The hand-drawn coded letter, which is followed by a fuller text un-coded version, was found within the Bryn Diogel Lodge minute book, 1879-1890.  

The letter was written by William Weightman to his ‘dearest’ Fanny and he declares his undying love and devotion to her, as well as his intentions to horsewhip Bill Robirson, a possible rival for her affections. 

The love letter is made up of symbols, numbers and letters; not unlike the language used in modern day text messaging.  Amongst others, William used drawings of eyes to represent ‘I’, a sketch of a fan followed by the letter E for ‘Fanny’, the letter W followed by a picture of a hen to stand for ‘when’ and the letter H followed by the figure 8 for ‘hate’.  The code is very inventive and trying to translate it has been an entertaining task for the Archive’s staff members. 

Elisabeth Bennett, Swansea University Archivist, said “It is surprising to come across such an intriguing item in a minute book. Everyone we have shown it to has had a lot of fun reading it.” 

It is not known exactly how old the letter is or why it was written in the Bryn Diogel Lodge minute book, but it is a truly remarkable discovery nonetheless.

The letter can be roughly translated to read as:

My dearest Fanny 

I am writing these few lines to tell you that I cannot live any longer without you.  I worship you always.  I think you are a beauty and the nicest girl I ever saw and I adore you.  Oh exquisite Fanny, do not despise me for loving you so well.  I shall be broken-hearted if you desert me.  Can you meet me on Monday night, when I will take you to the Star Music Hall.  I hate that Bill Robirson, who is hanging after you and I intend to horsewhip him when I see him I shall be delighted to hear from you at once.  Do not let my suit fruitless.  Reply by next post to

Your loving

William Weightman

Swansea University Archives holds a significant collection of archives relating to the local area and the University, including the internationally renowned South Wales Coalfield Collection. For more information, please visit: www.swansea.ac.uk/lis/historicalcollections/Archives

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