John Bedford Papers, (GB 0210 BEDFORD)

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales

Cymorth chwilio | Finding Aid - John Bedford Papers, (GB 0210 BEDFORD)

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www.llgc.org.uk John Bedford Papers,

Tabl cynnwys | Table of contents

- Tudalen | Page 2 - GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers,

Gwybodaeth grynodeb | Summary information

Lleoliad | Repository: Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Teitl | Title: John Bedford Papers, ID: GB 0210 BEDFORD Virtua system control vtls004309118 number [alternative]: GEAC system control (WlAbNL)0000309118 number [alternative]: Dyddiad | Date: 1762-1791 (dyddiad creu | date of creation) Disgrifiad ffisegol | 1 box (0.029 cubic metres) Physical description: Lleoliad ffisegol | ARCH/MSS (GB0210) Physical location: Iaith | Language: English Iaith | Language: Welsh Dyddiadau creu, golygu a dileu | Dates of creation, revision and deletion: Nodyn | Note The following source was used in the compilation of this [sourcesDescription]: description: Riden, Philip, John Bedford and the Ironworks at Cefn Cribwr (Cardiff, 1992).

Nodyn | Note Title supplied from content of fonds. [generalNote]:

Hanes gweinyddol / Braslun bywgraffyddol | Administrative history | Biographical sketch

Nodyn | Note John Bedford the ironmaster was born c. 1725 in Birmingham, to John Bedford, a cutler, and his wife Sarah. Initially, he worked for a time as a japanner in Birmingham. He purchased an estate at Moseley in 1754, using the property as financial security to instigate a number of future ventures. In the 1760s, Bedford moved from Birmingham to Trostrey, Monmouthshire, where he worked as a manager at an iron

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 3 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers, forge on the banks of the River Usk. He subsequently secured the lease of the Rogerstone estate where he established his own forge. In 1770 he purchased land at Cefn Cribwr near Bridgend, Glamorgan, with a view to establishing an iron-works there, complete with blast furnace, forge, mines and collieries. The venture, however, was never a commercial success. Bedford retired to Birmingham in 1791 to live with his brother Thomas, where he died in the same year. The iron works at Cefn Cribwr stand in ruins today.

Hanes gweinyddol / Braslun bywgraffyddol | Administrative history | Biographical sketch

Nodyn | Note Edward Williams (Iolo Morganwg, 1747-1826), stonemason, poet and literary forger, was born 10 March 1747 in Llancarfan, Glamorgan, to Edward Williams (1715-1795), stonemason, and Ann Matthews (1713-1770), and lived for most of his life in Flemingston (or Flimston), Glamorgan, apart from periods spent in London, Kent and elsewhere. His only schooling came from his mother and from the numerous poets who taught him their craft. He worked as a monumental mason and builder. He also tried his hand at various other trades but with little success; he was imprisoned for debt in Cardiff Gaol in 1786. In 1781 Iolo married Margaret Roberts (1749-1827). They had four children, of which two, Margaret (b. 1782) and Taliesin (1787-1847), survived into adulthood. Iolo Morganwg died at Flemingston on 18 December 1826. Iolo had various literary, antiquarian and political interests. He wrote poetry in both Welsh and English, his Poems Lyrical and Pastoral appearing in 1794. He became a Unitarian from about 1797 and wrote many hymns, published in Salmau yr Eglwys yn yr Anialwch (1812, 1827 and 1834). Following the French Revolution he had radical sympathies. However he has become notorious for his forgeries and fabrications. The edition of Dafydd ap Gwilym published in 1789 contained an appendix of additional poems which were in fact written by Iolo. The Myvyrian Archaiology (1801, 1807), of which he was an editor contained many of his fabrications. These forgeries went largely undiscovered until the early twentieth century. His interest in the ancient druids led to his unveiling of the Gorsedd of Bards of Great Britain, which first met on Primrose Hill, London, in 1792. He claimed it to be a miraculous survival from ancient times and it persists as an integral part of the ritual and pageantry of the National Eisteddfod. However it too was invented by Iolo. Following Iolo's death his son Taliesin, a schoolmaster in Merthyr Tydfil, edited his manuscripts and upheld his legacy, apparently completely oblivious to the forgeries.

