Grave of Robert Stephen "Moelwynfab"
Robert Stephen (d.1879)
Police officer Robert Stephen was well known in his time as the composer of the popular song “Yr Alarch” (The Swan). His bardic name was Moelwynfab (“son of Moelwyn”), a reference to the mountains overlooking his native Vale of Ffestiniog.
Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru
The National Library of Wales
He was one of the first employees of the Meirionethshire Constabulary, founded c.1857, and had been promoted to sergeant by 1870. He worked in various towns during his police career, latterly in Conwy.
Robert’s uncle, Edward Stephen (“Tanymarian”) was a prolific composer, creator of the first Welsh oratorio. In 1864, Edward was the adjudicator of an anthem composition competition at the eisteddfod of Cymreigyddion Bethesda – and chose his nephew’s entry as the winner! To avoid accusations of nepotism, he asked the organising committee to send all 13 entries to another adjudicator, whose decision he would accept. The committee members declined, as they trusted Edward’s skill and honesty.
Robert wrote poetry as well as songs. Both were set as pieces for recitation or singing at eisteddfodau. He was also an accomplished conductor, leading massed chapel choirs at many a cymanfa ganu (communal hymn-singing festival).
He died in December 1879, aged 52, according to the dates on his gravestone (a family notice in the press said he was 49 at his death). His wife Catherine died aged 71 in 1901 and is also buried here.