Evan James & James James 18 January 1809 – 30 September 1878 / 4 November 1832 - 11 January 1902
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Land Of My Fathers
By Varitek – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25733347
On 1 March (St David’s Day), many people in Wales celebrate their identity, culture, and language. A natural part of this celebration is the singing of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau (“Land of My Fathers”), the de facto national anthem of Wales. Although it is not set in law as the official anthem, it is widely used at national and local events and is especially associated with sport and public occasions. Originally known as “Glan Rhondda”, the song was first performed in early 1856 and quickly became popular locally. Its profile grew after Welsh cultural festivals (Eisteddfodau) helped it travel across the country, gaining further status through notable performances later in the 19th century. A key turning point came in 1905 when it was sung before a rugby match, helping establish the tradition of pre-match anthems. The anthem’s creators were James James, who composed the tune, and his father Evan James, who wrote the words. Their contribution is commemorated locally, and their song has become a recognisable symbol of Welsh pride, especially fitting for St David’s Day.
