Introduction
Robert "Silyn" Roberts (28 March 1871 – 15 August 1930) was a Welsh clergyman, writer, teacher and pacifist.
History
Roberts, a Calvinistic Methodist minister, was a noted Welsh-language poet, the winner of the Crown at the 1902 National Eisteddfod of Wales. Born in Bryn Llidiart, Llanllyfni, Caernarvonshire, he had worked as a slate quarryman before attending the University College of North Wales, Bangor, and Bala Theological College. From 1901 until 1912 he was a Calvinistic Methodist minister firstly in Lewisham, London and then in Tanygrisiau, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Merionethshire.
A Socialist and a close associate of the academic and politician William John Gruffydd, Roberts represented the Labour Party on Merioneth County Council. In collaboration with Thomas Jones, he campaigned for adult education opportunities, and founded a branch of the Workers Educational Association in North Wales. He also supported the campaign against tuberculosis in Wales.
Works
Poetry
- Telynegion (1900)
- Trystan ac Esyllt a Chaniadau Eraill (1904)
Fiction
- Llio Plas y Nos (1945)
Non-fiction
- Y Blaid Lafur Anibynnol, ei Hanes a'i Hamcan (1908)
Translations
- Gwyntoedd Croesion (1924)
- Bugail Geifr Lorraine (1925)