Chris Williams, a historian specializing in Wales and its radical traditions, passed away from a heart attack at the age of 61. He held esteemed positions, including head of the school of history, archaeology, and religion at Cardiff University and head of Celtic studies and social sciences at University College Cork.
Born in Newport, Gwent, Chris pursued modern history at Balliol College, Oxford, following a brief stint in the military with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Royal Regiment. He completed his doctorate at Cardiff University under cultural historian Dai Smith.
Williams authored significant works on Welsh history, including "Democratic Rhondda" (1996), and edited the posthumous diaries of Welsh actor Richard Burton in 2012. His editorial approach focused on providing a comprehensive context rather than showbiz gossip.
Chris held academic posts at several institutions, including Cardiff University, the University of Glamorgan, and Swansea University, before his tenure at University College Cork. His notable publications encompassed "Capitalism, Community and Conflict: the South Wales Coalfield, 1898-1947" (1998) and co-editing volumes of "The Gwent County History." He was also an enthusiast of mountaineering and political cartoons, leaving unfinished works on both topics.
Chris Williams was married twice, first to Siobhan McClelland with whom he had a son, Harri, and later to Sara Spalding, with whom he had two sons, Samuel and Owen. He is survived by his wife Sara and his four sons.