Hanes Gwarchodol | Custodial history John Bedford bequeathed his writings, which he greatly valued, to his only son John by his will of 1791. The papers eventually passed from John Bedford the younger to his friend Edward Williams ('Iolo Morganwg' (1746-1826)) following his death in 1814. Iolo Morganwg appears to have re-used some fragments of Bedford's papers for notes, sketches and music writing. The papers remained in the hands of Iolo Morganwg's descendants until they were donated to the National Library of Wales.

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 4 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers,

Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content

Papers of John Bedford, 1762-1791, largely relating to his time in South Wales, and deal with iron- making techniques, his interests in experimenting with and improving these techniques, and the state of his own business ventures in forging and quarrying. The papers include notes on iron-making techniques, 1763-1788; management and business papers, 1766-1791; correspondence, petitions and miscellaneous notes, 1766-1789; and quarry notes, 1762-1789.

Nodiadau | Notes

Nodiadau teitl | Title notes

Gyflwr ffisegol | Physical condition Some of the papers are in a fragile condition. See file level descriptions.

Ffynhonnell | Immediate source of acquisition Iolo Aneurin Williams, Iolo Morganwg's great-great-grandson; Donation; 1953/1954

Trefniant | Arrangement Originally arranged and listed chronologically soon after deposit at NLW, the archive is now arranged according to subject matter into four groups: notes on iron-making techniques; management and business papers; correspondence, petitions and miscellaneous notes; and quarry notes. The notes are in a fragmentary state, as is the archive as a whole, often with only one page of a booklet surviving. Bedford frequently refers the reader to other 'books' of certain dates and it is clear that these have not survived. As pages are not consistently numbered it proved difficult to re-unite fragments, although this has sometimes been possible.

Ffurf arall ar gael | Alternative form available Text

Cyfyngiadau ar fynediad | Restrictions on access Readers consulting modern papers in the National Library of Wales are required to abide by the conditions noted on the 'Modern papers - data protection' form issued with their readers' tickets.

Amodau rheoli defnydd | Conditions governing use Usual copyright laws apply.

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 5 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers, Rhestrau cymorth | Finding aids The original typescript list, arranged chronologically, is now redundant.

Disgrifiadau deunydd | Related material Letters from John Bedford, together with other papers written by him, are held at the Royal Society of Arts, London.

Ychwanegiadau | Accruals Accruals are not expected.

Nodiadau eraill | Other notes • Statws cyhoeddiad | Publication status: Published • Dynodwr sefydliad | Institution identifier: Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points

• Cefn Cribwr Ironworks -- History. • Bedford, John, ca. 1725-1791 -- Archives. (pwnc) | (subject) • Iron-works -- Wales -- Cefn Cribwr. (pwnc) | (subject) • Forging -- Wales -- Trostrey. (pwnc) | (subject) • Forging -- Wales -- Cefn Cribwr. (pwnc) | (subject) • Forging -- Wales -- Rogerstone. (pwnc) | (subject) • Iron-works -- Wales -- Trostrey. (pwnc) | (subject) • Iron-works -- Wales -- Rogerstone. (pwnc) | (subject) • Iron industry and trade -- Wales, South. (pwnc) | (subject) • Iron-works -- Wales, South -- Records and correspondence. (pwnc) | (subject) • Cefn Cribwr (Wales) -- Industries -- History. (pwnc) | (subject) • Wales -- History -- 18th century. (pwnc) | (subject)

Llyfryddiaeth | Bibliography

Philip Riden has extensively used the archive in his book John Bedford and the Ironworks at Cefn Cribwr (Cardiff, 1992).

