The Raymond Williams Family Interview

As part of the centenary birthday celebrations for Raymond Williams, Sharon was provided with an opportunity to interview his family. The Williams family includes Merryn, Ederyn and Madawc, and thier memories cover a range of subjects, including class, war education, religion, Marx and the Lady Chatterley Trial.

The video interview has been split into 9 parts, which are all featured below.

Part 1 – Their father Raymond Williams, and their mother Joy

The Williams family, Merryn, Ederyn and Madawc talk about their father Raymond Williams and their mother Joy.

PART 2 – Raymond Williams views on Marx

The family recall memories of their father who has been called a Marxist, but the Williams children rather refute this notion.

PART 3 – Lady Chatterly trial and being a Fellow

The family share memories of Raymond Williams being involved in the Lady Chatterley obscene publication trial, and also the problems he had fitting in as a Fellow at Cambridge.

PART 4 – Language skills & foreign students 

The family discuss their memories of Raymond Williams’ experience of foreign students, his chance to move to Japan and his foreign language skills.

PART 5 – War, Wales, education and religion 

The family discuss their memories of Raymond Williams views on war, his affinity to Wales, education and religion.

PART 6 – Their mother’s family and the Korean war 

The family discuss their mother’s family, Raymond’s views on inverted snobbery and his refusal to serve in the Korean war.

PART 7 – His novels and his writings 

The family discuss their memories of Raymond Williams’ novels and his writings.

PART 8 – Politics, adult education, miner’s strike 

The family share their memories of Raymond Williams’ keen interest in politics, the importance of lifelong learning and the 1984 miner’s strike.

PART 9 – Views on class 

The family discuss Raymond’s view on class in Britain.

These interview videos were originally posted on the Raymond Williams Foundation website to celebrate 100 years since Raymond’s birth.