988, to promote the personal and social development of disadvantaged young people. He was awarded the OBE in l992.

Wheldon, Sir Huw (b. 1916): from Prestatyn, after wining the Military Cross for bravery in Nomrnady with the Welsh Fuisileirs began a career at the Office for Wales of the Arts Council; moved to t BBC as TV publicity officer in l952, producing many outstanding programs and series, and becoming Managing Director in 1968. He has been called “the best director general of the BBC ever.”

White, Baroness Eirene (1909-1999): daughter of Tom Jones (deputy cabinet secretary to four P.M.’s), began a career as political journalist with Manchester Evening News in 1945, the year she was elected as Labour MP for East Flint. A tireless worker, she held many important offices, and was the first woman MP from Wales to become a minister; Chairman of the Labour Party in 1968-9.

Whitford, Richard (l495-l542): religious writer and priest from Flintshire, a friend of Erasmus and Sir Thomas More, and translator of Thomas a Kempis.

White, Rawlins (1485-1555): one of the three Welsh Protestant martyrs burned at the stake during the reign of Bloody Mary. (see also Ferrer, Robert and Nichols, William)

Whittaker, Thomas W. (b. l9l9): from Blaenau Ffestiniog, served in India and Burma in WWll in Royal Welch Fusiliers, was instrumental in having the regimental museum located in Caernarfon Caslte.

Whittaker, Thomas (b. l948): mountaineer, trainer and coroporate speaker, son of Thomas W, he became the first disabled person to climb Everset (l998). Having learned mountain climbing in Snowdonia, he is now a US citizen.

Wigley, Dafydd (b. 1943): M.P. for Caernarfon in l974, led Plaid Cymru to succeed Gwynfor Evans in l991, has a long and distinguished political career, particularly interested in the rights of the disabled. His majority at Caernarfon increased in each of five subsequent elections. A patriotic and tireless worker, he transferred his considerable talents and energy from Westminster to Cardiff as an Assembly Member. Dafydd is married to harpist Elinor Bennett.

Wil Friendly (Gwilym Dawel): member of the London Welsh in the late l8th century who edited poetry, produced a Welsh dictionary, and published a Cambrian Register and a Cambrian Biography.

Wilde, Jimmy (the Mighty Atom, 1892-1969): boxer began in fairgrounds Tylerstown, Rhondda, taking on all challengers. He had over 500 fights from age l6, winning the World Flyweight Championship in l9l6, keeping it for seven years, the longest reign in history. Rated by Nat Fleischer and Charley Rose as the number one all-time flyweight champion of all time, Jimmy was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame in l997.

Wiliam ap Tomas (l406-46): of Berth-hir, Mon; Y Marchog Glas o Went (The Blue Knight of Gwent) fought at Aginourt, prominent gentleman of Raglan and public officer in Gwent and Glamorgan; he married the daughter of the infamous Dafydd Gam).

Wiliam Llyn (l534-80): from Llyn, Caerns; one of the last of the poets to enjoy the patronage of the native aristocracy of Wales.

Wiliam, Urien (b. l929): b. Swansea; playwrite, and novelist (son of Stephen J. Williams). A Senior Lecturer at the Polytechnic of Wales, he has written six novels, a number of plays and two-time Drama Medal winner at the National.

Wilkins, Charles (l83l-l9l3): English writer closely identified with Wales, publisher of a number of historical works dealing with Welsh industry; editor of The Red Dragon and prolific contributor to south Wales weekly newspapers

Wilkinson, "Iron Mad" John (l728-l808): iron manufacturer at Bersham (and nearby Brymbo), who once led the world in the production of iron cannon and cylinders for the new steam engines.

William de Braose (1150-1211): a Norman Marcher Lord who massacred his Welsh guests at a banquet. He was the grandfather of the equally notorious William de Braose hanged by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth.

William, Dafydd (l720-94): preacher and author of some l20 hymns, one of which is “Yn y dyfroedd mawr a’r tonnau” (often sung to the tune Ebenezer).

Williams, Alice (Alys, b. l925):from Brynrefail, Llanberis; distinguished teacher and adjudicator of Welsh Folk Dancing, working tirelessly to ensure high standards of the craft in Wales and America.

Williams, Alice M. L. (Alis Mallet Williams, l867-l950): novelist and early supporter of Plaid Cymru as well as efforts to revive the Breton language.

Williams, Anna (d. Dec 1987): at the time of her death at Swansea, Anna was ll4 yrs old--the oldest lady in the world. She had seven siblings who reached 90 years; one sister was 101.

