Ystrad Meurig Collection

Ystrad Meurig Collection comprises about 600 items from the former parochial and school library of St John's College (1757-1974) founded by Edward Richard (1714-77) (of whose library about 320 books survive), covering a wide range of subjects in the humanities and theology predominantly in Latin and English from the 17th to 19th centuries. Highlights of the Collection include Samuel Johnson's Dictionary of the English Language, Pierre Bayle's Dictionary, and Thomas Hobbes Leviathan. 　

School History

Ystrad Meurig School was established c.1734 by Edward Richard of Ystrad Meurig, who began teaching local boys in the parish church. By 1759, he had over 50 pupils. In 1757, the school was legally established and endowed as a grammar school, and in 1774 was declared open to boys from Cardiganshire, offering a free education in Latin and the principles of the Church of England. Edward Richard died in 1777, and the Rev. John Williams took over as headmaster. Under Williams, Ystrad Meurig School established and maintained a reputation for classical scholarship. By 1812, a separate school building had been erected in the parish churchyard, and between 1803 and 1827 Ystrad Meurig became the main institution for the training of ordinands in the St. David's diocese. At one point during this period, the school was attended by 150 pupils, and distinguished alumni included Dr David Davis, physician to William IV and Queen Victoria, and John Williams, first warden of Llandovery College. But most pupils went on to become clergy of the Church of England within Wales. Numbers at Ystrad Meurig School fell after the opening of St. David's College at nearby Lampeter in 1827. The curriculum became more like that of a secondary school, and it developed into a preparatory institution for pupils who wished to go on to study at St. David's College, or at the University of Wales. It continued to provide education for local boys, and after both world wars accepted men whose education had been disrupted by war, prior to their advancement to university. From the 1950s, the school gradually declined. By this time it had taken on the name of St. John's College, although the exact date of, and reasons for this are unknown. Its main role became the provision of O-level and A-level courses for potential students of theology at Lampeter. The last headmaster resigned in 1973. The school library has since been moved to St David's College, Lampeter, and the school itself is now used as a village hall.

Yspytty-Ystrad-Meuric - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849)

A free grammar school was founded in 1757, by Edward Richard, who endowed it in that and subsequent years with lands and houses, now producing at least £86. 10. per annum, for thirty-two boys from any part of the country, preference being given to those of this place and neighbourhood; and the grammar-school of Llanvihangel-Lledrod, adjoining, of which Mr. Richard was master, and which was endowed with rents now amounting to about £150, for forty boys of the Upper division of that parish, was, after his decease, merged in the school here, which was long eminently distinguished as one of the best classical academies in the principality. A very handsome school-house was erected by subscription, previously to 1812, in the chapelyard, in the later style of English architecture; to which is attached an excellent library, comprising books in various languages, principally the gift of the founder. About 60 boys receive instruction in the classics, mathematics, and arithmetic; the institution is conducted by a head master and his assistant, and there is an exhibition to St. John's College, Cambridge, belonging to the school, for the best Greek scholar. Though the two schools are united, and the endowments are paid to one master, there are still two different trusts: the Bishop of St. David's is visiter. Among the persons who have been successively masters may be noticed Mr. Edward Richard; the Rev. John Williams, who conducted it for forty years; and the Rev. D. Williams, late fellow of Wadham College, Oxford, an eminent divine and critic, who distinguished himself as an impartial magistrate, an elegant scholar, and a polished gentleman. A Sunday school is held, in connexion with the Established Church.

Edward Richard, founder of the grammar school, and a native of the place, was distinguished as a profound scholar and critic, an antiquary, and a Welsh poet, and was the author of some pastorals, which, for elegance of composition and purity of style, are unrivalled by any writings in the Welsh language. He is thought to have been born in the year 1714, but his name does not appear among the baptisms in the register.

Archival Material

Scope and content: The archive contains correspondence relating to entry to Ystrad Meurig School, and from Ystrad Meurig School to St. David's College, Lampeter; financial papers; photographs of the college; copies of the college magazine and other miscellaneous items.