Introduction
William Saunders (1806–1851) was a Welsh poet and writer, whose work won prizes at eisteddfodau in Carmarthen and elsewhere. He was a printer by trade.
Birth and education
William Saunders was born on 17 January 1806 at Gwarcwm, Llanllwni, Carmarthenshire, the son of a farmer, Evan Saunders. He went to school in the village of Castellhywel and then to Carmarthen Grammar School. After that he was apprenticed there as a printer, and later joined the workforce of Samuel Williams, a printer in Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire.
Poetry and printing
While working in Aberystwyth, Saunders gained prominence for his nature poems and for metrical translations. He won eisteddfod prizes in Carmarthen and other places. His titles included "Y Gwanwyn" (Spring), "Yr Haf" (Summer), "Yr Hydref" (Autumn), "Y Gaeaf" (Winter), "Y Daran" (Clap) and "Y Môr" (The Sea).
In 1830 Saunders moved to the printing and publishing firm of William Rees (1808–1873) in the smaller market town of Llandovery, Carmarthenshire. He then remained working there until his death on 30 June 1851.
Namesake
Another, presumably unrelated, poet and author named William Saunders wrote in English in the mid-20th century.