Williams, Dafydd (l720-94): Carmarthenshire preacher and hymn writer; convert to the Baptists, whose 121 Welsh hymns include the popular "Yn y dyfroedd mawr a'r tonnau" (to the tune Ebenezer).

Williams, David (1738-1816): philosopher, whose works on religious freedom, universal education and the need for voting rights put him way ahead of his time; his l782 Letters on Political Liberty was praised by Benjamin Franklin and also greatly influenced the Chartist movement of the next century. In l790, Williams established the Royal Literary Fund, a benevolent society.

Williams, David (l900-78): historian and college Professor, whose History of Wales 1485-l931, A History of Modern Wales, and his writings on the social unrest of the l9th century are invaluable.

Williams, David John (D. J. l885-l970): patriot, poet, teacher and short-story writer. A founder of Plaid Cymru and participant in "the Fire at Penyberth." His masterly descriptions of people and places are best seen in Hen Dy Ffarm (The Old Farmhouse) and Hen Wynebau (Old Faces).

Williams, David John (l896-l950): writer of childrens' stories; he founded the comic magazine Hwyl in l949.

Williams, Dafydd Rhys (b. l954): b. Canada to parents from Bargoed; proud of his Welsh background. With many honors for his clinical research in emergency medicine, he joined the Canadian Space Agency in l992 to become Director of the Space and Life Sciences Directorate. A Manager of the Missions and Space Medicine Group in the Astronaut Program, as an astronaut, he took the Red Dragon of Wales Flag into space. In November 2002.

Williams, Edward (Iolo Morganwg, l747-l826): a patriotic London Welshman who brought about a revival of the study of Celtic literature and of what he considered to be Celtic customs. A stonemason from the Vale of Glamorgan, he helped create the Gorsedd that plans the elaborate ceremonies of the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

Williams, Eliseus (Eifion Wyn, l867-l926): school teacher and poet whose Telynegion Maes a Mor (Lyrics of Field and Sea, l906) is still popular.

Williams, Emlyn (l905-l992): from a Welsh-speaking area in Flintshire, dramatist Williams toured the world portraying Charles Dickens and Dylan Thomas on the stage. His autobiographical novel The Corn is Green has been filmed by Hollywood twice and staged countless times. Williams also acted in many of his own plays, including Night Must Fall, The Wind of Heaven, Druid's Rest, and others. He appeared in a number of British and American movies.

Williams, Eric Idwal (1923-2001): from St. Clears, Carmarthen, a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons at age 2l. His diagnostic test for Hardware Disease in cattle became known as the Williams Test. In l96l, he moved to Oklahoma to teach and research at Oklahoma State University. He received many honors for his work in science and on behalf of Welsh Americans; he reported in Welsh to the BBC Welsh Region,.and wrote several books about his work.

William, Evan James (l903-l945): b. Llanwenog, Carms; a Fellow of the Royal Society, brilliant physicist and explorer of quantum mechanics who predicted the existence of a new particle, the meson. In WWll, his analytical mind helped produce the device that defeated German submarines, up until then playing havoc with Atlantic shipoing.

Williams, Gerald (b. l949): from Ebbw Vale, he won the Mr. Universe contest (in the 65 kilo category) at Philadelphia in December, 2004) despite hi srelatively advance years.

Williams, Sir Glanmor (l920-2005): Dowlais-born, distinguished professor at Swansea l945-l982; for ten years vice-president at Aberystwyth University; BBC’s National Governor for Walwes l965-7l; general editor of Glamorgan County History, author of Language, Religion and Nationality in Wales (l979), and many other works of history; a leading Welsh historian and authority on modern Wales.

Williams, Grace (l906-l977): Barry composer with BBC, many of whose works are concerned with Welsh themes, especially the folk songs: Fantasia on Welsh Nursery Tunes (l940), Sea Sketches (1944) and Penillion (l955).

Williams, Griffith John (l892-l963): from Cellan, Cardigan, literary historian named by Meic Stephens as "perhaps the most versatile Welsh scholar of all time." Professor of Welsh at Cardiff, he specialized in the work of Iolo Morganwg, founded the scholarly magazine Llen Cymru (Welsh Literature), and was the first President of Yr Academi Gymreig (the Welsh Academy).

Williams, Gwyn (l904-90): b. Port Talbot, a prolific author and translator whose works include An Introduction to Welsh Poetry (l953), The Burning Tree (l956), and Presenting Welsh Poetry (l959). He also wrote novels and travel books of the Middle East and a collection of poetry.

