A Short History of Castell Coch

Castell Coch (the Red Castle) sits proudly on the side of a hill overlooking North Cardiff and the valley that carries the River Taff.

Its fairytale appearance belies the history that the building contains in its stones. There has been a fortress on the site since the end of the 11th century when an earth and timber motte castle was built there by Norman lords to defend their land. Both Ifor Bach and Gruffud ap Rhys are two Welsh rulers of Senghennydd whose names are linked to the castle.

During the 13th century, the de Clare family, the Norman lords of Glamorgan made great gains against the Welsh in the upland regions of their disputed territory. It was during this time that it is thought the castle was reconstructed into a stone one, with a small oval courtyard with three circular towers. It was probably Gilbert de Clare (the builder of Caerphilly Castle) who added the towers in the 1280s. It is the spur buttresses at the base of the round towers that suggest it was of Norman design, but it seems that the castle was abandoned in 1316 after Llewellyn Bren led an army against the de Clares in 1316. It was never repaired and the castle fell into ruin.

By 1871, like many other castles in Wales, the castle was an overgrown ruin. Crucially however, it happened to be owned by John Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute - one of the richest men in the world. The Marquess was a landed aristocrat and an industrial magnate, owing a lot of this wealth from his father who had risked a long-term strategy in building Cardiff into one of the busiest coal-exporting ports in the world. Lord Bute had a great interest in religion, medievalism, the occult, and architecture. He had already enlisted the services of William Burges to remodel Cardiff Castle in his own unique style of gothic fantasy.  

In 1872, Bute began his project of Castle Coch by asking Burges to look into the possibility of restoring the castle. Burges produced the report and work began in 1875. The castle was to be transformed into a summer home for the Marquess. The restoration was a complete one, but Burges was not to see the finished article. He died in 1881, ten years before completion of the work. His detailed drawings of the interiors allowed his team of craftsmen to complete the task without him. It took sixteen years for the castle to be transformed into the building we know and recognise today.


The castle may have an authentic medieval look to the exterior but the interiors are Victorian fantasy, richly decorated and highly imaginative. After a visit to Castell Coch, it is worth visiting nearby Cardiff Castle to see the ultimate example of the collaboration between Lord Bute and William Burges. At the time of completion, the castle represented a medieval structure, but it did have all the modern conveniences of its time - flushing toilets, central heating and a working kitchen made it habitable. Burges also left behind some justifications for his use of the conical towers, which some historians question for authenticity. Burges wanted them simply for visual effect.   

The Keep Tower, the Well Tower and the Kitchen Tower incorporate a series of apartments; of which the main sequence, the Castellan's Rooms, lie within the Keep. The Hall, the Drawing Room, Lord Bute's Bedroom and Lady Bute's bedroom comprise a suite of rooms that exemplify the High Victorian Gothic style in 19th century Britain. However some of the poorer interior decorations can be attributed to work carried out after Burges' early death in 1881. Some of the painted decoration is based on patterns found in Welsh castles. The Drawing Room and Lady Bute's bedroom have ceilings and wall paintings that are almost equal to the best achieved at Cardiff Castle.

The decoration and even the smallest details - such as the door handles and the window latches were carefully considered. Even some of the walls feature paintings of various animals, including birds, monkeys and squirrels, as well as mythological beings.

The uppermost story of the Keep Tower holds Lady Bute's Bedroom, painted in brilliant colours with gilt and mirrors lighting up the double-domed chamber.  Apart from the large bed, the furniture in Lady Bute's Room is simplistic and uncomfortable - a result of Burges determination to keep true to the medieval character of the castle.

In 1950, the 5th Marquess of Bute placed the Castle in the care of the Ministry of Works. It is now administered by CADW on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales.

Castell Coch has made numerous appearances in TV and film productions. Drivers can also spot the magical- looking castle from the M4 as they pass the Coryton Interchange.

by Patric Morgan

Pope Benedict XVI wishes every success to the Mass in honour of Saint John Roberts in Cymer Abbey

