Memorial lectures

We host two annual lectures where we welcome noted academics and scholars.

The lectures, which are delivered in Welsh, cover a wide range of topics relevant to Wales and the Welsh language, whether from a social, literary, political or cultural perspective.

Islwyn Memorial Lecture

A sporadic series of Welsh lectures in memory of the noted poet from Gwent, William Thomas (‘Islwyn 1832-78).

The Memorial Lecture’s themes are the life and work of Islwyn, aspects of the literary, religious and social history of Gwent, and nineteenth century Welsh literature.

The first memorial lecture was delivered in 1942 by Professor W. J. Gruffydd.

Previous lectures

G J Williams memorial lecture

Lecture presented in memory of Professor Griffith John Williams (1892-1963) who was a lecturer in Welsh at Cardiff University from 1921 until his retirement in 1957.

We especially remember his work on Iolo Morganwg and Morganwg’s literary heritage; however, he excelled in all aspects of Welsh language and its literary heritage.

According to Sir Thomas Parry, he was ‘the most significant Welsh scholar Wales ever saw’. The first Memorial Lecture was held in 1966 and given by Saunders Lewis.

Previous lectures