Williams, Gwyn Alfred (l925-1995): b. Dowlais; historian, television personality and public speaker; among his books are The Merthyr Rising (1978); Madoc: the Making of a Myth (l979), and When was Wales (l985). With Vaughan Thomas, he produced The Dragon has Two Tongues for BBC television (l985).

Williams, Gwyn L: arts and Music producer for the BBC in Wales, a lecturer at Bangor and Associate of the Royal Academy of Music.

Williams, Harri (l9l3-83): b. Liverpool, scholar, theologian and novelist, Prose Medal winner; a prolific author on a variety of subjects.

Williams, Hayden (l903-l965): Rhosllanerchrugog, nr. Wrexham; nationalist and promoter of the Welsh language, Director of Education for Flintshire who fought hard with eventual success to establish high schools where the language of instruction would be Welsh. He also lobbied for the setting up of a Welsh television station in areas of Northeast Wales unable to receive Welsh language programs.

Williams, Hugh (l796-l874): from Machynlleth, a prominent Chartist, he may have masterminded the Rebecca Riots of l839-42.

Williams, Ifor (l88l-l965): b. Bethesda, professor and scholar, editor of many books on early Welsh poetry, including Pedeir Keinc y Mabinogi (The Four Branches of the Mabinogi, l930); publisher of works by poets of the Gentry, including Dafydd ap Gwilym. A lecturer with BBC, he served as editor of the Language and Literature section of the Bulletin of the Board of Celtic Studies.

Williams, Islwyn (l903-57): b. Ystalyfera, author of short stories that deal with life in the Valleys in all its colorful aspects.

Williams, Jac Lewis (1918-77): Cardiganshire-born; short story writer, professor; an authority on bilingual education and Anglo-Welsh literature.

Williams, Jane (Ysgafell, l806-85): b. London; lived in Talgarth, learned Welsh and wrote a number of books on Wales including a biography of Beti Cadwaladr, the real nursing heroine of the Crimea War.

Williams, Jeremy Huw (b. l969): Cardiff-born baritone, renowned for his Lieder, who began with the Welsh National Opera and has gone on sing with the world’s leading opera companies.

Williams, John (l582-l650): a member of the illustrious Wynn family of Gwydir. Archbishop of York and supporter of Charles 1st. As his family seal is similar to that displayed over the monument to Shakespeare at Stratford on Avon, some scholars believe he may have written some or part of the plays.

Williams, John (ab Ithel, 1811-62): Denbighshire-born churchman, editor and antiquary, he helped revive Welsh culture in the early nineteenth century; founder and editor of The Cambrian Journal in l853, and editor of many texts for the Welsh Manuscripts Society.

Williams, John (l840-l926): Carmarthenshire-born surgeon and physician to Queen Victoria, collector of the Llanstephan Manuscripts, an important source for medieval and later Welsh literature, including The Red Book of Talgarth, and poems of Dafydd ap Gwilym, Tudor Aled and others. He helped establish the National Museum of Wales and Library (he donated his collection on condition it be set up in Aberystwyth).

Williams, John Ellis (l90l-75): born at Penmachno, Caernarfon; schoolmaster, prolific writer of plays, detective novels and children's books.

Williams, John Ellis Caerwyn (l9l2-l999): from Gwaencaegurwen, Swansea, Director of the Centre for Welsh and Celtic Studies who specialized in the literary traditions of Wales and Ireland.

Williams, John James (l869-l954): Talybont short story writer and poet, ex-miner, Congregational minister; Chair winner, and Archdruid (l936-39).

Williams, John Owen (Pedrog, l853-l932); raised at Llanbedrog, Caerns; Archdruid (l928-32): Chairman of Union of Welsh Independents in l927 and editor of Y Dysgedydd (l922-28). A prolific contributor to the periodical presss, he is the all-time leader in number of eisteddfod prizes.

Williams, J.P.R. (b. l949): b. Cardiff, a Welsh rugby great, with over 55 caps from l969-l98l. A medical doctor, he also won a junior tennis championship at Wimbledon. In l997, he was elected to the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

Williams, John Roberts (John Aelod Jones, b. l9l4): b. Llangybi, Caernarfon; journalist and broadcaster; edited Y Cymro, l945-l962), the tv news magazine Heddiw (Today); became head of the BBC North Wales in l970; with many short stories and a volume of essays, Annwyl Gyfeillion (Dear Friends, l970).

