In 1875, while studying at St Beuno’s College near St Asaph, Hopkins sought respite in Barmouth. During his stay at Aber House—then a villa used by the Jesuit community at St Beuno’s—he sailed up the Mawddach estuary to the George III Inn in Penmaenpool. There, he inscribed the poem Penmaen Pool in the visitors’ book, capturing the serene beauty of the Welsh landscape. You can read the poem here.
The day’s events begin at 10:30 AM with refreshments at the Dragon Theatre, followed by a lecture by poet Hilary Davies at 11:00 AM titled Spring in Place, Spring in Time, Spring in Eternity: Language, Poetry, and God. In the afternoon, attendees will visit the George III Inn for a reading and discussion of Penmaen Pool.
The highlight of the day will be the unveiling of the blue plaque at Aber House at 4:15 PM. Local dignitaries, including the Mayor of Barmouth and the Lord Lieutenant of Gwynedd, will be joined by Fr Tom McGuinness SJ, Superior of the Jesuits in Wales. The ceremony will be followed by tea and coffee in the garden of Aber House where there will be a raffle to raise funds for a local lifeboat.
As part of the ceremony, Fr Tom will lead a prayer composed by a local resident, celebrating Hopkins’ spiritual legacy and his deep connection to the natural beauty of the area. The prayer will be read in both English and Welsh, reflecting Hopkins’ appreciation for the language and culture of Wales.
This commemoration not only honours Hopkins’ contributions to poetry but also highlights Barmouth’s historical significance in his life and work.
Additionally, a limited edition "Hopkins Ale," brewed by Myrddin’s Brewery and Distillery in Barmouth, will be available on the day, with the first bottle raffled to raise money for the Barmouth Lifeboat.
Campion Hall, the Jesuit Permanent Private Hall at the University of Oxford, holds a major collection of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ manuscripts, including journals and papers that offer an intimate view of his life and thought. Notably, one of the final entries in his journal, dated 7 February 1875, explores the etymology of the Welsh word for ‘fairy’ and recounts a tale shared by his teacher, Miss Jones, during a Welsh lesson. This entry reflects Hopkins’ deep engagement with the Welsh language and culture during his time at St Beuno’s College.
Although the journal volume that would have covered his visit to Barmouth has not survived, these preserved writings offer valuable insight into Hopkins’ fascination with Wales and its linguistic richness.
Find out more about the Archives at Campion Hall here.
In addition to Campion Hall, the British Jesuit Archives in London house a significant document in Hopkins’ distinctive hand: his final vows as a Jesuit, made on 15 August 1882 at St Joseph’s, Roehampton (see below). You can learn more about the Jesuit connection to Barmouth on the Archives website here.
Stonyhurst College, a Jesuit school in Lancashire, also preserves important manuscripts related to Hopkins’ life and writings, adding further depth to the archival legacy surrounding this much-loved poet-priest.
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