The 19th July marks the most significant event in Swansea University’s history – the laying of the foundation stone. I therefore thought it fitting to not only explore the University’s archives and relive that date, but also share how I discovered a family connection to the University’s early years.
One hundred years ago, at 3pm on Monday 19th July 1920, King George V, Queen Mary and the Princess Mary left the Royal Yacht, which was moored at the King’s Dock in Swansea. The Royal Party proceeded in motor cars across the town and arrived at Singleton Park, where George V would lay the foundation stone, marking the official opening of the University College of Swansea.
Surrounded by notable figures from the University movement and local dignitaries, George V spoke the following words:–
The foundation stone was lowered and the King declared it ‘Well and truly laid’.
Information about the Ceremony can be found in a small collection of documents in the University’s archives. The records bring the day to life – we discover the route that the Royal Party took through Swansea, and we can picture the crowds of local people lining the streets, clapping and cheering as the royal procession drove past. We can imagine the sound of the Massed Choirs singing the Welsh National Anthem, ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau‘ as the Royal Party arrived to the Dais.
The records detail the words spoken by George V, the dress code, and the names of some of those who attended the Ceremony, such as Dr T. Franklin Sibly (Principal of the University College of Swansea), Col Frank W. Gilbertson (President of the University College of Swansea), and Sir Harry Reichel (The Vice Chancellor of the University of Wales).
Whilst reading the list of those presented to George V in the Order of Events, I came across a familiar name – T.J. Rees. T.J or ‘Tee Jay’ as he was known, was Director of Education for Swansea from 1908 until the mid 1940s, and the University’s Treasurer from 1950 to 1955. He was ‘actively engaged in the campaign for the creation of the University College’ [David Dykes, The University College of Swansea, 1992. p.68] and, according to first University Registrar Edwin Drew, Tee Jay ‘did all the highly skilled and important administrative work that led to the College’s establishment.’ [‘The eloquence of Tee Jay’, South Wales Evening Post, 27th December 1957]. Tee Jay was also my great great grandfather.
I certainly knew of Tee Jay, through various conversations with my late grandmother, but I had no idea that he was involved in the establishment of Swansea University, and had continued to play a role in the institution until his retirement in 1955. This knowledge gave my job, cataloguing the University’s collections, a new dimension. I was not only cataloguing the records of the University and researching it’s history, but on some level uncovering a part of my own family history – for Tee Jay would continue to appear in the archive collections, in University correspondence, press cuttings and photographs.
Tee Jay is depicted in the ‘Laying of the Foundation Stone Ceremony’ painting, which is on display in Singleton Abbey. Painted by Staffordshire born artist Percy Gleaves (1882-1944) between 1920 and 1923, the painting offers a wonderful insight into the pomp and excitement of the day.
In addition to the evidence in the archive collections at Swansea University, there is fantastic footage of the Ceremony available via British Pathe.
The centenary of the foundation of the University College of Swansea is a significant date in the history of this institution. The University’s archives offer a unique insight into this history, and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to work on such a fascinating and rich collection, and in turn, uncover some of my own family history.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we’re not able to celebrate the centenary in ways that we had planned. However, there are a series of online events taking place to mark the anniversary, and for a bit of fun, try our Centenary Quiz, developed by the Archives’ team. We also look forward to opening our Centenary exhibition at Swansea’s Waterfront Museum later this year.
There’s only one thing left to say really – ‘Happy Birthday Swansea University! Here’s to the next 100 years!’
Emily Hewitt
Assistant Archivist
Richard Burton Archives, Swansea University