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 6 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers,

Disgrifiad cyfres | Series descriptions

Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container Sub-fonds C. vtls004666078: Notes on iron-making techniques, Dyddiad | Date: 1763-1788. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Notes on iron-making techniques, 1763-1788, comprising papers relating to pig and bar iron and iron ores, 1763-1787; and papers relating to gun barrel forging and light cannon casting, 1769-1788. The papers are drawn from Bedford's own practice and experimentation at his forge, as well as from journeys through England and visits to other operations. Details of the techniques and employees of other businesses, mainly those in London and Birmingham, are also therefore included. The notes reflect Bedford's continuing interest in these areas of iron manufacture.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 5 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: C.

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged into two series: notes on pig and bar iron and iron ores; and notes on gun barrel forging and light cannon casting.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cyfres | Series C1. vtls004666110: Notes on pig and bar iron and iron ores, Dyddiad | Date: 1763-1787. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Notes relating to the production of pig and bar iron and papers concerning the quality of iron ores, 1763-1787. Journey notes are also included as they refer mainly to forging techniques.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 3 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: C1.

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points: • Iron ores. (pwnc) | (subject) • Cast-iron. (pwnc) | (subject)

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 7 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers, • Iron-founding. (pwnc) | (subject)

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged by subject.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container C1/1. vtls004666153 File - Notes on pig and bar iron, 1763-1787. C1/1 (1). C1/2. vtls004666227 File - Journey notes and observations, 1766-1787. C1/2 (1). C1/3. vtls004666276 File - Notes on iron ores, 1779-1784. C1/3 (1). Cyfres | Series C2. vtls004666305: Notes on gun barrel forging and light cannon casting, Dyddiad | Date: 1769-1788. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Notes relating to gun barrel forging and light cannon casting, 1769-1788, including observations and comments from Bedford's visits to other forges, largely in Birmingham and London, and details of men with whom he studied these processes.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 2 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: C2.

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points: • Iron-founding. (pwnc) | (subject) • Forging. (pwnc) | (subject)

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged by subject.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container C2/1. vtls004666362 File - Notes on gun barrel forging, 1766-1786. C2/1 (1). C2/2. vtls004666454 File - Notes on light cannon casting, 1776-1788. C2/2 (1). Sub-fonds M. vtls004666477: Management and business papers, Dyddiad | Date: 1766-1791. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Material relating to the management of Bedford's estates at Rogerstone and Cefn Cribwr and his various other business concerns, 1766-1791, comprising papers concerning land management and

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 8 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers, general business, 1780-1791; financial papers, 1766-1787, including some fragmentary accounts from the Trostrey works; and papers recording his progress with building works, 1766-1788.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 4 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: M.

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points: • Rogerstone (Wales) -- History. (pwnc) | (subject)

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged into three series: land management and general business; financial papers; and building works.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cyfres | Series M1. vtls004666514: Land management and general business, Dyddiad | Date: 1780-1791. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Administrative and general business papers largely relating to Bedford's forge at Cefn Cribwr and his various other business ventures, 1780-1791.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 1 folder. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: M1.

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged into two files: land management and general business.

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 9 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers,

Papers relating to the financial aspects of Bedford's business, 1766-1787, comprising accounts, 1766-1778, and papers concerning workmen and their salaries, 1767-1787.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 1 folder. Iaith y deunydd | Language of the material: Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: M2.

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points: • Iron industry and trade -- Wales -- Employees. (pwnc) | (subject)

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged into two files: accounts and salaries.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container M2/1. vtls004666705 File - Accounts, 1766-1778. M2/1 (1). M2/2. vtls004666763 File - Salaries, 1767-1787. M2/2 (1). Cyfres | Series M3. vtls004666838: Building works, Dyddiad | Date: 1766-1788. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Papers relating to building works at Rogerstone and Cefn Cribwr, 1766-1788, comprising notes, sketches and plans for the building of various parts of both forges, and notes on alterations to estate infrastructure at Cefn Cribwr.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 2 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: M3.

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged by subject.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container M3/1. vtls004666887 File - Furnace and forge, 1766-1788. M3/1 (1). M3/2. vtls004666894 File - Estate infrastructure, 1771-1785. M3/2 (1). M3/3. vtls004666897 File - Stone arch construction, 1782-1787. M3/3 (1).

