Emyr Estyn Evans : The Formative Years
By Lauren C. Ferguson
A Borders Childhood
• Recollections of a border childhood is an unpublished
memoir which was written by Estyn Evans over some
length of time during his latter years, and which has been
edited and pieced together by his son, Prof. Alun Evans.
• It is a short document, 14000 words, detailing the
environment in which Estyn grew up.
• Estyn discusses at great length the physical attributes of
the countryside surrounding him, as well as personalities
encountered, including local craftsman, farm workers
and travelling women selling eels.
A Child of the Manse
• Family life is also discussed – his father had also written
memoirs, and may indeed have been an inspiration for
this work.
• His memories of his father are not flattering, and do not
depict a caring, nurturing figure, despite, or possibly
because of, his religious convictions. Despite his unfond
memories, Estyn does acknowledge his father’s passion
for education, most likely driven by his own experience,
and indeed his originality – something which Estyn
clearly inherited.
• Mother is portrayed more kindly, indeed suggesting an
altogether more fun loving spirit and attitude in child
rearing.
“Evangelical
religion and
choral singing
had provided my
father with an
avenue of escape
from the coal
mines and from
deprivation, to
education,
comparative
comfort, and to a
respected place in
the community.”
Religion in Wales
• Estyn was born in 1905, in the height of the Welsh Revival.
During this time, Welsh Non Conformist Chapels saw an
unbelievable resurgence in attendance numbers and
conversions, with emphasis placed on charismatic leaders
preaching to large congregations.
• This religious revival was short lived in terms of conversions,
excitement and sensationalism, however attendance of
chapel did not wane for more than thirty years.
• Evans recounts his knowledge of religious order in Wales
during his childhood, as being comprised of Anglicans,
Chapel Non Conformists, and “Ranters” – the collective
term applied to the Primitive Methodists, and the gospel
hall Brethren.
Nationalism and identity
• Welsh national identity was a huge social issue in the early
years of Estyn’s life.
• 1839-43 - Rebecca Riots – wave of nationalist idealism, and
uprising against the Anglican Church. Action was directly
related to taxation, and as such, the toll roads were an easy
target.
• Industrialisation led to rise of the labour movement,
socialism, and a general disaffection with religion among
the working class and youths.
• Two generations after the Rebecca riots, Welsh nationalism
was almost engrained in the nation, with rise of Welsh
language, heritage and culture being forefront in both
education and society.
• Welsh nationalism did not strive for independence or self
government, but rather disestablishment of the Anglican
Church in Wales.