Brought into being through the determination, enthusiasm for learning, and generosity of ordinary Welsh people, the establishment of the University of Wales by Royal Charter in 1893 was regarded as one of the most important political and social developments in the nineteenth century. The University of Wales has a long and proud history, playing an important role in the development of higher education in Wales. Through the University’s support for the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies (CAWCS), Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru (The Welsh Dictionary), Gregynog Hall (bequeathed to the University in the 1960’s) and the University of Wales Press, it helped to promote and celebrate the language, heritage and culture of Wales.