William Llewelyn Davies
Sir William Llewelyn Davies was a Welsh librarian who was chief librarian of the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth from 1930 until his death.Early life and education
Davies was born at Plas Gwyn Schoolhouse near Pwllheli, in Caernarfonshire, north Wales. He was educated in Porthmadog and was a pupil-teacher in Penrhyndeudraeth before studying at the University College of Wales, taking honours in Welsh.Career
After graduating, Davies taught in various locations in Wales and at the University College, Cardiff. He was a member of the Royal Garrison Artillery during the First World War and then an officer in the Army Education Service. In 1919, he was appointed first assistant librarian at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, under John Ballinger; he succeeded Ballinger on his retirement in 1930 and continued as chief librarian until his death.
During his time as chief librarian, he worked to collect and preserve many Welsh manuscripts and materials located in private hands or other collections, and he acquired approximately 3.3 million documents. His work for the Library and Wales were noted with the award of a knighthood in 1944 and an honorary doctorate by the University of Wales in 1951. He served as High Sheriff of Merionethshire in 1951.He added the surname "Llewelyn" after marrying Gwen Llewellyn in 1914. He died in Aberystwyth, aged 65.
