The life of a largely forgotten teacher has been celebrated by staff and pupils at Lewis School Pengam.
Thomas Matthews was a teacher at the school from 1911 to 1916. During that time he displayed many talents as a historian, author, art critic, linguist and patriotic Welshman.
Despite his huge influence on Welsh academia Thomas Matthews’ name has been largely forgotten, not appearing in any national biography and until now not celebrated on any memorial.
Under the guidance of local historian Dic Felstead, the school has been able to rectify a century’s oversight by publishing Lewis Lore. The book is based on local folklore and was compiled by Matthews and his pupils between 1914 and 1916. A dedicated mural has also been unveiled in the school foyer.
Headteacher Chris Parry said: “It’s a great privilege for us as a school to honour this man, he was a pioneer in creating a new Welsh identity and instilled in his pupils principles that few others have managed.”
The proceeds of the Lewis Lore books will be given to the Royal British Legion, echoing the efforts of Matthews who gave the proceeds of the first book, Dail – y- Gwanwyn, to the Welsh hospital at Netley in 1916.