Special lecture in Lampeter to trace the history of Llewelyn Lewellin.
07.11.2022
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David is looking forward to holding a special lecture, tracing the history of one the University’s most significant figures, and coinciding with the bicentenary celebrations.
This event is part of the ‘Lampeter Treasures’ series of lectures, which is being organised by the Library’s special collections department.
During this lecture, Bishop Wyn Evans will be tracing the history of Llewelyn Lewellin, the first Headmaster of Saint David’s College in Lampeter. Lewellin was responsible for leading the College for over fifty years, and died while still in post in 1878.
As well as looking at Lewellin’s academic life, the lecture will also pay attention to his contribution to the town of Lampeter and the surrounding area. Alongside his responsibilities in the college, Llywelyn Lewellin was vicar of Lampeter, Dean of Saint David’s Cathedral, and a Justice of the Peace for Cardiganshire, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire.
Looking forward to the lecture, Bishop Wyn Evans said:
“It’s a privilege to accept the invitation to present a lecture on the first Headmaster of this College as part of the bicentenary celebrations. Llewelyn Lewellin was an important and key figure in the history of the University, and I am looking forward to sharing some of his history with the audience during this lecture. ”
Bishop Wyn Evans attended the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, Cardiff in 1965, where he graduated in Archaeology before receiving a postgraduate degree in training for the Holy Ministry at Saint Michael’s College Llandaff.
He was ordained in September 1971 to serve as Curate of the Parish of Saint David’s, and in 1972 became Minor Canon and Minor Cantor at Saint David’s Cathedral. From 1975-1977 he undertook research into the History and Archaeology of the Pre-Norman Church in Wales, focusing on Mother-Churches.
He became Vicar of Llanfallteg, Castell Dwyran, Clunderwen, Llangan and Henllan Amgoed in 1977, and was appointed Diocese Archivist, and Warden of Candidates for the Ministry. In 1982 he was appointed Director of Education for the Diocese, and Lecturer at Trinity College Carmarthen; where he subsequently became Dean of the Chapel and Head of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies. At the same time, he lectured in Archaeology through the medium of Welsh at Saint David’s University College Lampeter. He became Honorary Canon of the Cathedral in 1988, and Resident Canon and Librarian Canon in 1990.
In 1994, he was appointed Dean of Saint David’s and Vicar of the Parish of Saint David’s, becoming Rector of the Rectorial Parish of Pebydiog in 2001. In 2008, he was elected the 128th Bishop of Saint David’s.
He retired on his seventieth birthday in October 2016, and got to grips once again with his archaeological interests, spending at least one day a week on the Lampeter Campus. He was already a Fellow of the University College Lampeter and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Theology. He is also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries (FSA) and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, (FRHistS).
Professor John Morgan- Guy said:
“Despite being principal of St David's College for an unrivalled fifty years, Lewellin remains an elusive and enigmatic figure, controversial in his own lifetime. Bishop Wyn Evans (who was one of Lewellin's successors as Dean of St Davids), an experienced and much respected historian, has delved deeply into his life and activities. In this lecture he shares with us the fascinating story of this man, bringing to us fresh insights into his character and influence in the college and far beyond.”
This lecture will be held on the evening of Monday, November 28th at 7pm in the Old Hall, Lampeter Campus. The lecture will be delivered through the medium of Welsh, and simultaneous translation equipment will be available for those wishing to listen in English. If you would like to order a place, email: specialcollections@uwtsd.ac.uk
Further Information
Lowri Thomas, Principal Communications and PR Officer
07449 998476
