January 4th, 1875
Thomas Stephens, a Welsh historian and critic, died in 1875. He was a notable figure in Welsh history and made significant contributions to the field of Welsh scholarship.
He was born at Pont Nedd: Fechan, Glamorganshire, the son of a shoemaker.
His works include The Literature of the Kymry (1849), The History of Trial by Jury in Wales, and an essay in which he demolished the claim of the Welsh under Madoc to the discovery of America.
He also wrote on the life and works of the bard Aneurin. The critical methods which he adopted in his works often made him unpopular with the less discriminating enthusiasts for the glory of Wales, but he earned the respect of serious scholars.
Thomas Stephens is particularly known for his work on Welsh history and literature. He played a key role in the promotion and preservation of Welsh culture and heritage. His writings and research were instrumental in advancing the study of Welsh history and literature during the 19th century.
One of his notable works is “The Literature of the Kymry: Being a Critical Essay on the History of the Language and Literature of Wales During the Twelfth and Two Succeeding Centuries,” published in 1849. This work examined the history of the Welsh language and its literature during the medieval period and contributed to a deeper understanding of Welsh cultural heritage.
Thomas Stephens is remembered for his dedication to Welsh scholarship and his efforts to preserve and promote Welsh culture, language, and history during the 19th century. His work remains an important part of the legacy of Welsh studies.