Williams, Kyffin (b. 1918): Anglesey-born, one of his country’s most known painters, specializing in Gwynedd landscapes exhibited in many prestigious museums and art galleries.

Williams, Llewellyn (l867-l922): b. Llansadwrn, Tywi Valley, he went from Llandovery College to Oxford University where he was influenced by the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society to work for Wales, especially for religious freedom from control by Canterbury. Liberal M.P. for Carmarthen Boroughs, he was a staunch nationalist, opposed to Lloyd George’s abandonment of self-government for Wales and Ireland. Author of The Making of Modern Wales, he also completed two novels. and a collection of short stories.

Williams, Mark (b. l975): from Cwm, nr. Ebbw Vale, he earned the title of worlds’ number one professional pool champion. Still playing at the Emporium, Bargoed, he turned pro in l992 ten years before winning the Embassy World championship when he became the first left-handed champion.

Williams, Morris (Nicander l809-74): b. Llangybi, Caerns. Prominent in the Oxford Movement, he provided hymns for the use of Anglican congregations in Wales and is second only to William Williams in the number of hymns he contributed to the Church hymnal.

Williams, Moses (l685-l742): b. Llandysul, Carms., librarian and Parish rector, who translated English devotional works, helped edit Leges Wallicae (Welsh Laws l730), and who left an important collection of old Welsh manuscripts.

Williams, Peter (l723-96): from Carmarthenshire; a leader of the influential Methodist Movement in the l8th century; the author of many religious books and hymns and the publisher of an annotated edition of the Welsh Bible in l770. The first one to be published in Wales; it remained popular for over a century.

Williams, Phil (l939-2003): from Tredegar, outstanding professor of Physics at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, he was elected to the Welsh Assembly for Plaid Cymru (South East) in l999. He was Shadow Secretary on Economic Develoment until his untimely sudden death.

Williams, Raymond (l92l-l988): from Pandy, Monmouth; scholar, university tutor, Fellow, and professor, a leading cultural historian, author of books that include Culture and Society (l958), The Long Revolution (l966), Marxism and Literature (l977), and novels on contemporary Wales.

Williams, Rhydwen (b. l9l6): Rhondda Valley-born writer of 5 volumes of poetry (two have won the Crown at the National Eisteddfod), novelist, television actor, and editor of Barn (Opinion).

Williams, Rhys (l892-l969): actor and Hollywood regular born in a mining valley in South Wales; appeared in over 60 films, stealing the show as boxer Dai Bando in How Green was my Valley after he had been hired to teach Welsh accents to the mostly Irish cast.

Williams, Richard (Dic Dywyll, l790-l862): blind balladeer, “King of the Balladeers" singing of the Merthyr Uprising and the Rebecca Riots.

Williams, Richard (Gwydderig, 1842-l9l7): eisteddfod winner, a native of Brynamman who came home to Wales after some years as a miner in the U.S.

Williams, Richard Bryn (l902-8l): b. Blaenau Ffestiniog, librarian, eisteddfod winner, and chronicler of the Welsh settlements in Patagonia where he was raised. Author of Cymry Patagonia (l942), Y Wladfa (l962), Gwladfa Patagonia (l865-l965, and children's novels, stories, and poems about life in Patagonia.

Williams, Richard Hughes (Dic Tryfan, l878-l9l9): short story writer and journalist from Rhosgadfan, Caernarfon, whose hundreds of stories mostly deal with the lives of the North Wales quarrymen.

Williams, Richard Tecwyn (l909-l979): from Abertillery, Fellow of the Royal Society. Through a systematic analysis of drug metabolism, he explored the chemistry of how drugs affect the human body. Almost alone in doing vivo studies with the living body, as opposed to vitro studies in test tubes, his pioneering work forms an established part of pharmacology and toxicology.

Williams, Robert (Robert ap Gwilym Ddu, l766-l850): Caernarfonshire-born author of some moving religious poetry and hymn writer, whose "Mae'r gwaed a redodd ar y groes" is usually sung to the tune Deemster.

Williams, Robert (Trebor Mai, l830-77): poet from Llanrhychwyn, Caerns. Whose claim to fame is his bardic name “I am Robert” in reverse.

Williams, Robin (l924-2004): from Pencaerau, Eifionydd, author, broadcaster, and popular preacher for many years; presented the Welsh hymn singing program Dechrau Canu Dechrau Canmol on television and chaired the Welsh Natural History Brains Trust as well as many radio programs.

