Wales (and Mr Gladstone)

Dowlais, with its major iron foundries, was a pioneer in providing a voluntary community library for working men. Middle-class examples were found in Denbigh, Mold, and Llangollen, as well as numerous other workers’ libraries. William Gladstone lived at Hawarden Castle, and his own books provided the foundation collection of St. Deiniol’s Library. He played a significant role in promoting the idea of free public libraries, and several of his speeches are summarized.