[2] Samwell became a surgeon in the Royal Navy and between 1776 and 1779 he sailed around the world with Captain James Cook on board HMS Resolution.

[3] As a ship's surgeon it was Samwell's job to ensure the crew's health did not deteriorate over the long journeys to the Pacific Ocean.

[5] The society was initially formed for men from North Wales, but gradually the membership grew to accept all Welshmen.

He was described as 'tall, stout, black-haired, pock-marked, fierce looking, wondrous friendly in company' and when teased he would close one eye and look for a pot to throw at his tormenter.

[5] In 1792 Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams) organised here the first meeting of Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain at Primrose Hill in London.