Williams, Roger (l540-95): from Penrhos, Monmouth, author of books on military tactics, as a soldier famed for his bravery and skill in battle, perhaps the model for Fluellen in Shakespeare's Henry V.

Williams, Ronnie (d. 1997): actor in the T.V. series Ryan and Ronnie with fellow comedian Ryan Davies. They split in l975 after a long partnership, Ronnie moving to Bangor to direct Theatr Gwynedd and appear in Welsh language TV programs. He committed suicide after business failings.

Williams, Rowan Douglas (b. l950): from Swansea; elected as l04th Archbishop of Canterbury in 2002 (enthroned in February, 2003) after service as Archbishop of Wales. Former Professor of Theology at Oxford (the college’s youngest professor at age 36), he is the first Welsh speaker at Canterbury in at least l,000 years. Author of a numnber of books on the history of theology and spirituality, he is a poet and a Fellow of the British Academy; a staunch patriot.

Williams, Prof. Stephen J. (l896-l992): from Ystradgynlais; after army service in India, he became lecturer (from l924) then Professor of Welsh at University College, Swansea (from l953), he has written and edited on Welsh subjects including grammar books for Welsh learners.

Williams, Thomas (Twm Chawrae Teg, “Fair Play Tom”, l737-l802): owner of the Parys Mines at Amlwch, which produced half the copper of late l8th C. Britain and set world prices.

Williams, Thomas Arfon (b. l935): from Treherbert, Rhondda; dental officer with the Welsh Office Cardiff, prominent member of Cymdeithas Cerdd Dafod; a master of the englyn.

Williams, Thomas Marchant (l845-l9l4): from Aberdare; editor and writer, active in London Welsh societies, author of critical sketches (that gave him his nickname “Tom the Acid Drop”); edited The Nationalist.

Williams, Waldo (l904-7l): teacher poet born in Haverfordwest. His anger at what was happening to Wales (by the government at Westminster), his commitment to Pacifism, his political activities with Plaid Cymru, and his struggle with personal demons is reflected in much of his work, called by Meic Stephens as "the most astonishingly original in the Welsh language."

Williams, Watkin Hezekiah (Watcyn Wyn, l844-l905): from Brynaman, Carms. He worked underground at age eight; became a congregational minister and Principal of Ysgol y Gwynfryn, Ammanford. Published several volumes of poetry and translated the hymns of Sankey and Moody into Welsh.

Williams, William (Pantycelyn, 1717-1791): Carmarthenshire-born, known as Y Per Caniedydd (The Sweet Singer), the most important hymn writer in Welsh history, a preacher and organizer of Methodist societies (along with Daniel Rowland and Howel Harris). His most popular hymn, beginning with "Lead me, O thou great Jehovah," is sung to Cwm Rhondda.

Williams, William (l78l-l840): from Llanfachreth, Mer., an outstanding preacher who founded new chapels and attracted many to the cause.

Williams, William (l788-l865: from Llanpumpsaint, industrialist and radical M.P. Concerned that Welsh children should have more opportunity to learn English, his commission looked at the state of education in Wales (see the "Blue Books of l847"); helped found the University of Wales.

Williams, William (Crwys l875-l968): Glamorganshire born poet and eisteddfod winner, Archdruid of Wales (l939-47): noted for four volumes of verse.

Williams, William (b. 1909): from Denbight, North Wales, where at the age of 95 (in 2004) he celebrated working over 70 years as a volunteer paperboy.

Williams, William Aubrey (Gwilym Gwent, l834-9l): from Tredegar, popular composer of Yr Haf and many other musical works, he emmigrated to Pennsylvania in l872 where he is memorialized at Wilkes Barre

Williams, William Llewelyn (l867-l922): from Llansadwrn, Carmarthen, journalist, lawyer, politician and historian. Editor of the first South Wales Post, M.P. for Caernarfon Boroughs (l906-l8); he bravely opposed the war policies of David Lloyd George, and advocated Home Rule for Wales.

Williams-Ellis, Clough (l883-l978): distinguished architect and author, born of Welsh parents; creator of Port Meirion, a dream village on the Llyn Peninsula that was the setting for the cult T.V. series The Prisoner in the l960’s.

