Diaries of William Searell of Beddgelert, 1844-6

Two diaries written by William Searell (b. 1831) of Sugyn Fawr, Beddgelert, 1884-6.

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William Searell, Sygun Fawr, Beddgelert, was born in 1831 and wrote these diaries when he was aged 13-15. His father (Allen Searell) was a native of Devon who had moved to the area as general manager of the Sygun copper mine before developing his own business at Cwm Orthin slate quarry, near Blaenau Ffestiniog, c. 1843-4.

In his diaries, William Searell describes his work for his father at Cwm Orthin as well as all his domestic chores, including cooking and shopping. In January 1845 William moved to Caernarfon to work at the Union foundry but continued to travel back and forth to Beddgelert on the weekends.