              Copyright
Helen Forder
2004
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'The Llanofer Circle' consisted
of a large number of friends and relatives. The
county families of Wales, scholars, politicians
and diplomats as well as members of the royal
family all received a warm welcome at Llanofer
and at Lord and Lady Llanofer's London house.
One of these was Elizabeth
Brown Greenly
born in Herefordshire in 1771. A Welsh speaker
and an ardent supporter of the Welsh causes of
the day, Lady Greenly was a very close friend of
Mrs. Waddington, Lady Llanofer's mother, and no
doubt had some influence on the young Augusta,
encouraging her interest in the country of her
birth, its language and culture.
Another early influence on Augusta was Carnhuanawc, the Rev. Thomas Price, born in
Breconshire in 1787. They met at the Brecon
Eisteddfod of 1826, said to be the first
eisteddfod which Augusta attended. His speech at
this eisteddfod, extolling the virtues of the
Welsh language, was taken to heart by the
enthusiastic young woman, and the two became firm
friends, working together for the good of the
country they both loved, and the welfare of its
people.
Betha Johnes, younger daughter of Judge John
Johnes of Dolaucothi, was born in 1834. Her
mother died when she was quite young, and it was
Lady Llanofer who 'brought her out' in London
Society. She became very close to Lady
Llanofer, and they corresponded regularly.
Henry Brinley Richards was a pianist and
composer. Born in Carmarthen in 1817, he settled
in London where he taught the piano and lectured
in Welsh music. He was one of the supporters of
the triple harp, and adjudicated at harp
competitions.
The Williams family of Aberpergwm were well-known
to Lord and Lady Llanofer, and Maria Jane
Williams (Llinos) was a particular friend of the
Arglwyddes.
She is not to be confused with Jane Williams
(Ysgafell) who was the editor of The Literary
Remains of The Rev. Thomas Price, Carnhaunawc,
published in 1854. |
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