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 10 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers, Sub-fonds P. vtls004666937: Correspondence, petitions and notes, Dyddiad | Date: 1766-1789. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Papers relating to Bedford's business matters and personal affairs, 1766-1789, comprising outgoing letters to various individuals and organisations, 1766-1789, petitions to organisations on matters concerning premiums for his work, 1769-1786, and miscellaneous notes recording his thoughts on matters largely unrelated to the iron industry.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 5 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: P.

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged into three series: correspondence, petitions and notes.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cyfres | Series P1. vtls004666962: Correspondence, Dyddiad | Date: 1766-1789. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Correspondence, 1766-1789, mainly comprising draft letters from John Bedford to various correspondents concerning both personal affairs and business matters. It is not clear how many of these letters were sent.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 4 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: P1.

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged chronologically.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container P1/1. vtls004667049 File - Correspondence, 1766-1778. P1/1 (1). P1/2. vtls004667111 File - Correspondence, 1779. P1/2 (1). P1/3. vtls004667117 File - Correspondence, 1780-1781. P1/3 (1). P1/4. vtls004667222 File - Correspondence, 1785. P1/4 (1). P1/5. vtls004667318 File - Correspondence, 1786. P1/5 (1).

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 11 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers, P1/6. vtls004667325 File - Correspondence, 1787. P1/6 (1). P1/7. vtls004667332 File - Correspondence, 1788-1789. P1/7 (1). Cyfres | Series P2. vtls004667557: Petitions, Dyddiad | Date: 1769-1786. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Petitions and notes to official institutions, 1769-1786, concerning improvements to iron-forging techniques and the potential uses of the produce for the needs of the institutions. Bedford's long- standing interests in producing iron for naval employment and perfecting white iron are reflected here.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 8 envelopes. Iaith y deunydd | Language of the material: Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: P2.

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points: • Anchors. (pwnc) | (subject) • Firearms. (pwnc) | (subject) • Ordnance. (pwnc) | (subject)

Disgrifiadau deunydd | Related material: The petitions are fragments only but more complete versions can be seen in the holdings of the Royal Society of Arts, London.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container P2/1. vtls004667632 File - Petitions, 1769-1779. P2/1 (1). P2/2. vtls004667681 File - Petitions, 1780-1786. P2/2 (1). Cyfres | Series P3. vtls004667723: Notes, Dyddiad | Date: [1775]-1788. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Notes by John Bedford, [1775]-1788, on a number of different subjects. They record his thoughts on matters unrelated to the iron trade.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 3 envelopes. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: P3.

Trefniant | Arrangement:

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru = The National Library of Wales Tudalen | Page 12 GB 0210 BEDFORD John Bedford Papers,

Arranged into three files.

Ffeil / rhestr eitemau | File / item list Cod cyfeirnod | Ref Teitl | Title Dyddiadau | Statws mynediad | Cynhwysydd | code Dates Access status Container P3/1. vtls004667834 File - Notes, 1787-1788. P3/1 (1). P3/2. vtls004668730 File - Notes, 1787-1788. P3/2 (1). P3/3. vtls004668735 File - Notes, [1775]-[1788]. P3/3 (1). Sub-fonds Q. vtls004668824: Quarry papers, Dyddiad | Date: 1762-1789. (dyddiad creu) | (date of creation) Natur a chynnwys | Scope and content: Quarry papers, 1762-1789, comprising notes and observations on Bedford's own quarries, as well as other quarries, 1762-1789, together with notes on quarry produce and business, 1774-1789. Bedford owned quarries at Pantyllwydrew and Park Field and also opened clay-pits for making firebricks, roof tiles and pan tiles. The papers within this group reflect Bedford's long-standing interest in stone- quarrying and they record his plans for selling surplus flagstone and building stone in South West England.

Disgrifiad ffisegol | Physical description: 2 folders. Nodyn | Note: Preferred citation: Q.

Pwyntiau mynediad | Access points: • Quarries and quarrying -- Wales -- Laleston. (pwnc) | (subject) • Laleston. (lle) | (place)

Trefniant | Arrangement: Arranged by subject.

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