This summer the hallowed ruins of Cymer Abbey near Dolgellau will host one of the largest open-air events to be held in Wales during 2010. Three choirs, the massed voices of up to one thousand people and distinguished guests will gather on Sunday, the 6th of June at 2:30pm in a Mass to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the martyrdom of one of Wales’ greatest religious figures - St John Roberts. ‘This promises to be a very moving and emotional tribute’, says Archbishop Peter Smith, the Archbishop of Cardiff. ‘It’s a sad but undeniable truism that a genuine prophet is hardly ever honoured in his own country but I’m hoping that this magnificent Mass will help make St John Roberts as famous in his native Wales as he is in countries like France and Spain’. St John Roberts was born at Rhiw Goch farm near Trawsfynydd and it is believed that he received his early education from a monk at Cymer Abbey before moving to Oxford to study Law. On the completion of his studies he travelled to France and it was here that he converted to Catholicism. He moved to Valladolid in Spain where he trained as a Priest, and returned to London to care for the poor but was exiled many times by the anti-catholic authorities before eventually being sentenced to death in Tyburn on December 10th, 1610. He was canonised by Pope Paul VI in 1970. 'Cymer Abbey is such a perfect location to commemorate the martyrdom of St John Roberts’, said Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, Presiding Officer of the Welsh Assembly. ‘This was one of the many institutions of the Order of the Cistercians which received so much support during the days of the Welsh princes from Llywelyn the 1st and 2nd. They helped develop fishing and sheep farming in Meirionydd and their eventual downfall was a major blow, both in spiritual and social terms. It was St John Robert’s conversion to Catholicism which led to his being created the first prior of the Benedictine college St Gregory and the order’s first martyr in Britain four centuries ago’. Three choirs – St Joseph’s Schola from Pwllheli, the Wrexham Diocesan Choir and the Newcastle Emlyn Choir - will be present under the musical supervision of Gillian Williams FRCO and, in addition, the Mass will attract a distinguished ecclesiastical presence including Monsignor Brian Udaigwe - First Consellor to the Apostolic Nuncio, who will be making a special journey from the Vatican to represent His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. On behalf of His Holiness Pope Benedict, Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, First Counsellor to the Apostolic Nuncio, wishes every success to the Mass in honour of St John Roberts in Cymer Abbey on 6th June, 2010. Monsignor Brian will be representing the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Faustino Sainz Munoz at the Mass. ‘We are delighted that the Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain will be represented at the celebration by Monsignor Brian Udaigwe, First Consellor to the Papal Nuncio’, says Archbishop Peter Smith, ‘this will be a very special ecumenical occasion in which we will be able to celebrate the life and sacrifice of a very remarkable man’. ‘For us in Dolgellau’ says the town’s Member for Parliament Elfyn Llwyd, ‘St John Roberts is more than a local hero- he was a national and, indeed- as the tremendous interest this event has inspired tends to suggest- an international hero too. I am looking forward to attending the Mass and honouring his memory.’ In recognition of St John Roberts’ period of study in Spain the Mass will welcome inhabitants of the city of Valladolid together with representatives of the Abbeys of Belmont and Downside of the Benedictine Congregation (St John Roberts founded Downside Abbey in 1605). Non-ecclesiastical dignitaries will include the Mayor of Dolgellau, the Chairperson of Gwynedd Council and numerous local dignitaries. It is also hoped that a 100 year old replica of the Cymer Abbey Chalice and Patten from the National Museum of Wales will be on display on the altar during the Mass. Following the open-air Mass St John Roberts will be further honoured between the 15th and 18th of July with a pilgrimage from Wales to London where- on the 10th of December 1610 - St John Roberts was martyred at Tyburn. The highlight of this pilgrimage will be a multi-faith service at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 17th July attended by the heads of all the Churches including The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams and The Archbishop of Westminster, Vincent Nicholls. Both Archbishops will be addressing the event (Archbishop Rowan in Welsh and Archbishop Vincent in English) and all the Archbishops and Bishops of Wales, Catholic and Anglican, will be present. During the service, Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas will unveil a newly-commissioned mosaic of St David and the Most Reverend Peter Smith will host a reception after the service. ‘By recognizing and celebrating our religious heritage’, says Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, ‘we recognize also the unfortunate divisions and prejudices that lie within religions both in the past and in the present age. I am hopeful that we can come together in prayer and hope for greater understanding between communities and religious convictions- understanding which can benefit us all both today and well into the future’. Find more photos like this on Americymru Images of Cymer Abbey by Jeffrey L. Thomas

Last night's unique mass at Dolgellau launches a year-long celebration for Wales Saint

