The Oldest Person in the World From Swansea 👵

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Good morning, Swansea!

This week, grab a cuppa and read about the amazing story of Swansea resident Anna Eliza Williams, who was once officially recognised as the oldest person in the world.

Catch you on Sunday!

Andrew.

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Is There Something in the Water?

“Can it be pure coincidence that two of the oldest people in the world live just a few miles from each other in Swansea?“

That’s the question The Evening Post posed in December 1987 in an article titled, “Why do we have so many oldies?” 

No conclusive evidence was offered (was it environmental factors, genes, or just plain luck?), but one of these so-called “oldies” was, for a time, the oldest person in the world.

Swansea’s Anna Eliza Williams lived to the remarkable age of 114 years and 208 days, and was recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest person in the world in 1987.

She was born in Burford, Shropshire, on June 2nd, 1873, but moved to Swansea in 1906 after marrying her husband, William Henry Williams. She worked as a domestic cook, and he was a carpenter.

Anna’s life spanned a remarkable period of history. Born before the invention of the motor car, the aeroplane, and television, she witnessed the transformations of the 20th century firsthand. She lived through two World Wars, the rise and fall of empires, and monumental shifts in technology and society.

Officially the Oldest

Anna’s recognition as the oldest living person came after the death of Japanese supercentenarian Shigechiyo Izumi in February 1986 (whose 120-year-old age was later questioned), but Williams had the birth certificate to prove it.

“No other person has ever been able to prove such a great age with a birth certificate,” said a spokesperson for Guinness World Records. “Many historical claims to longevity have not been as fully documented as this one.”

What was the secret to Anna’s long life? “I never smoked, and I always ate plenty of vegetables,” she was quoted in 1985, and “no pills or medicine unless you have to.”.

Her daughter Constance said that it was difficult to comprehend that her Mum was the oldest person in the world, adding “Although longevity does run in the family, she has never had a lot of rich things to eat.”

Fifteen Royal Telegrams

In 1969 at age 96, Anna moved into the Tuxedo Home for Elderly People on Eaton Crescent in the Uplands, where she attributed her advanced age to a “life of idleness” - a light-hearted nod to the care she received from staff there.

She celebrated her centenary in June 1973, and two years later was noted for hand-delivering her vote for the UK to stay in the common market during the EEC membership referendum in 1975 - one of the oldest people to do so.

Anna received 15 telegrams from the Queen in total, including her last in June 1987. Her birthdays were a modest affair, where she enjoyed a slice of cake and a small glass of sherry.

On her 114th birthday, Anna was visited by Guinness World Records co-founder Norris McWhirter. Head Nurse at the Tuxedo nursing home explained how they would be celebrating: "We'll have a get together with Anna's friends and family… She's marvellous, in good health and feeling well."

Anna Passes Away

Anna died peacefully six months later on December 27th, 1987, at the age of 114 years, 208 days. “She died really of old age” said Hugh Gardener, assistant director of West Glamorgan Social Services. “She just sort of ran out of steam.”

There must have been something in the genes. Anna was one of eight siblings, all of whom lived to be over 90 (one sister died at age 101), and her mother also lived to the impressive age of 98.

Anna’s daughter Constance also lived to a grand old age. She celebrated her 107th birthday in October 2013, but died less than a year later at 107 years, 253 days.

Whatever the reason for the family’s long lives, it seems that good Welsh cooking and a healthy appetite were central to it. Of her mother, Constance concluded, “She eats everything put in front of her and enjoys it... She enjoyed her life and particularly her food.”

Anna Williams: June 2nd, 1873 - December 27th, 1987

Catch you on Sunday!

Andrew.