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What are archives?

Archives are documents created or accumulated by individuals or institutions, and selected for permanent preservation.

They are the raw material of history providing original and unique evidence of events in the past. They are essential for historical research.

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The National Anthem

A manuscript containing the earliest copy of 'Hen wlad fy nhadau' in the handwriting of the composer, James James (1833-1902).

More information about the National Anthem.

Dylan Thomas (1914-1953)

Did you know that the largest collection of Dylan Thomas related material is held here at the National Library of Wales?

Online exhibition

To ensure that Dylan's legacy lives on, the Library has digitised a vast amount of his archive, which can be viewed for free, anytime you wish on the 'Dylan' website.

View the Dylan Thomas archive

Dylan Thomas, 1914-1953. Map of Llareggub [194-]

Reference: NLW MS 23949E

A two-page schematic sketch map of Llareggub, [1944x1951], drawn in brown ink by Dylan Thomas during the process of composition of his play for voices, Under Milk Wood.