Last night, Thursday 10th December 2009, a unique bilingual Mass was held in a small Church in Dolgellau, launching a year of celebrations for Saint John Roberts, of Trawsfynydd, who was executed 400 years ago at Tybyrn . The year of celebrations will run from the 10th of December 2009 until the 10th of December 2010. The sequence of events taking place throughout the year will lead up to a landmark event to be held in Westminster Cathedral, London on 17th July 2010 where, for the first time ever, the Head of the Catholic Church, Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols, and Head of the Anglican Church, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, will unite with Wales’ religious leaders to celebrate the life of one of Wales’ Saints. Last night, the 10th of December, at the Catholic Church of Our Lady of Seven Sorrows in Dolgellau, Bishop Edwin Regan celebrated a bilingual Mass where people from all denominations, and of no denomination, gathered. A number of priests from Wales and beyond concelebrated the Mass alongside Father Joshy, the Parish Priest who originates from India, and who is learning Welsh. Father Joshy also took part in the opening service at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Bala. Sue Roberts, Vice-Chairman of the Catholic Circle (Cylch Catholig), who is organising the year-long celebrations alongside the Saint John Roberts working group said: “The Mass is a very special one, with Dolgellau’s Nuns of the Carmelite Order receiving special permission to leave the Convent to join us. This is a very rare event. Only once before have the Nuns been in the parish church, despite the Convent being only a few hundred yards from the church”. Amongst those attending the launch last night was Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales, who said “The remembrance of the martyrdom St John Roberts is an opportunity to reflect on the devastating effect of mixing religions and political prejudice and the lack of tolerance among people of different beliefs. Being present at this special Mass in Dolgellau is a chance to remember the importance of our Catholic tradition in Wales and our vital relationship with the rest of Europe”. Also attending were Delwyn Evans - the Mayor of Dolgellau, and a number of County Councilors from the town and Meirionydd. Canon Andrew Jones - the Rural Dean of Llyn and Eifionydd - represented the Bishop of Bangor - the Right Reverend Andrew John, and Brother Dewi Jones attended from Ireland, a fluent Welsh speaker (full name: Alun Idris Jones). In addition to this, His Honour Huw Morgan Daniel, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, a representative of the Royal Family was also present at the launch. The music on the evening was in the capable hands of Paul Booth, former Director of Music at Liverpool Cathedral, who had put the words on Saint John Roberts written by Father David Jones to music. They were performed by Tim Hughes for the first time during the service. A banner commissioned by Mrs Sue Booth made specifically for the year of celebrations, was carried for the first time during the church’s procession at the beginning of the Mass. The banner will appear at each event throughout the year. Also present in the congregation was Marian Rees of Tal-y-Llyn whose relations built the Church. The remarkable stonework of the church matches some of the town’s ancient buildings. Following the Mass, a reception was held for all attendees where Keith O’Brien (an expert on the history of Saint John Roberts) gave a presentation on the life of the Saint. Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols sends greetings to honour Wales’ Saint “Dear friends in Christ, It gives me great pleasure to send greetings from Westminster on this feast day of St John Roberts at the beginning of the year long celebration in honour of the 400th anniversary of his martyrdom. St John Roberts was a man who showed his great love for Jesus Christ in the courageous way he spent himself tending to the spiritual and physical needs of the people in that turbulent time. It is good to know that he is praying for us as we follow Christ in our challenging world. As I send these greetings I look forward with great expectation to the celebrations in Westminster Cathedral on 17 July next year. May God bless you all”. Bishop Edwin Regan said “Although the name St John Roberts isn’t as well known today, he is a major figure in our religious history”. “In fact, he is better known across the continent in France and Spain (and also in North Wales). He founded an important monastery in Douai in France before returning to Britain. He was the first Monk to return to Britain following the Protestant Reformation”… “The hostility between the Catholics and Protestants was at it’s height at this stage” he continued. “A Catholic priest could only expect to live for approximately 2 years in Britain during that period”....”It's so positive to see so many Christians from varying churches unite to honour This Holy Man". Sue Roberts continued: “John Roberts was one of our boys”….. “He was only 33 years old when he was executed. His courage and dedication is still a beacon for everyone here in Wales, and it is important that we remember him. He is a Saint for the whole of Wales”. The highlight of the year-long celebrations will be the pilgrimage from Wales to Tyburn in July 2010, which will culminate in a magnificent service in Westminster Cathedral on Saturday the 17th of July. A number of prominent and important people from Wales will be taking part in the service, with every Archbishop and Bishop of Wales in attendance, both Catholic and Anglican. In addition to this, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, will be giving an address in Welsh This will be the first time the Welsh language has been officially used in Westminster Cathedral. Lord Dafydd Ellis-Thomas will be unveiling a mosaic for Saint David and the Cathedral Choir, The London Welsh Chorale, Huw Edwards, Dafydd Iwan, Rhys Meirion, Guto Harri, Mali Fflur, Alwena Roberts and others will also be taking part in the celebrations. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A message from the Archbishop of Wales for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts: My brothers and sisters within Christ, It is encouraging to know that the memory of St John Roberts has brought together Anglicans, Nonconformists and Catholics together during the past year, as co-pilgrims to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). It was also suitable preparation for the year of celebrations which we officially launch here tonight. It is a privilege for us as Anglicans across Wales to share these celebrations and pray for our Catholic brothers and sisters. I’m sending my best wishes and regards and I look forward to being with you at Westminster Cathedral in July. In the name of Christ Barry Cambrensis (The Most Reverand Dr Barry Morgan) Archbishop of Wales ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A message from the Bishop of Bangor for the launch of the 400th year anniversary of the martyrdom of Saint John Roberts: My fellow Christians here in this part of Wales, During the past year - my first year as Bishop of Bangor - it has been a privilege to learn about St John Roberts and in particular his life as one of the first generations of Anglicans in Trawsfynydd and as a Catholic man in Europe. One of the notable benefits of his lasting presence is the way his memory here in North Wales brings Christians together - especially Catholics and Anglicans. My heart warms knowing that Welsh Christians from many denominations began the celebrations last year in Spain and tonight I pray that the launch of the year of celebration of his martyrdom is one of blessing and encouragement. I offer my best wishes and my blessing. In the name of The Risen Christ The Right Reverend Andrew John Bishop of Bangor ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ More Images From the Mass Find more photos like this on Americymru

MI5’s Attempt to Infiltrate Plaid Cymru Inspires Novel

The Prince and the Patriot, published this week, is a lively account of the political divisions and deep resentments surrounding the investiture – 40 years ago – of Charles Windsor as Prince of Wales. Author John D Rogers, who was himself involved with Plaid Cymru at the time, was inspired to write the novel after encountering a suspicious character. “In 1965, when I was at university in Leeds,” Mr Rogers said, “I met a 30-year-old alleged student who told me he was a ‘Liverpool Welshman’ and had been in the Foreign Legion. He wanted to make contact with Plaid Cymru members so he could help the Welsh cause. As I was active in the Welsh Society and had started a West Riding branch of Plaid Cymru for ex-pats, I was quite flattered.” However, events soon started to take a sinister turn. “One day my mother told me he had turned up at the door asking questions about me and wanted to know who belonged to Plaid in Liverpool, where she lived. Later on, he suggested that I should help him to ‘do something about’ the Clywedog reservoir then being built, and reminded me that he had explosives experience. It was then that the warning bells started to ring. I refused his offer and never saw him again. Some time later, I found out that this person was working for MI5.” In the novel, which should appeal to teenage readers and young adults of both sexes, sixth-former Geraint, completely uninterested in politics, finds himself suspended from school for making a stand for the Welsh language. Soon afterwards he joins Plaid Cymru and begins campaigning for them, eventually also becoming a member of the secretive Liberation Army of Wales. Strongly opposed to the investiture, planned for July 1969, the LAW members turn their attention from blowing up water pipelines to a plan to kidnap Charles before the ceremony takes place. However, the book is not all about plotting and politics. Geraint’s burgeoning love affair with English girlfriend Melanie plays a major role as she tries to warn him of the agent provocateur aiming to expose the plotters. John D Rogers lives in Nantymoel, South Wales. A retired English teacher (although he still teaches part-time), he has also spent time in the Merchant Navy. The Prince and the Patriot is published by Y Lolfa and is available in book shops and www.ylolfa.com for £6.95.

