falls into the North Dock at Swansea. 1 December — Llandrindod Wells is linked to the rail network for the first time. 20 December — Gethin Pit disaster, Abercanaid: the second of two firedamp explosions at this colliery near Merthyr Tydfil kills 34 miners. Francis Kilvert becomes curate of Clyro in Radnorshire. Sale of the Pwyllycrochan estate, leading to the development of Colwyn Bay. John Crichton-Stuart, Marquess of Bute, meets architect and designer William Burges. Robert Jones Derfel retires from the ministry and sets up a Welsh bookshop and press in Manchester. Arts and literature Awards National Eisteddfod of Wales is held at Aberystwyth. The chair is won by Lewis William Lewis (Llew Llwyfo). New books Morris Davies — Cofiant Ann Griffiths John Evans (I. D. Ffraid) — Coll Gwynfa (translation of Milton's Paradise Lost) John Ceiriog Hughes — Y Bardd a'r Cerddor John Jones (Mathetes) — Pregeth i Fyfyrwyr Coleg Hwlffordd ... John Thomas (Ifor Cwmgwys) — Diferion Meddyliol Music Thomas Gruffydd Jones (Tafalaw Bencerdd) — Gwarchae Harlech (cantata) Sport Cricket 17 July — South Wales Cricket Club travels to Gravesend to play the Gentlemen of Kent. August — Morriston Cricket Club is founded. Births 2 February — Henry Davies, cricketer (died 1934) 28 February — Arthur Symons, poet and critic (died 1945) 7 March — Martyn Jordan, Wales international rugby player (died 1902) 30 April — Max Nettlau, German historian and Welsh learner (died 1944) 3 June — Prince George, second son of the Prince and Princess of Wales and himself Prince of Wales 1901–1910 (later King George V of the United Kingdom; died 1936) 6 August — Lewis Cobden Thomas, Wales international rugby player (died 1928) 22 August — Stephen Thomas Wales international rugby player (died 1937) 8 September — David Williams, Swansea politician (died 1941) 23 September — William Brace, politician (died 1947) 20 October — Sir Rhys Rhys-Williams, 1st Baronet, judge (died 1955) 26 October — Hugh Ingledew, Wales international rugby player (died 1937) October — Jack Doughty, footballer (died 1937) 16 December — George Rowles, footballer (died 1922) December — Richard Bagnall-Oakeley, Olympic archer (died 1947) date unknown Dickie Garrett, rugby player (died 1908) Albert Hybart, rugby player (died 1945) George Owen, footballer (died 1922) Robert Roberts, footballer (died 1945) Deaths 21 February — Stapleton Cotton, military leader, 91 26 April — William Williams, MP, 77 29 April — Thomas Evans (Telynog), poet, 24