Jane Williams

Jane Williams (1 February 1806 – 15 March 1885) was a Welsh writer, often known by her bardic name of Ysgafell. She is sometimes confused with her contemporary, Maria Jane Williams. Williams was born in Chelsea, and raised in Neuadd Felen, Brecknockshire. Her primary interests as a writer included Welsh history, Welsh literature, and Welsh folklore. In 1862, Williams wrote a book about Celtic fables, fairy tales, and legends. In 1869, she wrote a book about the history of Wales, using (in her words) "authentic sources". Biography She was born in Chelsea, the daughter of a naval official. She spent her youth in the family seat of Neuadd Felen, near Talgarth, where she developed an interest in Welsh history, literature and folklore, and associated with Augusta Hall, Lady Llanover. A volume of her poems was published privately in 1824, and she later published books on education in Wales, on Welsh folklore, and on Rev Thomas Price.