Subject: Re: Freedom of Information / Historical Records Request - Mr. Williams, Cardiff Post Office Engineering Department, 1897 Marconi Lavernock Experiments
From: Special Collections
Direction: received
Date: Thu, 16 Jul 2026 15:40 UTC
Institution: Cardiff University Special Collections
Refs: 1897
Archive id: gm-19f6b96957251a99
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Dear Sion,

We checked the calendars of the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, predecessor to Cardiff University, which list its academic staff. We did not find any Engineering staff with the surname Williams for 1896/97, 1897/98, or 1898/99.

These calendars are available online to view:
University calendar, 1896-97<https://librarysearch.cardiff.ac.uk/permalink/44WHELF_CAR/1gk9lnh/alma9912321074502420>, Engineering staff listed on image 51.
University calendar, 1897-98<https://librarysearch.cardiff.ac.uk/permalink/44WHELF_CAR/1gk9lnh/alma9912321074402420>, Engineering staff listed on image 47.
University calendar, 1898-99<https://librarysearch.cardiff.ac.uk/permalink/44WHELF_CAR/1gk9lnh/alma9912321074302420>, Engineering staff listed on image 47.

All the best,

Special Collections and Archives Team


Casgliadau Arbennig ac Archifau / Special Collections and Archives

Gwasanaeth Llyfrgell y Brifysgol | University Library Service

Prifysgol Caerdydd | Cardiff University



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________________________________
From: Sion Buckler <[email redacted]>
Sent: 16 July 2026 01:44
To: [email redacted] <[email redacted]>; [email redacted] <[email redacted]>; [email redacted] <[email redacted]>; Glamro / Swyddfa Cofnodion Morgannwg <[email redacted]>; [email redacted] <[email redacted]>; [email redacted] <[email redacted]>; [email redacted] <[email redacted]>; Special Collections <[email redacted]>; [email redacted] <[email redacted]>
Subject: Freedom of Information / Historical Records Request - Mr. Williams, Cardiff Post Office Engineering Department, 1897 Marconi Lavernock Experiments

External email to Cardiff University - Take care when replying/opening attachments or links.
Nid ebost mewnol o Brifysgol Caerdydd yw hwn - Cymerwch ofal wrth ateb/agor atodiadau neu ddolenni.



Dear Information Rights / Archives Team,

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (or equivalent records access) regarding my grandfather, Mr. Williams, who worked in the engineering department of the Cardiff Post Office / General Post Office around 1897.

Specifically, I seek any records, personnel files, correspondence, reports, or mentions confirming his involvement in Guglielmo Marconi’s wireless telegraphy experiments at Lavernock Point (including erecting the 120-foot pole and related tests to Flat Holm). This relates to contemporary newspaper reports from May 1897.

Please provide:

  *   Any personnel or service records for Mr. Williams in the Cardiff engineering department circa 1897.
  *   Documents referencing "Mr. Williams" in connection with Marconi’s demonstrations.
  *   Any other relevant historical files from the GPO telegraph/engineering teams.

My full name: Sion Buckler Address: [address redacted], Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, [postcode redacted] Contact: [email redacted]<[email redacted]> Relationship: Great Grandson

I am ultimately seeking any record about my great grandfather Mr Williams of Great House Farm, Llandough, Cardiff (formerly Vale of Glamorgan). Not to be confused with Great House Farm, Llandough, Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. And his role in the Marconi experiment. And before and after Marconis stay with our family in our home in 1897.

I am happy to provide further identification if required. Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

Sion Buckler (Ret'd Sergeant)

Royal Signals Cyber & Electronic Warfare Professional & Life Member