National Anthem writers’ memorial, Caerphilly

button-theme-textileNational Anthem writers’ memorial, Caerphilly

This sculpture was installed in 2020 to commemorate Caerphilly’s link with the writers of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, the Welsh national anthem.

The anthem’s words were written by Evan James and the tune by his son James. Evan was born in 1809 in a Caerphilly cottage called Bryn Golau, which stood near the present location of Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall (north-east of the castle, where Bedwas Road diverges from Castle Street).

Evan earned his living as a wool merchant, weaver and innkeeper. His musical son James was born at the Ancient Druid Inn in Argoed, north of Blackwood, while Evan was landlord there. Later the family moved to Pontypridd, where a memorial to both men is located. Evan died in 1878 and is buried in Pontypridd.

The oldest existing version of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau includes all three verses and dates from 1856. There is some dispute whether the words or tune came first!

The sculpture was commissioned by Caerphilly Town Council and created by Rubin Eynon of Glynneath. It combines the forms of a dragon and a harp. The harp’s sound-box displays the words of the anthem’s three verses and chorus.

Postcode: CF83 1JL

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FOOTNOTES
: The anthem’s words

Mae hen wlad fy nhadau yn annwyl i mi,
Gwlad beirdd a chantorion, enwogion o fri.
Ei gwrol ryfelwyr, gwladgarwyr tra mad,
Tros ryddid collasant eu gwaed.
Gwlad. Gwlad. Pleidiol wyf i'm gwlad.
Tra môr yn fur
I'r bur hoff bau.
O bydded i'r hen iaith barhau.

Hen Gymru fynyddig, paradwys y bardd,
Pob dyffryn, pob clogwyn, i'm golwg sydd hardd.
Trwy deimlad gwladgarol, mor swynol yw si
Ei nentydd, afonydd, i mi.
Gwlad. Gwlad etc.

Os treisiodd y gelyn fy ngwlad dan ei droed,
Mae hen iaith y Gymry mor fyw ag erioed.
Ni luddiwyd yr awen gan erchyll law brad,
Na thelyn berseiniol fy ngwlad.
Gwlad. Gwlad etc.