Thomas Evans (Tomos Glyn Cothi)

Thomas Evans (Tomos Glyn Cothi) (20 June 1764 – 29 January 1833), was a Welsh poet, Unitarian and political activist.^[1]

Early life and work

Evans, son of Evan and Hannah Evans, was born at Capel Sant Silyn, Gwernogle, Carmarthenshire.^[1] His birthplace was not far from the Cothi River, from which he later took his bardic name, Tomos Glyn Cothi. He seems to have had little early education, but by following his craft as a weaver, he frequented the fairs of Glamorgan, selling his cloth. In this way he came into contact with the poets of Glamorgan and their bardic traditions. He was at the gorsedd of Mynydd y Garth in the midsummer of 1797.^[1] He also had access to books, and Theophilus Lindsey assisted by sending him English books from 1792 until 1796.^[1]

Religious affiliations

Evans lived in an area which was predominantly Calvinist, but as early as 1786 began to preach having embraced the doctrines of Unitarianism.^[1] He was nicknamed "Little Priestley". In order to worship with friends of like sentiments with himself he used to walk to Alltyblaca, twelve miles away. When he grew up he began to preach in his father's house, a part of which he got licensed for the purpose. In course of time a chapel was built. He was personally much respected, but his liberalism made him suspected by government.

Imprisoned for a song

He spoke warmly and wrote largely.^{(citation needed)} In 1797 he was at a social meeting, and sang "by request" a Welsh song On Liberty. On the information of a spy belonging to his own congregation he was apprehended, tried, and sentenced by Judge Lloyd to be imprisoned for two years and to stand in the pillory. He was charged with singing an English song, the fourth stanza of which ran thus:

He always denied having sung this song. During his imprisonment he met with great sympathy.

Hen-Dy-Cwrdd

In 1811 he became minister of the Old Meeting House, Aberdare, where he continued beloved and respected till his death, 29 January 1833.

Writings

His first publication was probably a translation of Priestley's Triumph of Truth, being an Account of the Trial of Elwall for publishing a book in Defense of the Unity of God, 1793. Altogether he published more than twenty works, most of them theological. In 1795 he issued No. 1 of a quarterly magazine, The Miscellaneous Repository, which had to be discontinued with No. 3 for want of sufficient support. In 1809 he published an English-Welsh dictionary, compiled while in prison; in 1811 a hymn-book of a hundred hymns, all original. A second edition appeared in 1822.

References

Sources