Williams-Wynn family, The: “the Uncrowned Kings of North Wales; by far the greatest landed family in Wales in l50, 000 acres in three counties. William Williams (l634-l700) was Speaker of the House of Commons and Attorney General Watkin Williams (l693-l749) was a leading Jacobite; he took the surname Wynn and changed the family mansion from Wattstay to Wynnstay. The Watkin Williams Wynns represented Denbighshire in Parliament from l7l6-l885. After the deat of the tenth baronet (l904-5l), the Glanllyn mansion ner Bala became a center for Urddd Gobaith Cymru, and Wynnstay is the home of Lindisfarne College.

Wilson, Richard (l7l3-82): Penygroes-born, known as "the father of British landscape painting," known for his English and Welsh landscapes as well as scenes of Italy (where he was trained). He had a great influence on Turner, Conpstable and others. In 1769 he helped found the Royal Academy. The sign at the Loggerheads Inn near Mold is said to have been painted by Wilson to pay for his lodging.

Wilson-Roberts, Maimie Noel (l9l3-2003): from Felinheli, Caernarfon: an accomplished musician who worked in the l930’s with Gustav Holst; she became popular for her work on Welsh radio, for accompanying tenor David Lloyd, and at the International Eisteddfod, Llangollen for many years, where she was also a three-time winner.

Windsor, Charles Philip Arthur George (b. 1948): heir to the British throne; invested with the title Prince of Wales in an elaborate ceremony at Caernarfon in 1969, following a custom begun in 1284 by Edward lst to pacify the Welsh. Educated in England, Scotland, and Australia, he spent a few weeks in Aberystwyth early in l969 to prepare for speeches he was scheduled to give in the Welsh language. Known to many nationalists in Wales as Carlo, he has spent little time there.

Winefride (Gwenffrewi, 7th century): the saint who has given her name to the holy shrine at Holywell, a place of pilgrimage for many centuries.

Winstone, Howard (l939-2000): from Merthyr, lost three fingers on his right hand as a child; won the British featherweight title, l96l; undefeated as British and European champion; won the World Championship, l968.

Wogan, Thomas (l648-69): from Wiston, Pembs; a leading Welsh Parliamentarian, M.P. for Cardigan and was one of the two Welshmen who signed the death warrant of Charles lst. At the Restoration he was imprisoned, escaped and fled to Holland.

Wood family (Teulu Abram Wood): talented gypsy family who arrived in Wales in the early l8th century speaking a form of old Romany, who introduced the fiddle to Wales. One member, John Roberts of Newtown, was known as Telynor Cymru (harpist of Wales). The last of the family was harpist Eldra Jarman.

Wooller, Wilfred (1912-1977): all-round sportsman playing rugby for Wales and cricket for Glamorgan. His rugby career cut short by internment in a Japanese POW camp, he captained Glamorgan in cricket, became President of the Glamorgan Cricket Club, and began a new career with BBC.

Woosnam, Ian (b. l958): from a Welsh family at Oswestry, world class golfer Ian won the Swiss Open in l982, and the U.S. Masters in l99l. In 200l, he won the World Matchplay Championship for the third time.

Woulds, James: Theatre manager at Swansea during the summer seasons from l83l to l839, who hired many of Britain's leading actors.

Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869-1959): one of the 20th century’s most influential architects. Proud of his Welsh ancestry, he designed the Jonson Wax Company Building at Racine, Wisconsin; the Guggenheim Museum in New York, Taliesin at Scottsdale, Arizona and many others.

Wroth, William (l576-l64l): from Abergavenny, Mon, influential Puritan leader who began the first Independent church in Wales at Llanfaches, Gwent.

Wyn, Eirug (l95l-2004): from popular novelist and satirist, literary prize winner and editor and publisher of satirical magazine Lol.

Wyn Davies, Geraint (b. l957): from Swansea, went to Canada aged seven; yo become onr of his new country’s most popular TV and stage stars in such prouductions as DOA, Deadly Harvest, and Forever Knight.

Wynne, Edith (l842-97): b. Northop, Flints, soprano who became famous in the U.S. as ”The Welsh Nightingale.”

Wynne, Ellis (1671-1734): N. Wales clergyman; his Gweledigaetheu y Bardd Cwsg (Vision of the Sleeping Bard (l703), became an enduring Welsh classic.

Wynne family, The: of Peniarth, Mer: William Watkin Edward Wynne (l80l-80), M.P. for Merioneth in l852, was a distinguished historian and genealogist who inherited the great library at Hengwrt; his son William Wynne Vll (l840-l900) was MP for Merioneth in l865.

Wynne, Ellis (l67l-l734): Merionethshire, Anglican priest remembered for his influential Vision of the sleeping Bard (Gweledigaetheu y Bardd Cwsc), l703.