A Treasure from the National Library of Wales

Being a part of the Heritage Lottery Funded “Aberystwyth at War: Experience, Impact, Legacy 1914-1919” has been an exciting experience and has led to a re-evaluation of neglected items.  In a large institution such as the National Library of Wales, items are donated, duly processed and located, with  their true significance not always understood. 

Described succinctly as “About 160 postcard-size photographs collected by a Welsh family, consisting mainly of wartime portraits of uniformed men and women” the prognosis for photo album 500 wasn’t promising. However, carefully turning the dog-eared and time-worn pages initially revealed numerous photographs of a well to do middle class family. Further on the tone of the album changes, more and more of the pictures are portraits of men in uniform, many identifiable from other sources as distinguished local servicemen.  Many more are in hospital blues, the distinctive uniform given to convalescing soldiers. These are often signed along with details of their regiment. Some are of Red Cross nurses. 

Nurses Sinnett and Mac (possibly Mrs McLaughlin) and patients Taylor, Neave, Smith and Burns from H Ward, Aberystwyth Red Cross Auxiliary Hospital, December 1917

Perusing the few postcards that have been postally used it is apparent that the album was compiled by Miss Emily Evans of Tanyreithin, Baker Street, Aberystwyth.  A quick check on the Red Cross WW1 website reveals that Emily Evans was a Red Cross Nurse at Aberystwyth Red Cross Auxiliary Hospital (now The Cambria), between June 1916 and November 1918 donating over 5000 hours of her time. Included in the album are the only photographs  that have yet come to light of the interior of the hospital. To date all other photos connected with the hospital have been group photographs taken outside.

Inside the hospital. The notice on the far wall reads “Sunday Services, Aberystwyth”

Blog by William Troughton, NLW, member of the Aberystwyth at War Project Steering Group

Archives in the UK - Part 2

2.What are ‘archive collections’?

When archives accumulate as part of the normal activity of an organisation, business or individual and survive together they represent a ‘collection’.  Maintaining the integrity of the collection is important because it is vital to understanding the content.  Fragmenting collections destroys inherent information and contextual evidence that is essential for understanding the individual items.  Collections vary in size from small, relating to a short period, to very large, perhaps spanning centuries and including long series of records (e.g. accounts) and/or many kinds of activity. The ‘collection’ is therefore the unit on which archive catalogues are based.  

2.1 How are archive catalogues structured?

Cataloguing any archive collection requires the application of ‘first principles’. The process involves sorting the collection to understand the content, identifying an appropriate arrangement to reflect the activities that created the collection, and ‘describing’ each individual item within the context in which it was created.  The catalogues are hierarchical: the top level is a brief description of the collection and its content, but this is not sufficient to allow users to access the contents or enable the archivist to have control of the contents for reference purposes. The catalogue must therefore be arranged in sections which reflect the subjects and activities which created the collection, and each item is described individually.  Only then is the catalogue useful for researchers and archivists. The existence of ‘item-level’ descriptions is the criterion used when describing a collection as ‘catalogued’.

2.2 Why are archive catalogues different from book catalogues?

This difference is clearly explained by Caroline Williams in Managing Archives: foundations, principles and practice (Oxford: Chandos Publishing Ltd., 2006, p.74): ‘Books are single items that do not depend on other items for their meaning.  They are catalogued as discrete units, often by subject.  However, each archival collection is an aggregate: it comprises a sequence of interrelated documents.  It has a collective significance, and significance is lost if documents are treated as single items.  Much of the meaning of archives is derived from their context: from an understanding of the origins, functions, administrative or business process that generated the information they contain….’.  

Current international descriptive standards for archives are influenced by the technical demands of electronic data exchange and search systems, as well as the benefits of standardised approaches. The General International Standard of Archival Description (ISAD(G)) governs the ‘levels’ of description and the core elements.  Other national/international rules apply to specific issues, such as names, and are designed to address the needs of search systems and indexing.

