The North Wales village of Hawarden was once the home of four-times Victorian-era Prime Minister, W E Gladstone. Founded by him in the final years of a long life, was a library. It was a collection of books read and assembled by him, which he wished might be accessible in future years for all to share and gain knowledge. 

From modest beginnings, housed in the "tin tabernacle" on land he donated which adjoined the parish church, after his death the site was redeveloped from the proceeds of a public subscription. The result is the fine, semi-gothic building that stands in his memory today. With an inevitable Anglican connection in the parish church next door, the "new" building soon became known as, "St Deiniol's Library". 

The association with one of the UK's most celebrated politicians is something of which the Hawarden community is justly proud. And so, the occasion of Gladstone's bicentenary in 2009 was something eagerly anticipated. Devotees at his once favourite place of worship, St Deiniol’s church shared the challenge of staging various, unique, commemorative events. Once the bicentenary had been announced at the start of the year, The Library, its legacy and aspirations for the future were to receive widespread attention from the main-stream media. For the people of modern Hawarden -these were to be exciting times! 

John Butler, a retired local business man, community observer, amateur film-maker and self-styled documentarian wanted to learn more. And so was born the "Gladstone 2009 Bicentenary Volunteer Archive Project". “Legacy and Faith”, is one of a series of short, personal-interview features made for deposit with our Wales National Archives. Assuming the mantle of "curious observer" JB attempts to capture something of that time for posterity. In this film we witness the background, enthusiasms and aspirations for the future of the Library, as voiced by St Deiniol’s Chief Executive and Warden, Rev. Peter Francis. 

A year or so after this interview was recorded, St Deiniol’s was renamed as "Gladstone's Library". It continues today hosting a variety of study and cultural events in the Gladstonian tradition of earnest but popular engagement -as well as being a permanent home to a growing collection of books, printed items and archive material that reflect the former Prime Minister's main interests in history, literature, theology, and politics. Rev Peter Frances took up the position of Warden of "St Deiniol's Library" in 1997. He notably introduced an active literary program and "Gladfest2. From a religious perspective, he has broadened the library from being predominantly Anglican to including all Christian denominations as well as other religions. 

Upon his retirement in 2022, the Library Trustees wrote, “Peter has dedicated 25 years to transforming the Library into the much-loved and important institution it is today, making it a beacon of Gladstonian liberalism in the world, as well as creating a welcoming place to nourish mind, body, and soul. The Trustees will miss his thoughtful, inspiring, and outstanding leadership". 

Peter Francis is a Visiting Professor in the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at the University of Chester. Links: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladsto... 

Notes: The "Gladstone 2009 Bicentenary Community Archive" is a volunteer-led, private initiative devised, produced and funded by John Butler. Contact: [email protected] 

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