Griffith John Williams

Griffith John Williams (also known as G. J. Williams; 19 July 1892 – 10 January 1963) was a historian of Welsh literature, particularly the literature of Glamorgan and Iolo Morganwg. He was the first scholar to prove that some medieval works found in Iolo's books are literary forgeries, helping to establish solid foundations for literary scholarship in Wales.

Early life Williams was born in Cellan, Ceredigion, the eldest son of John and Anne (née Griffiths) Williams. John Williams was a blacksmith and local postman, as well as precentor and church secretary at Capel-yr-Erw Independent Chapel.

In 1921, Williams won an essay competition at the national Eisteddfod in Caernarfon, arguing that the author of sixteen cywyddau contained in Iolo's Appendix to Barddoniaeth Dafydd ab Gwilym (1789) was Iolo himself, despite Iolo claiming to have found them in old manuscripts kept in Glamorgan. In 1926, Williams published his winning essay as Iolo Morganwg a chywyddau'r Ychwanegiad.

In 1957, Williams retired from the Chair of Welsh at University College, Cardiff.

Elisabeth supported Williams throughout his career, sharing his passion for the Welsh language and Wales. She designed a cupboard to store Williams' notes, so information could be easily retrieved, and she helped prepare his work for publication.

Griffiths John and Elisabeth Williams had no children.

In 1968, Elisabeth Williams donated a large amount of money to the National Union of Teachers of Wales to establish the Bryn Taf Trust, which helps disabled Welsh-speaking children.

Elisabeth Williams' will left their house, Bryn Taf, to Plaid Cymru.