LLOYD, THOMAS (Crych Elen; 1841 - 1909), musician

Born at Liverpool, of an English father and a Welsh mother. He was brought up at Dolwyddelan, of which his mother was a native, went to work in a slate quarry, but his whole thought was given to music. He was admitted as 'bard' and 'musician' at the pseudo-gorsedd, known as 'Arwest Llyn Geirionydd' (see Roberts, William John), held near Trefriw, and won some prizes at eisteddfodau. He emigrated to the U.S.A. and became choir master at the Summit Hill, Pennsylvania, Catholic church; he was also a teacher of music and kept a music store.

Among his compositions are 'Mother's Grave,' 'The Old Church Bell,' 'The Christmas Tree,' 'The Cottage in the Woods,' and 'When shall I go home again,' but to most Welsh people he was known as the composer of 'Y Bwthyn Bach To Gwellt,' which proved very popular. He died 26 August 1909 in hospital at Allentown, Pennsylvania, and was buried at Slatington, Pennsylvania.

Author

• Robert (Bob) Owen, (1885 - 1962)

Sources

• Y Drych, 16 September 1909

Images

• NLW: Rev. Thomas Lloyd and colleague at the unveiling of the memorial stone of Thomas Lloyd, 'Crych Elen'

Additional Links

• Wikidata: Q20734502

Published date: 1959

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