The contribution of T H Parry-Williams to Welsh literature and learning was the focus of an online conference hosted by Aberystwyth University’s Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies.

Held on the Department’s YouTube channel and supported by the Learned Society of Wales, the conference marked the centenary of T H Parry-Williams’ appointment as Professor and Head of the Department of Welsh at the University.

Parry-Williams was appointed assistant lecturer in the Welsh Department in 1914.

That summer Prof Edward Anwyl died, leaving the Welsh Chair vacant throughout the War years.

After the end of the War, the Chair and the post of Head of Department were advertised and Parry-Williams was shortlisted, however he faced public opposition due to his registration as a conscientious objector during the War.

When the post was re-advertised in 1920, Parry-Williams applied and was appointed, and served the university for 37 years before retiring in 1952.

Dr Bleddyn Owen Huws, the conference organiser, said: “As a Department we are keen to mark the centenary of the appointment of T H Parry-Williams as Professor of Welsh at Aberystwyth, and to celebrate his association with the university and the contribution he made to Welsh learning and literature.

“We are fortunate to have such a rich program of papers covering various aspects of his thinking and work.”