BANGOR University has been awarded £40,000 to digitise an and research an exceptional collection of historical letters.

The handwritten letters were received by Sir Thomas Mostyn (1651-92) and Sir Roger Mostyn (1673-1739) is one of the most comprehensive collections of letters surviving from 17th and 18th century Wales

Dr. Shaun Evans, Director of the Institute for the Study of Welsh Estates said: “The letters are very important, arguably the most significant collection of letters surviving from late 17th and early 18th century Wales. They contain wonderful information on all aspects of local, national and international news and will unquestionably add to our understanding of historical events across the periods of their coverage.”

He added: “The funding for digitisation will allow us to make the letters accessible to a global scholarly audience for the first time.”

During this period the Mostyns of Mostyn and Gloddaith were one of the most prominent gentry families in Wales. The letters relate to all aspects of their interests and activities, ranging from parliamentary affairs, religious debates and office-holding, through to book collecting, marriage strategies, education, antiquities and local gossip. They also include an unparalleled collection of personalised manuscript newsletters, sent from London to Gloddaith Hall, which provide detailed coverage on all aspects of national and international news.

The project is being financed by an award from the Marc Fitch Fund, which is an educational charity established in 1956 by the historian Marc Fitch. It makes grants towards the costs of publishing scholarly work in the fields of British and Irish history, archaeology, antiquarian studies and the broad fields of the heritage, conservation and the historic environment.