Wales – do-able in a lifetime, according to historian and author, John Davies

Bijou but beautiful - Wales may be small but that just makes it all the easier to get to know and love. All within easy reach; accessible and inspiring, enchanting and evocative. And if you need more encouragement to get out and about, the inimitable John Davies, one of Wales most admired historians, invites you to wander with him to his definitive list of Wales’ 100 most memorable, historic places in his latest book Cymru: Y 100 lle i’w gweld cyn marw (Wales: the 100 places to see before you die). Known for his talent for bringing history to life, for recounting tales of old, of stories past and present, Davies links up with renowned photographer Marian Delyth to encapture Wales in word and picture. Let your senses travel the four corners of the country, starting on Mynydd Parys on Anglesey and wandering across and down, and round and over, to Pennant Melangell and Pont Cysyllte Aqueduct, Strata Florida and Whitland and Abergavenny, to name but a few, before finishing your journey at Chepstow and the Second Severn Crossing. The list contains firm favorites, Harlech, Beaumaris, Portmeirion, Conwy, The Mumbles and Tenby. But it also gives deserved attention to Wales’s industrial heritage, with stop-offs at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Dowlais, Neath, Rhondda Heritage Park, Blaenafon, Brynmawr and Tredegar. There are more remote locations, a visit to Old Beaupré Castle near Cowbridge, Llanddewi Nant Hodni in Gwent and Barclodiad y Gawres and Bryn Celli Ddu on Anglesey. But there are surprises too, no boat trip to magical Enlli or a beach walk to remote Ynys Llanddwyn and Snowdon mentioned only in passing. John Davies explains, “The places discussed are all evidence of the fruit of the labours of human beings. Places like Llanddwyn and Enlli could well be included in a volume concerned with the hundred places in Wales famed for their natural beauty; indeed such a volume would be a suitable companion to this one.” Do-able over the course of a lifetime by people who love exploring and who appreciate a sense of place, but for Marian Delyth it was a journey of epic proportions. For she, along with her trusty camera, was tasked with representing Davies’ wanderings in photo. It took her months to complete the project but the results are stunning. Her colour photographs capture the spirit of Wales – early morning light in the Tanat Valley and then the sun setting over the sea at Aberystwyth; snow on the slopes of Yr Eifl in March and heather on Foel Drygarn in September. Delyth comments, “This comission was quite a marathon. Photographing a hundred places takes a fair amount of commitment, patience and perseverance. That said, by the end of the journey, my co-author John Davies had led me, in his own inimitable way, to a few gems – places that I’d known very little about, let alone had visited. Places that I’m certain I’ll go back to as I didn’t have enough time to linger this time around. I learnt a lot too, especially about our post-industrial regions, where I often had to look hard for that perfect shot to showcase the remains of our heritage.” A limited edition hard back, numbered and signed by the authors, John Davies and Marian Delyth, retailing at £29.95, is now available to pre-order from publishers Y Lolfa. A paper back version, in coffee table style (220mm x 220mm), priced at £19.95 ISBN 9781847711687, is also being published. Lefi Gruffudd, general manager, for publishing house Y Lolfa added, “Cymru: Y 100 lle i’w gweld cyn mawr (Wales: the 100 places to see before you die) is a must have for the Christmas stocking list, perfect for anyone and everyone who loves Wales and getting out and about. A signed hard back copy is extra special. So, why not take up John Davies’ challenge and do Wales in your lifetime!”

'Tramor' - John Good is Back!

Many people were saddened when they heard the news that Oceans Apart had broken up recently. Well...the good news is that John Good is back with a new musical venture and a new website. 'Tramor' can be contacted via the website HERE , and I am sure that you will all join us in wishing John the very best with his new venture. Pob lwc John! From the website:- "Tramor (Overseas) is the new traditional music project of John Good. John is well known through out the West, South, Midwest and in his native Wales as a multi-instrumentalist, Welsh piper, singer/songwriter, composer and poet. Veteran of many Celtic festivals and concerts, including Estes Park, Chicago, San Diego and Denver, he brings the subtly different flavor of traditional Welsh music to the stage. Along with friends like mandolin virtuoso Billy Parker and the classically trained mistress of the harp Mary Bouley, a Tramor show is an event not to be missed." Hear John perform 'Of Dogs and Cats Mice and Men' here:- Of Dogs and Cats Mice and Men.mp3

From The Left Coast Eisteddfod - John Good on Welsh Poetry

One of the highlights of the recent Left Coast Eisteddfod in Portland , Oregon was a talk given by John Good at the Central Library on the subject of Welsh language poetry. This event was well attended and the talk and the impromptu musical performances which both followed and preceded it were recorded for posterity as a podcast and can be accessed and enjoyed at the following url:- John Good at Portland Central Library. ( There are some problems with sound reproduction in the opening minutes of the recording......please be patient.) John Good's CD - "The First 1500 Years of Welsh Poetry" can be purchased from the Oceans Apart site. John Good at The Left Coast Eisteddfod

Welsh Month at Portland Central Library

Today marks the start of Welsh Month at Portland Central Library. We set up our display case in the foyer this morning and Posters and fliers are on display. We hope to display posters at all 18 Libraries in the Multnomah district and anyone who wants to help us with that is welcome to download and print a pdf of our library poster from the panel at the bottom of this page.

Events will include:-

Wednesday August 19th

Enjoy Welsh language poetry with John Good. John was born in South Wales, into a house where the Welsh language was spoken. Over the past twenty years, he has given bilingual presentations on Welsh culture, sharing poetry, music and literature. Wed Aug 19th 12-1 p.m.
ADMISSION FREE.

An assortment of materials available at the Library on Welsh poetry can be be found HERE

Purchase or listen online to John's "The First Fifteen Hundred Years of Welsh Poetry" HERE

Thursday August 20th

As part of the program authors Niall Griffiths and Chris Keil will be presenting a reading/Q&A session at the library on Thursday August 20th between 12 and 2. ADMISSION FREE

For more info and to rsvp if you will be attending go to this page:- Welsh Month at the Library All three of our guests will also be appearing and giving presentations as part of the daytime program at the Left Coast Eisteddfod.

Meanwhile here are excerpts of interviews in which author Niall Griffiths, explains his passion for reading and writing:

Get Your Welsh Month Link or Poster Here To view a larger image click on the thumbnail above or here. If you live in the Portland area please feel free to embed the code below on your blog or website. The image links to the Americymru Welsh Month at the Library webpage. If you would like to print a copy for display at your local library, download the .pdf here <a href="http://americymru.ning.com/events/welsh-monthcentral-library"><img border="0" src="http://api.ning.com/files/K6l2F1Vx2w1m1L-VbbYJ*qalZ5WtIbajt7LgvhCLkdWV6FpOa7CNgaVOfghiGg-IyYNIR20kN*NppNDzpfiKOJm4J72tVkTS/welshmonth.jpeg"/></a>

A plea to all you Welsh at heart. I need your help! - CLOSE RUN THING!

We have a chance to make a Welsh coal mining song, the “Song Of The Year” at this year’s prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest.

This is one of the world’s biggest contests.

My song “Take Us Down” is a Grand Prize Winner, and as such moves into a head to head on line vote out between two folk songs. To hear the song, please go to - http://www.myspace.com/davidllewellynmusic – the song will fire up automatically.

We will need a lot of votes. Everyone can vote once a day – everyday – until the 27th of April. Here is a link to a news page on my website. It explain how easy it is to vote. http://davidllewellyn.com/news.html After the first time, it just takes three clicks.

I wrote the song after visiting “Big Pit” in Blaenavon which has been left a museum and epitaph to the Welsh coalmining industry as it was 100 years ago. http://www.world-heritage-blaenavon.org.uk/visit/places-of-interest/bigpit.htm The song follows a small boy’s first day “underground”, and his father’s heartbreaking thoughts.

Chances like this don’t come up very often. Please vote. Please spread the word to all your friends/lists/myspace/facebook etc. and ask them to vote too.

Thank you
David Llewellyn

Here is the direct link - http://www.jlsc.com/vote.php

VOTE HERE FOR "TAKE US DOWN" - HEAR THE SONG BELOW

Find more music like this on Americymru

Peter Thabit Jones and John Good to Judge Left Coast Eisteddfod Poetry Competition!

We are immensely proud and pleased to announce that Peter Thabit Jones and John Good will judge the entries in the Left Coast Eisteddfod Poetry competition ( English and Welsh language categories respectively ). First prize for both ctegories in this competition wiil be $100 (65GBP approx ). Second and third place prizes to be announced soon. The final submission date for entries is July 31st 2009. To submit your entry please go to this page and read the rules carefully before entering:- Left Coast Eisteddfod 2009 Poetry Competition Group. The competition is open to non-Americymru members but the submission procedure is slightly different.

Peter and John will need no introduction to most of our readers but just in case here are a few links:-

Peter Thabit Jones Website

Peter Thabit Jones on MySpace

Interview With John Good on Americymru

Oceans Apart Website

Peter Thabit Jones reading several of his poems on poetryvlog

Oceans Apart at the "Trans Celtic Gala" show, 2008

Oceans Apart - Oceans Together .....An Interview With John Good

"Oceans Apart" is basically John Good and Steve Colby. Where did you meet and what led to the formation of the band?

Oedd Steve a fi ar yr un sesiwn recordio am gyfaill y ddau ohonon, ond yn chwarae mewn bandiau gwahanol. Fel sy’n digwydd yn aml yn y busnes cerddorol, mae’r ddau fand wedi mynd i’r wal yn ein gadael ni rydd i lyfu ein clwyfau ac ail-ddechrau o’r lludw, llwch … yn Phoenix. Crwt o Gymru ac Ohio yn canu caneuon ac alawon Celtaidd yn yr anialwch: Oceans Apart.

Steve and I were on the same recording session for a mutual friend, but were playing in different bands. As happens often in the music business, the two bands fell apart leaving us free to lick our wounds and start again from the ashes, dust…in Phoenix. A boy from Wales and Ohio singing and playing Celtic songs and tunes in the desert: Oceans Apart.

What proportion of your output is your own material and what proportion comes from traditional sources?

Mae’r mwyafrif o’n defnydd yn dod o’r alawon a chaneuon traddodiadol Cymreig, Albanaidd a Gwyddelig, ond mae rhaid i bawb gwneud rhywbeth personol ohonyn, trwy drefniadau meddylgar a diddorol, a thrwy ddehongliadau unigryw ar y llwyfan. Felly, dw i’n meddwl ohonof i fy hun fel rhan o’r cyfansoddiad terfynol.

The majority of our material comes from the traditional tunes and songs of Wales, Scotland and Ireland, but everyone must make something personal of them, through thoughtful and interesting arrangements and through unique interpretations on the stage. So, I think of myself as a part of the final composition.

What are your major sources for traditional music? How important is traditional music in your repertoire?

Robin Huw Bowen, Huw Bach Roberts, Plethyn, mam a mam-gu, casgliadau John Parry Ddall ac eraill, hen recordiau maes, Nansi Richards, Ceri Rhys Mathews, Stephen Rees, Sally Harper Prif Ysgol Bangor, Y We……Mae rhaid i bawb sy’n canu dechrau gan adeiladu ar y gorffennol. Yr unig beth yw faint ac mewn pa gyfeiriad yr ydych chi’n moyn mynd o’r ffynhonnell. Dw i’n moyngweithio yn ofalus i barchu’r traddodiad heb gwympo i mewn i’r faglu orhy lawer o ailadroddiad.

Robin Huw Bowen, Huw “Bach” Roberts, Plethyn, mam a mamgu, collections of John Parry Ddall and others, old field recordings, Nansi Richards, Ceri Rhys Mathews, Stephen Rees, Sally Harper, Bangor University, Y We……Everyone who sings (plays)must begin by building on the past. The only thing is how far and in what direction you want to go from the source. I want to work carefully to respect the tradition without falling into the pitfall of too much repetition.

How important is music generally in establishing and asserting Wales' identity in America?

Cerddoriaeth sy’n gallu pontio iaith, ffydd, lliw, cefnforoedd, dosbarth, gwrthwynebiad, oed ….unrhyw gwestiynau eraill?

Music is able to bridge language, faith, colour, oceans, class, opposition, age…. Any other questions?

Do you find that audiences are generally aware that Wales has its own musical traditions or are they somewhat overshadowed by the Scottish and Irish traditions?

Unwaith, arhosais ym Mississippi am betrol. Gofynnodd i fi'r ferch yn yr orsaf ble y ces i fy magu. “Cymru” dwedais. “Gyrraist ti?” Meddai. Mae’n gryn dipyn yn well ymhlith pobl gyda chysylltiad â’r Alban neu Iwerddon, ond Cymru ydy’r llysblentyn pen coch o hyd cofiwch.

Once I stopped for gas in Mississippi. The girl in the station asked me were I was from. “Wales” I said. “Did you drive?” she asked. It’s quite a lot better amongst people with a connection with Scotland and Ireland, but Wales is still the redheaded stepchild remember.

You are also a keen student and exponent of Welsh poetry. Does this play a role in your music?

Yn Y Gymraeg dyna un hen air am gan a phennill: Cerdd. Wel i ddweud y gwir, cerdd dant ydy cerddoriaeth a cherdd dafod yw farddoniaeth. Os welodd fy hendadau ddim angen i wahanu’r ddau, does dim angen arnaf i. Fel bara a menyn, seidr a haf, teulu, cyfeillion, gwlad a chariad, dyna bethau sydd yn anwahanadwy yn wastad.

In Welsh, there is one old word for a song and poem: Cerdd. Well to tell the truth Cerdd Dant (art with or of a string?) is Music and Cerdd Dafod (tongue music/art) is poetry. If my forefathers didn’t see a need to separate the two, neither do I. Like bread and butter, cider and summer, family, friends, country and love there are things forever inseparable.

A great many new bands and performers are coming to the forefront in Wales today. Do you think that there is something of a musical revival going on in Wales at the moment?

Na, nid diwygiad yw ond ffrwydrad! O’r diwedd oddi wrth ddwy ochr dafod y ddraig, stim ots pa fath neu arddull, oed y perfformwyr, milltir sgwâr, capel neu eglwys, dyna deimlad hyderus dros ben yn y bryniau, cymoedd, dros y bont, yn y fro, ar y traethau a thramor bod cerddorion Cymreig yn gallu sefyll ochr gan ochr gyda gorau’r byd. Nid ond yng ngherddoriaeth ond yn farddoniaeth, drama, busnes ac ar y meysydd chwarae ein hysbryd unigryw sy’n codi! Hwre!!

No, not a revival but an explosion! At last from both sides of the dragon’s tongue, no matter what kind or style, age of performer, birthplace, chapel or church, there’s an exceptional feeling of confidence in the hills, valleys, over the bridge, in the bro, on the beaches and overseas that Welsh musicians can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. Not only in music but also in poetry, drama, business and on the sports’ field our unique spirit is rising! Hooray!!

The song "The Grangetown Whale" brings back many happy memories of similar exploits for me. Is this song based on personal experience?

Ysgrifennwyd "The Grangetown Whale" gan Frank Hennessy i eiriau’n fardd lleol yn disgrifio’r llifogydd Caerdydd 1979, ond dyna fwy i’r chwedl : Grangetown Whale

"The Grangetown Whale" was written by Frank Hennessy to words written by a local poet about the 1979 Cardiff flood, but there is more to the tale: Grangetown Whale

You studied music under Alun Hoddinott at Cardiff University (or UCC as it then was). Do you have any particular recollections of him that you would like to share?

Y Mae’r athro Alun Hoddinott, fel Grace Williams yn ddirfawr ym myd cerddorol clasurol y Cymry, a oedd braint tu hwnt i gael y dyn galluog hwn yn pori ar draws f’ymgais ond, i ddweud y gwir, yn ystod y saithdegau, oedd Caerdydd ar dan gyda lleoedd fel Chapter yn dangos ffilmiau Ewropeaidd am hanner nos, cyngherddau avant-garde, roc, jazz, barddoniaeth gyfoes, celfyddyd, dramâu a phobl gydag yr un eisiau i greu, trafod a byw'r gwrthryfel cymdeithasol/hunan-addysgol. Felly dw i wedi dysgu mwy, mewn ffordd, tu fas yr ystafell ysgol. Hefyd wrth gwrs yr oedd y Brains, caru-rydd, gwyliau roc, clwbiau gwerin, darllediadau barddoniaeth, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, e.e cumings, John Cage, John Coltrane, John Lennon, Eric Dolphy, Wildman Fischer, Stockhausen, Henry Cooper (y ddau), Ferlinghetti, Escher, Monty Python, Albi, Dylan, i enwi ond yn ychydig!!

Alun Hoddinott, like Grace Williams, are huge in the classical musical world of the Welsh, and it was an honour to have this brilliant man pore over my efforts but, to tell the truth, in the 70’s Caerdydd was on fire with places like Chapter showing late-night European films, avant-garde, rock, jazz, modern poetry, art, drama and people who only wanted to create, discuss and live the social/self-educational revolution. So, I learnt more outside the schoolroom. Also of course there was Brains, free love, rock festivals, folk clubs, poetry readings, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, e.e cumings, John Cage, John Coltrane, John Lennon, Eric Dolphy, Wildman Fischer, Stockhausen, Henry Cooper (both), Ferlinghetti, Escher, Monty Python, Albi, Dylan, to name but a few!

Where can people see the band in the near future? Are there any tours or live performances coming up?

Byddwch ân aros yn glos i Phoenix yn ystod y gaeaf (dyn ni ddim yn dwp!), gyda theithiau yn dechrau gyda gwanwyn ac yn yr haf cynnar (manylion ar y gweill o hyd). Caiff ein hamserlen ei gyhoeddi mis i fis ar ein safle We: OceansApart

We will be staying close to Phoenix during the winter (we’re not stupid!), with trips beginning in the spring and early summer (details still in progress). Our schedule is published month to month on our web site: OceansApart

When can we expect the next album from "Oceans Apart"?

Wel, yr ydym ni newydd ryddhau albwm Nadolig (The Carol Singing Sea [gwrandwch ar y MP3]) a hefyd, ar yr un bryd yn DVD (weler y tri fideo) wedi’i enwi “Trans Celtic Gala”: Sioe fyw gyda’r band pibau, dawnswyr cam a chyfeillion., y ddau ar gael oddi wrth ein safle We.

Well, we just released a Christmas album (The Carol Singing Sea [listen to the MP3’s below) and also at the same time a DVD called “Trans Celtic Gala” (see the three videos): A live show with a pipe band, step dancers and friends, both available at our web site.

The band is sponsoring "The Left Coast Eisteddfod". What do you feel such an event can achieve for Wales?

Ers talwm, mae wedi bod canfyddiad yn y byd bron i benbaladr bod “Gwlad y Gan” yn golygu corau meibion yn canu emynau, felly dyma’r cyfle i ddangos bod erbyn hyn “Gwlad y Gan” yn golygu Cerddoriaeth draddodiadol, werin, pop, roc, jazz, rap, yn gyffrous, gyfoes, feddylgar, ddoniol, ddwyieithiog, a hefyd cerddoriaeth gorawl. Dw i’n edrych ymlaen dros ben i ddod.

For ages there has been aperception close to universal that “Land of Song” meant male voicechoirs singing hymns, so here’s a chance to show that today “Land of Song” means traditional, folk, pop,rock, jazz, rap music; exciting, contemporary, thoughtful, funny, bi-lingual, and also choral music. I’m really looking forward to coming.

Winifred's Well by John A. Shaffer

This meticulously researched book will be a source of delight to antiquarians and lovers of Wales everywhere. There are many accounts of the circumstances leading to St Winifred's canonisation but few people will be aware of the struggle at the beginning of the last century to save the well that bears her name from industruial despoilation. Likewise only a very select few can claim to have visited the enormous underground lake from which the spring originally flowed.

Mr Shaffer's quest began after the chance discovery of a statue of St Winifred in the most unlikely of places.... a public park in Hudson N.Y! His determination to investigate all aspects of her story subsequently led him to embark on a trip to Wales where he was invited by local cavers to visit the underground lake. But this is not an adventure story nor is it primarily a work of historical exposition. Indeed the work takes on the aspect of a pilgrimage as theauthor considers the spiritual significance of St Winifreds Well and other sites like it.

It deserves to be mentioned that the volume is graced with a fine collection of photographs from the authors personal collection. These serve to illuminate and enliven the text throughout.

Purchase Here

Mr Shaffer generously consented to answer a number of questions about the book for Americymru. His responses are reproduced below.

Q. What would you say was your main motivation in researching and following up this story as thoroughly and relentlessly as you did?

"I’ve always shaped my travel into something more like pilgrimage than tourism. I’ve visited St. Columba’s Iona, Nicholas Ferrar’s Little Gidding, and touched the healing soil at El Santuario de Chimayo. Places are powerful for many different reasons; this one attracted me in a very personal way and wouldn’t let go. I had a compelling sense that things of importance remained to be told."


Q. Some people take the view that the Welsh have a special relationship with their past. There is the famous R.S. Thomas line: "It is not possible to live in the present, at least not in Wales." During your stay in Wales did you experience any sense of this?

"That’s an interesting question. My book moves freely between the Wales of today, a century ago, and the remote past. That structure seemed very natural, and not a day went by without a surprising and visceral sense of the interconnections. So maybe Thomas was right. He was quite aware of the timelessness of sacred places."


Q. Nov 3rd is St. Winifrede's Day. There are many other Saints Days in the Welsh calendar ( St Dwynwen, St Teilo, St Illtud to name but a few). Do you feel that they are unduly neglected in the present day? If so what relevance do you feel these traditions have for a modern audience?

"Wales may have more long-ago saints than any comparable acreage in the world. Either the Welsh were exceptionally holy, or their descendants had unusually generous memories! My sense is that we are finally outgrowing the unyielding rationalism that stripped so many modern lives of wonder. We can hear about St. Dwynwen resuscitating her frozen lover and notice the divine compassion in her story instead of the improbable details. We are enriched."

A Note on St Winifred

St Winifred's feast day is November 3rd. Born in the 7th century, she was the daughter of a Welsh nobleman ( Tyfid ap Eiludd ). Her religious devotion was profound and it was her ambition to becomea nun. A suitor named Caradog became enraged at her continued indifference to his advances and decapitated her. Her head, according to legend, rolled down a hill and at the spot where it came to rest a healing spring appeared. Later her uncle Bueno ( also a saint ) restored her to life and she later became Abbess of Gwytherin and ventured on a pilgrimage to Rome. Caradog meanwhile did not fare well at the hands of Bueno who cursed him causing him to "melt into the ground".

Upon her death she was initially buried at Gwytherin but her remains were subsequently removed to Shrewsbury in 1138. Here they were interred in a shrine which attracted pilgrims throughout theMiddle Ages, Although this shrine was destroyed by Henry VIII during the reformation the structures surrounding the well at Holywell were not. The well at Holywell had acquired a reputation as the Welsh 'Lourdes' and since the attraction was deemed to be more medical than spiritual , wholesale destruction did not occur. St Winifred's Well can claim to be sole British shrine to attract pilgrims consistently since the early Middle Ages This unbroken tradition is unique in the British Isles.

St Winefred has been adopted as the patron saint of virgins and, somewhat bizarrely, of payroll clerks. Literary references include:-

Gerard Manley Hopkins, Poems and Prose (Penguin Classics)

Ellis Peters, A Morbid Taste for Bones

Celebrating the Life and Work of One of the World’s Greatest Photographers

For the first time, a collection of photographs taken by one of Wales’ greatest Victorian photographers, John Thomas, is about to be published.. He is described as “one of the world’s greatest photographers” by the head of the Collections Department at the National Library of Wales and the author of a new book, A Welsh Way of Life, Iwan Meical.

John Thomas, a Welshman from Cellan, Ceredigion, took photographs from all areas of Wales during the latter half of the nineteenth century, after starting his career by inviting several prominent preachers to sit for him. The venture was successful and by 1867 Thomas was confident enough to start his own photographic business, “The Cambrian Gallery”. He continued with the work for almost forty years, travelling the length and breadth of Wales, taking photographs of landscapes as well as portraits.

According to the author, “In the work of John Thomas we have a personal, emotional and lively account. Not only is he an important Welsh photographer, but is one of the world’s greatest photographers.”

A Welsh Way of Life is a bilingual account of the life and work of John Thomas. A collection of 130 photographs have been brought together for this unique volume.

Iwan Meical says: “His work is inextricably associated with Wales of that period, when great revolutionary changes were occurring…and during an age when photographic portraits, showing people at their most respectable, were much sought after, John Thomas was the exception because he chose to photograph ordinary labourers and even tramps and drunks.”

Through his photographs of fairs and ports, as well as chapels and landscapes, we have a new insight into Wales and the Welsh people of the Victorian age.

The author of the text that accompanies the photographs is Iwan Meical Jones, who is the Head of the Collections Department at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth. He has published a number of articles on Welsh photographers, but this is his first book. The launch will be held in the Drum at the National Library of Wales at 6:00pm Friday 3rd October.

The book will be available from Y Lolfa for: £14.95 + p&p

Should you wish to attend the launch contact the National Library 632548. Some Photographic Samples



















OTHER RESOURCES

John Thomas Collection at The National Library of Wales
John Thomas, Photographer at Rhiw.com.