2.3 Who looks after our archives?

The range of repositories and services is wide but not as large as the spectrum of libraries.  A total of about 2,500 includes national institutions; university libraries, Oxbridge colleges and learned institutions; a network of county and local archive services which developed during the 20th century – many prompted by changes in society and communities resulting from WW1 and WW2.  Some of the national institutions have rich archive and manuscript collections in addition to books, art works and other media, such as the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, founded in 1907, which is one of the six ‘legal deposit’ libraries in the UK and Ireland with a right to receive all UK publications.  Its huge archive collections include some Public Records on deposit from The National Archives, such as the records of the Court of Great Sessions in Wales which operated between the mid-16th century and the 1830s.  Some libraries and museums also hold archives alongside their principal collections, and there are many business archives and ‘special interest’ collections developed by interested groups. 

The patterns of custody are complex, and there is no statutory responsibility for archives (unlike libraries) other than those designated as ‘Public Records’.  Also, responsibility for culture and heritage in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is largely devolved, so some policies and strategic services have developed differently since the late 1990s. The main repositories are as follows:

• The National Archives at Kew (TNA) is an amalgamation of the former Public Record Office, founded in 1838 for England and Wales to focus on the Public Records, and the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, founded in 1869 to focus on the welfare of archives and records of ‘private’ origin.  
• The British Library was originally part of the British Museum (founded 1753) but became separate in 1973.
• Some national galleries and museums, such as the Imperial War Museum and Tate Britain hold significant archives.
• Local or county archives services are largely 20th century in origin and supported by local government, but they are vulnerable in local government reorganisation because their collections reflect historic boundaries. 
• ‘Special Collections’ of archives held by university and college libraries and the archives of the institutions themselves are their own responsibility.

This collection of individual Acts of Parliament written on parchment rolls from the 16^th century onwards is at the Parliamentary Archives at Westminster.

Blog by Dr Susan J Davies, member of the Aberystwyth at War Project Steering Group

Penparcau Sewing Circle

From the Cambrian News of 26 February 1915 :

The Women's Sewing Society was inaugurated on October 13th (1914). It is unsectarian, has sixteen members, and meets one afternoon a week in the Darllenfa. Friends unable to attend the meetings have helped by knitting garments at home. The cutting-out is done by an expert and attention is paid to the quality of the work put into the garments, so that when finished they bear about them no marks of the amateur needlewoman. As a matter of fact, the Society is extremely fortunate in numbering among its members professional shirt-makers. No fewer than 245 articles have been made, including seventy-seven flannel shirts (two energetic members being responsible for thirty- nine). forty-two pairs of socks, bed jackets, Nightingales, Balaclava helmets, mittens, pillows, etc., have been dispatched to the Red Cross Society for our Indian soldiers, the motor machine gun service, the Army Flying Corps, Belgian women at the Alexandra Palace Welsh troops, and others.

Photograph courtesy of William Troughton, National Library of Wales 

Local men serving with the colours have not been forgotten, and a new year's hamper filled with garments and "goodies'' found its way to our men at Cambridge. One parcel was opened as the recipient put it "not many yards away from the German trenches." In the first place a grant was received from the Red Cross Society (per Lady Pryse) of two rolls of flannel and five and half pounds of wool, followed by a further grant of £5 for material. When that was used other friends kindly gave materials, many members using their own material to make or finish garments. Still more being required. Penparke set about finding the money, and up to date a sum of £11 18s 9d has been raised in the village itself.

It is gratifying to note that of that sum £3 represents half the proceeds of Mr. John Jenkins's concert held in the church, and £2 6s. is the outcome of the lecture and recital (Mr. Ernest Jones and Mrs Sidney James) held in the chapel. Two friends in Aberystwyth have given 7s. 6d. and the Society does not mind how many others show in a similar wav their appreciation of the work being done. There is now little left in hand, but as long as material is available the members are prepared to work for any good cause connected with the war. At the last meeting held a welcome visitor appeared in the person of Major Abraham Thomas, whose cheery words very encouraging to the workers. Subscriptions in money or kind will be thankfully received by Miss C. Powell Evans, treasurer Ty Tringad; or Mrs. T. Thomas, secretary, Glasfryn.

Blog by project volunteer Alex Hird

Source: http://newspapers.library.wales/view/3412692/3412698/63/penparke%20sewing%20circle 

Cyril Mortimer Green, Captain, Royal Sussex Regiment

Cyril’s parents were both from Aberystwyth (Thomas Mortimer Green and Catherine Green) and although Cyril was a native of Denbigh, he was educated in multiple University colleges, including Exeter, Carmarthen and Aberystwyth. He married Gwendoline Mortimer Green, of 23, Southwood Court, Golder’s Green, London. 

