At the last meeting of the Tenby Historical Society, members heard about the little known connection between the famous literary figure, Dr. Johnson, and Pembrokeshire. Mark Muller divided his talk into three parts. He first described the life and work of Dr. Samuel Johnson, known today mainly for his pioneering dictionary, but a leading figure in the 18th century literary life of London. The second part covered Zachariah Williams, of Rosebush, and his daughter Anna, and the third brought them together with Dr. Johnson. In 1714, following a major nautical disaster which resulted from poor navigation, Parliament announced an award of £20,000 for the first person to develop an accurate means of measuring longitude at sea. Zachariah Williams had developed a way of assessing longitude based on the variation between the magnetic and true poles, and set off for London with his daughter to claim his prize. However, the sheer volume of those bidding for the award and the lethargy of the Navy Board which was empowered to grant it, made this a lengthy and difficult process. Dr. Johnson came to know the Williams' and helped Zachariah to mount his case - without success - and when Zachariah's funds dried up, Dr. Johnson assisted him. The friendship between the men strengthened as Anna Williams became closer to Tetty, Samuel Johnson's wife, and when Zachariah Williams died, Tetty and Samuel gave Anna a home. When Tetty died, Dr. Johnson continued to provide a home for Anna Williams who took on the role of housekeeper. Her room is still preserved in Dr. Johnson's house in Gough Street. The next meeting of the Tenby Historical Society will be at 7.30 on Tuesday, May 1, at the Tenby Bowling Club in Sutton Street when local historian and journalist, Vernon Scott, will share his reminiscences. There is an admission charge of £2 and all are welcome.
