Although Dr John Davies was born in the Rhondda, he moved with his family to Bwlchllan near Lampeter when he was 7. He studied at the University College of Wales, Cardiff and Trinity College, Cambridge.
For many years, he was a member of the Welsh History department in the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, and warden of Neuadd Pantycelyn.
Among his publications are volumes on the history of the Bute family and Cardiff, the history of the BBC in Wales, and his authoritative book the History of Wales, published by Penguin in Welsh and English.
He is also becoming a familiar face on TV, being a familiar voice on BBC Wales documentary series such as The Story Of Welsh and as the clue setter for History Hunters.
Online, he has chartered the course of Welsh history from the Romans to Rhodri Morgan on the BBC Wales history website. In twenty chapters, he traces the development of the Welsh nation from the tribal battles of Celtic Britain to the Assembly debates in Cardiff Bay.
In 2005 Dr Davies received the Glyndwr Award for an Outstanding Contribution to the Arts in Wales during the Machynlleth Festival.
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your comments
Robert Hughes, Summerville, USA
I have a question about a possible Welsh DNA signature. I have a spreadsheet of an uncommon Y-DNA signature that is heavy in Wales but spreads in an arc from Wales across southern England inland from the coast and up to Norfolk. There is a secondary cluster in Hertfordshire, England. I need help understanding whether this is a unique Welsh DNA signature with an unusual outflow pattern or, as I suspect, a reflection of pre Anglo-Saxon Britons. Can Mr. Davies help me?
Mon Nov 2 16:20:14 2009
R.E.Richardson from Welsh border
John Davies' book is superb. Please note that if you want to know more about the Welsh ladies who brought up Elizabeth I and Edward VI then visit: www.blancheparry.co.ukand/or read 'Mistress Blanche, Queen Elizabeth I's Confidante'.The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Mon Dec 29 12:04:35 2008
Dewi bowen efailwen
i have about 64 book of farm sales in north pembs &south west carmarthen from the year 1895-1902 yhey were kept by my grandfather who would collect the money for the proceeds of the sale can you help me about this ?
Sun Oct 19 16:50:49 2008
Jason from wolverhampton
If anyone knows how i can contact Mr Davies, or if Mr Davies himself could contact me. I am currently planning a documentary on the Welsh Revolution 1400-1415. However we would like an historian for a short interview. Mr Davies looks above all highly interested in Welsh history, which is exactly what we want. Hopefully i can reach some resolve.Thanks.
Sat Feb 16 16:58:19 2008
Emlyn Jones
A fantastic man. A man who is Wales and the wealth of knowledge that he has is truly amazing. I think he is more of a Tregaron man than Lampeter though!!Cymro i'r carn.
Sat Jan 27 12:52:40 2007
What do you think of the work of Dr John Davies?Is his History of Wales the definitive version?Add your comments here:
