The Eisteddfod: A History

The National Eisteddfod: A History

There is no mention of the Eisteddfod as we think of it today until the year 1176. At that time, a meeting was held at Cardigan Castle under the patronage of Lord Rhys, one of the princes of South Wales. There is not much mention of the Eisteddfod afterward for several centuries.

The first time the Eisteddfod unified with the Gorsedd was in Carmarthen in 1819. From then on, Eisteddfodau were held consistently, and the National Eisteddfod won its place in the hearts of the Welsh people.

In 1860, it was decided to have one major Eisteddfod every year, and it was in Aberdare in 1861, that the first National Eisteddfod was held. Except for the years of war in 1914 and 1940 and the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, the National Eisteddfod has now been held continuously since 1880. 

A Summary of the history of the National Eisteddfod

• The beginning: in 1176, Lord Rhys held the first 'eisteddfod' that we know of. He held two major competitions at Cardigan Castle; one in poetry and the other in music.

• Rapid decline: similar competitions were held during the 15th and 16th centuries. During this period, the term 'eisteddfod' was coined. However, these events declined during the reign of Henry VIII.

• Revival: the Welsh societies in London gave new life to the eisteddfod tradition at the end of the 18th century. Iolo Morganwg, the founder of the Gorsedd of Bards ceremonies, played an important role in the work of reviving the eisteddfod on a national scale, by connecting the Gorsedd with the organization.

• 'National Eisteddfod' Official: in Denbigh in 1860, a Council and General Committee were elected to manage the 'Eisteddfod', a brand new national organization. The first official 'National Eisteddfod' was held the following year in Aberdare.

The History of Gorsedd of Bards And The Significance of The Robes

The Gorsedd of Bards (or Gorsedd of Bards of the Island of Britain) is a society of poets, writers, musicians, artists, and others who have made contributions to Wales, the Welsh language, and its culture.

They can be seen during the week of the National Eisteddfod dressed in white, green, and blue, led by the Archdruid.

The colors denote the different degrees within the Gorsedd, and as there are three pillars in the Sign of the Gorsedd, there are also three orders within the Gorsedd.

Urdd Ofydd: green dress, which includes Bardd Ofydd, Cerdd Ofydd, and Llên Ofydd. This order is accepted for those who have succeeded in the first two examinations of the Orsedd or for those who are accepted for Honor.

Urdd Bardd | Ieithydd | Cerddor | Lenor: (Bard | Linguist | Musician | Author): blue dress. For those who've succeeded in the third examination of the Orsedd. Graduates who succeeded in Welsh, Welsh literature or music can apply to be accepted into this Urdd.

Urdd Derwydd: white dress. Restricted to poets, writers, musicians, scholars, scientists, or artists, either from among those who are already members of the Order, or from among those outside it, for work of nationally recognized standard.

More About The Gorsedd

Those who have won the Chair or Crown of the National Eisteddfod are recognized as Chief Poets and they are honored for their robes. The principal writers are the winners of the National Eisteddfod Literature Medal and the Archdruid is elected from among these and the Chief Poets. Every candidate for ordination in the Order must be able to speak Welsh.

Among the members of the Order are Bryn Terfel, Ioan Gruffudd, and Matthew Rhys, former rugby player Gareth Edwards, and athlete Tanni Grey-Thompson.

The Archdruid

The Archdruid is the Head of the Gorsedd. He is elected for a period of three years and is responsible for leading the ceremonies of the Gorsedd during the week of the Eisteddfod, namely the Coronation Ceremony, the Literature Medal, and the Chairing.

The Beginning of the Gorsedd

The Gorsedd was established on Primrose Hill in London, and started in 1792 by Iolo Morganwg, a man eager to inform the world there were direct connections between the Welsh people and Celtic culture.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the Gorsedd of Bards was officially linked with the Eisteddfod during an Eisteddfod at the Llwyn Iorwg Hotel in Carmarthen. This connection continues to this day.

The Circle of The Stones

Circles of stones, are a feature of many towns and villages across Wales, left to mark the National Eisteddfod's visit to that particular location. Nowadays, artificial stones are transported from Eisteddfod to Eisteddfod annually. Each of these circles of stones, are referred to, not surprisingly, as 'The Circle of The Stones.'