Seren Gomer Explained

Seren Gomer was the first Welsh-language weekly newspaper. The first number was published in 1814 in Swansea by the local Baptist minister and writer Joseph Harris (Gomer).[1]

Publishing history

The weekly was intended to cover news from the whole of Wales and from overseas, as well as literary material. Its success was limited: it went out of business in 1815 after 85 editions, partly due to the heavy tax on newspapers and a shortfall in advertising revenue.[2] In 1818 Harris revived the publication, which became associated with the Baptist denomination. In 1820 it became a monthly. The writer and poet Evan Owen Allen was among its contributors.

When Harris died in 1825, the paper was purchased by Carmarthen publisher and became a quarterly Baptist magazine. This continued until 1983.

Editors

1951–1975: Lewis Valentine

1975–1977: David Eirwyn Morgan

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.southwales-eveningpost.co.uk/Wales-s-Welsh-paper-shone-brightly-briefly/story-20413374-detail/story.html "Wales's first Welsh paper Seren Gomer shone brightly, but briefly." South Wales Evening Post, 8 January 2014
  2. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-26993436 BBC News, "Plaque unveiled for 200th anniversary of Seren Gomer". 12 April 2014