December 13th, 1893, was an important day in the life of 23-year-old Tegid Arthur Davies. After years of hard work, he finally graduated from St. David’s College in Lampeter with his Bachelors degree (with honours).[1] This was the first big step towards following in the footsteps of his father and two elder brothers in becoming an Anglican clergyman. Within the next two years, he achieved that goal, being ordained a priest by the Bishop of Llandaff.[2]
For Tegid’s father and brothers, their first appointments meant leaving home far behind. His father, Rev. John Davies, had travelled from his home in Tregaron, in the south, all the way to Llanuwchllyn, Ffestiniog, and Llaniestyn—all in the north of the country. His brother, John Timothy left Wales altogether, first settling on the Isle of Man and then moving to Chester, where he was the headmaster of King’s School. His brother, Thomas Llewelyn, went farthest afield, ending up in Mayumba, present-day Gabon in Africa, as a missionary before his sudden death there. Tegid, however, stayed much closer to home.
Throughout his career, Tegid moved between posts in North Wales. His first appointment was to the curacy of Bodfean, not seven miles from his parents at Llaniestyn.[3] He next went to Llandegai and then Gelli, until he finally settled for the rest of his life at Llanfihangel y Pennant.[4]
As a clergyman, Tegid also followed in the footsteps of his uncle, the Rev. Timothy Davies of Gartheli. Timothy was well known as a special guest and preacher at harvest thanksgiving festivals throughout south Wales. Tegid was also a common sight at these events, especially in the mid-1910s, when he preached at Dolbenmaen(1915[6] and 1916[7]) and at St. David’s and St. Gwynan’s,[8] both in Penmaenmawr (1916).
As for his home life, Tegid married in 1901 to Mary Catherine Davies of Bryn Difyr, Tregarth, whose family was also studded with Anglican clergymen.[9] They had two daughters together: Doris Mary and Margaret Elizabeth.
The end of Tegid’s life was a turbulent time. He was known to have struggled with depression and he received the sad news that his friend had passed away. A few days after the loss of his friend, on March 4, 1921, Tegid died by suicide at the age of 50. [10] Tegid would have been buried a few days later in the parish graveyard at Llanfihangel y Pennant where he had preached for the previous 11 years.
Bullying and Suicide
Bullying is a significant risk factor for suicidal ideation. Research even shows that childhood bullying continues to affect people far into adulthood. Even in adulthood, bullying often continues in places like work and online. It can take many forms, like social bullying, which may include spreading rumours, damaging someone’s reputation, excluding them, or making them feel unwelcome. While most of the literature focusses on childhood bullying, as adults, what we can take away from it is that addressing the behaviour in safe ways and building relationships with those who are being targeted are key to ending bullying and saving lives.
If you are in immediate need of support, check HERE for helplines in your country.
[1] Anonymous, “Degree Day at Lampeter,” Carmarthen Journal, December 15, 1893, p. 16. Digital Images. FindMyPast.
[2] 1895. Anonymous, “Trinity Ordinations,” Western Mail, June 10, 1895, p. 6. Digital Images. FindMyPast.
[3] 1896. Anonymous, “Mae Esgob Bangor…,” Herald Cymraeg, February 25, 1896, p. 5. Digital Images. FindMyPast.
[4] 1910. Anonymous, “Bechgyn Lleyn,” Y Llan, December 30, 1910, p. 6, col. 3. Digital Images. National Library of Wales. https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3686596/3686602/52/
[5] 1910. Anonymous, “Bechgyn Lleyn,” Y Llan, December 30, 1910, p. 6, col. 3. Digital Images. National Library of Wales. https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3686596/3686602/52/
[6] 1915. Anonymous, “Dolbenmaen,” The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality, October 1, 1915, p. 8, col. 5. Digital Images. National Library of Wales. https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4243159/4243167/103/
[7] 1916. Anonymous, “Harvest Festivals,” Cambrian News, October 6, 1916, p. 7. Digital Images. FindMyPast.
[8] 1916. Anonymous, “Harvest Festivals: Penmaenmawr,” The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality, October 20, 1916, p. 5, col. 6. Digital Images. National Library of Wales. https://newspapers.library.wales/view/4243598/4243603/60/
[9] Anonymous, “Priodas y Parch. Tegid A. Davies, Gelli,” Y Llan, January 18, 1901, p. 6, col. 2. Digital Images. FindMyPast.
[10] 1921. Anonymous, “Vicar’s Suicide,” Birmingham Daily Gazette, March 7, 1921, p. 5. Digital Images. FindMyPast
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