He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment in October 1914, and served in France until he was wounded at Festubert on 9th May 1915, after which he returned home for treatment.  He returned to the front but this time was a part of the advance into Palestine and fought in the Third Battle of Gaza, where he was killed on 6th November 1917. He was 29 and is buried in Beersheba War Cemetery, Israel. 

Cyril was a passionate ecologist at University College London. He undertook a detailed survey of the Borth Bog near Aberystwyth and in 1914 had been appointed as Botanical Assistant for the National Museum of Wales. He never got to take up his post due to the war but he pursued his interest while serving in Palestine by sending back plants from that part of the world. 

Photograph of Cyril's widow and child by kind permission of Archifdy Ceredigion Archives

Blog by project volunteer Jack Atherton

Sources: 

West Wales War Memorial Project

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22729113/cyril-mortimer-green

http://historypoints.org/index.php?page=aberystwyth-war-memorial-fww-surnames-f-j - https://museum.wales/blog/2016-01-05/Our-Museum-during-the-Great-War/

Cardiganshire Politics at the time of the Great War

Until I return to Aberystwyth in September, I have done some research on the political background to the area in the First World War.

Photo from Wikipedia.org

In 1895, Matthew Vaughan-Davies, the Liberal candidate, was elected as Member of Parliament for Cardiganshire. He continued to secure re-election until 1921, making him the longest-serving MP for the constituency. 

He had previously stood as a Conservative, so the local Liberals were deeply divided over his candidacy and drew criticism from Cambrian News. 

Photo courtesy of NLW/LLGC

As successive elections proved that he was fairly well entrenched, and the local party became more dependent on Vaughan-Davies for his financial backing, he managed to get many of his early detractors on side. That is with the notable exception of Sir John Gibson, editor of the Cambrian News.





When David Lloyd George, MP for Carnarvon Boroughs, came to replace Herbert Asquith as Prime Minister, he split the Liberals. Most of the Welsh Liberal MPs backed Lloyd George as one of their own, as did Vaughan-Davies. As a result of this, he stood as a Coalition Liberal in the 1918 election and was returned to Westminster unopposed as the ‘Father of the House’. 

The Coalition Liberals were propped up by the Conservatives, under Andrew Bonar Law, but the Tories had 382 seats to their 127. Lloyd George sought to boost his support in the House of Lords so, in the 1921 New Years’ Honours, he awarded him a peerage. Vaughan-Davies wanted to become ‘Baron Ceredigion’, but this was deemed to be inappropriate for a mere baron. Instead, he opted for the title ‘Baron Ystwyth’. 

Photo from Wikipedia.org

His successor as MP for Cardiganshire, Ernest Evans, was a local barrister and captain in the Royal Army Service Corps in the First World War. He had served as Lloyd George’s private secretary since 1918 until he was chosen to stand in the 1921 by-election against a supporter of Asquith. He then lost the seat in 1923.

Blog by Ewan Lawry, project volunteer

Archives in the UK - Part 1

If you are new to using archives or have not had much research experience, this background information will help you to understand what you are using when looking for information about the sources relating to the First World War.  It is divided into three parts, with the second and third parts following in September and October.

1. What are archives?

By today, flexible use of ‘archives’ and ‘archiving’ is often confusing, so it is worth noting the following:
• Archives are traditionally defined as the written material created and accumulated by individuals, organisations or businesses as part of their daily activities and retained for reference. They also include images, maps and plans and, by today, an increasing range of media, recorded sound and moving images.  Most archives are unique and unpublished.
• Archives such as minute books, registers, property deeds, agreements, contracts etc., are records in the legal sense, because they record official processes and transactions.
• Today’s IT language uses ‘archiving’ for saving material not required for immediate use in a particular place where it can be found when needed.  
• Actively collecting resources about neglected or ‘special interest’ subjects to create an ‘archive’ adds further confusion.  
• Current interest in creating ‘community archives’ has produced varied resources, usually focused on a website where information of local interest is made available by scanning original items belonging to the participants and adding comments, stories and links. This is seen as a new approach to local history and to developing under-represented or specialised interests.
• The word ‘Archives’ is also widely applied to organisations or departments which have custody of archives/records, e.g. The National Archives (at Kew), Tate Archives, Ceredigion Archives etc.

