Penrhos: public lecture at Bangor University on the Stanley family of Holyhead

Henrietta Stanley, Baroness Stanley of Alderley in 1860 by Richard James Lane.The Stanley family of Penrhos, Holyhead will be the focus of an intriguing public lecture at Bangor University by the prominent local historian Dr Gareth Huws.  Entitled ‘Penrhos: powerful women and the curious tale of a knight, a lord and an “honourable"’, the lecture will take place on Wednesday, 9 October at 5.30pm, in the Eric Sunderland Lecture Theatre of the Main Arts Building.  Admission is free, and no tickets are required. 

Dr Huws said ‘This lecture will concentrate on three generations of the Stanley family who lived at Penrhos between 1760 and 1880.  It will show that the study of a single family can contribute to the wider historical understanding of semi-rural Wales during the ‘long’ nineteenth century.  Integral to this understanding is the central, and largely uncredited, role played by the women of the family.’ 

Gareth Huws taught chemistry in Anglesey schools for many years, but more recently was awarded a doctorate from the University of Aberystwyth for his research into the history of migration and the growth of Welsh towns in the mid-nineteenth century.  He is particularly interested in the ‘long’ nineteenth century and the social, linguistic and religious changes in Wales during that time. 

The lecture is part of a special series of events taking place this autumn to showcase the holdings in the University’s Archives, which include the Penrhos estate records. 

Archivist Elen Simpson said:

’This lecture is a great ‘teaser’ for our Open Day on Friday, 25 October, and a week of workshops  which we are currently planning for November.  All are welcome to come and explore the fascinating documents in our extensive archives.’ 

Further details about these activities will be available on the University website shortly. 

Publication date: 27 September 2019