William Jenkyn Thomas
William Jenkyn Thomas was a Welsh headmaster and author best known for his The Welsh Fairy Book. He was an undergraduate student at the University of Cambridge and in addition to his writings worked as a lecturer and teacher. He was the first Head Master at Aberdare Intermediate School and was headmaster at Hackney Downs School.
His father, John Thomas, later lived in Cloddia, Llidiardau, Llanycil, on the outskirts of Bala, Merionethshire, and Jenkyn’s family are buried in the Methodist chapel there.
John Thomas presented evidence totalling 6 pages to the Welsh Land Commission in the Shire Hall, Bala, in September 1893, which Jenkyn helped, in part, to prepare. In this, “Siencyn” explains he is teaching Latin to D Lloyd George’s cousin and is returning to Cloddiau to assist his father.
In John Thomas’ oral submission to the commissioners of 1893, he explains that his family were tenants of Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn at Gwernhefyn, Llanycil, before the battle of Waterloo.
The family connection is tenuous but present through a great uncle, John Owens of Pandy Mawr who married John Thomas’ great aunt Elin Jones. John Owen’s father, Evan Owen and grandfather Owen Robert were tenants at Gwernhefyn.
Selected publications
Thomas, W. J.. Penillion telyn, Rhan 1. Caernarfon: Gwymni y Cyhoeddwys Cymreig.Thomas, W. J.. Cambrensia: A literary reading book for Welsh schools. London: Edward Arnold.
Thomas, W. J.. The Welsh fairy book. London: Fisher Unwin.
Thomas, W. J.. Some Forgotten Welshmen. Trans. Cymmrodorion 100-114