1.1 There are two major categories of records/archives in the UK

a) The ‘Public Records’ are defined by legislation (mid-19th – mid-20th centuries) as the records of central (Westminster) government and the judiciary, and of extensions of central government which operate locally, such as coroners, customs and excise, law courts, hospitals and shipping. They do not include local government records.  
NB: (1) The use of ‘Public’ in this context has nothing to do with public access, because most archives and records in the UK are publicly accessible.  The main exceptions are categories of current or recent records such as business records.  (2) Definitions and concepts of Public Records differ internationally.
b) Other archives and records are ‘private’, i.e. they are not Public Records as defined by law and are outside the remit of Public Records legislation. They are equally extensive, if not more so, and immensely valuable as historical sources, including the records of the Church and Parliament from medieval to modern times, those of landed estates which held most land in the UK before the 20th century and are rich in local interest and topographical evidence, and the records of business and industry.  
NB: Archives and records in the ‘private’ category are the responsibility of their creators and owners, but the majority have been either ‘deposited’ or given to archives services and are accessible to researchers. 

It is worth noting that Copyright issues are easier to deal with for Public Records as they are subject to Crown Copyright which may be waived for appropriate purposes.  The position is more complicated for archives and records of private origin.

1.2 Why are archives important?

Archives are important for two reasons: they are ‘evidence’ in the legal sense but also offer immense ‘culture and heritage’ interest and are an irreplaceable legacy for our descendants.  They record the existence and activities of our predecessors, their interaction and relationships with administrations and organisations, and the influences that affected their lives.  Archive users have many reasons for their searches, ranging from professional/legal purposes to community, personal and family interests or academic research.

In an international context, UNESCO includes archives in the term ‘Documentary Heritage’ and works to ensure that they are protected globally, not only because of their immense cultural value but also their vital importance as evidence of personal and community identity. UNESCO’s definition also includes the wider range of manuscript material (Iiterary, narrative, artistic, technical etc.) and now extends to digital media. See:  https://en.unesco.org/programme/mow

1.3 How extensive is our ‘documentary heritage’ in the UK?

We have a long tradition of record keeping and a rich accumulation of archives and records dating back to before the 12th century, alongside other kinds of manuscripts (narrative, literary and technical works etc.).  Most are handwritten until the later 1800s when typewriters became popular, but handwriting remained vital well into the 1900s – and now we have digital technology!  

Modern technology is helpful for reading ancient documents.  The iPad is displaying a digital copy of official accounts for Merioneth in the early 14th century, parts of which need enlargement to clarify faded or deleted sections. 

The records of Westminster government are among the longest continuous series in the western world.  We also have extensive records that originated outside state government (and are therefore ‘private’), such as those of the Church, landed estates, institutions and corporations – many of which stretch from medieval to modern times – and those of business and industry, together with unique texts that reflect the different histories of the constituent parts of Britain and the UK. The wealth of our ‘archival inheritance’ is a key part of our ‘documentary heritage’ today.  

Blog by Dr Susan J Davies, member of the Aberystwyth at War Project Steering Group

A busy month

July has been quite an eventual month for the project.  On Thursday 19th, the second study skills session was held at Ceredigion Archives , led by archivist Helen Palmer,  and was well attended by those volunteers who were unable to come to the first session in June. 

Ceredigion Archives Reading Room

As well as general hints and tips about how to go about researching the First World War sources held at the Archives, Helen produced a vast array of fascinating items, including some very heavy shrapnel and a Queen Mary Christmas Box. These were given out at Christmas 1914 to everyone who was serving and contained cigarettes and tobacco for the men, and chocolate for the women.  This gesture was not repeated in the following years, presumably as everyone had expected the war to be over by Christmas!

Roll of Honour - one of the items on show

During July, a group of American students have been visiting Aberystwyth, from Queen's University, Charlotte.  The group have been helping us out with the project, looking into the records of the Comforts Fund and providing details on soldiers' addresses in Aberystwyth, which will eventually make up our online digital map. 

Queen's University group at the War Memorial

We also attended a Royal British Legion fundraising event in the bandstand on the prom on Saturday 21st July, and attracted a good deal of interest with our display board and new project badges.  The event was held to raise money for a memorial bench to commemorate the ending of the Great War.

Sian Nicholas, Project Leader, and our display board