Thomas Pennant at 300: Special talk and exhibition at UWTSD Lampeter
A special event celebrating the life and legacy of Welsh naturalist, traveller and writer Thomas Pennant will take place at the Roderic Bowen Library and Archives, University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), Lampeter, on Wednesday 17 June at 2pm.
The talk, “Still Travelling: Thomas Pennant at 300 – New Directions for the ‘Father of Cambrian Tourism’ ”, marks the 300th anniversary of Pennant’s birth and will be delivered by leading Pennant scholar Professor Mary-Ann Constantine of the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies (CAWCS).
Professor Mary – Ann Constantine said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing out new digital editions of Pennant’s Scottish and Welsh tours to celebrate his tercentenary. Exploring the layered and at times idiosyncratic writings of this self-proclaimed ‘Curious Traveller’ has been quite a journey itself.”
Born in Flintshire in 1726, Thomas Pennant became one of the most influential figures in eighteenth-century Britain. A passionate natural historian, antiquarian and traveller, he is perhaps best known for his detailed accounts of journeys through Scotland, the Hebrides and North Wales, which helped inspire a growing interest in travel and tourism across Britain.
Pennant’s curiosity about the natural world began in childhood and developed during his studies at Oxford. His early geological tours led to published research, while his later work in zoology and ornithology culminated in the publication of British Zoology in 1766. The lavishly illustrated volume was groundbreaking for its time and established Pennant as one of Britain’s leading natural historians.
His travel writings continue to attract the attention of historians, literary scholars and visitors interested in the landscapes and cultures of Wales and beyond. Three hundred years after his birth, new research is shedding fresh light on his influence and relevance today.
The Roderic Bowen Library and Archives holds an important collection of Pennant’s works, including volumes of his Scottish tours, his Voyage to the Hebrides, Tours in North Wales, and a fine copy of British Zoology. These will be on display during the event.
Nicky Hammond, UWTSD’s Special Collections Archivist, said:
“We are looking forward to displaying our collection of Thomas Pennant’s fascinating guide books of his travels in Britain, as well as his journeys in Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.”
Visitors will also be able to view a special exhibition created by former Special Collections Librarian Ruth Gooding, exploring Pennant’s life, travels and contribution to Welsh cultural history.
Professor Constantine has written extensively on travel writing, Romantic-period Wales and Thomas Pennant. She led the major AHRC-funded Curious Travellers research projects and is currently working on a digital edition of Pennant’s Tours in Wales.
The event offers a rare opportunity to see original works by one of Wales’ most celebrated writers and explorers while learning about the latest research into his life and achievements.
Booking is essential for this event. To reserve a place, contact: n.hammond@uwtsd.ac.uk
Further information on the Curious Travellers project can be found at https://curioustravellers.ac.uk/tours-page/
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476