ieuan ap iago, also known as evan james, was a
welsh poet and weaver who wrote the words to 'hen wlad fy nhadau', the national anthem of wales. born in 1809 in caerphilly, wales, he died on september 30, 1878.
early life and career
evan james was a weaver by trade and employed several people at his mill on the bank of the river rhondda. according to family legend, his son james james, was walking one day in january 1856 on the banks of the river when the melody for hen wlad fy nhadau came to him. when he gave the tune to his father, evan james was able to compose the words which are the present-day welsh national anthem.
artistic contributions
ieuan ap iago is credited with composing the welsh national anthem, 'hen wlad fy nhadau' ('land of my fathers') in 1856. his son
james james composed the tune. the song was published in the volume 'gems of welsh melody' (1860) and soon became extremely popular.
museums and collections
the
national library of wales has a collection of
ieuan ap iago's poems, including "the earliest manuscript of" which can be found on the
WahooArt.com website. the
llyfrgell genedlaethol cymru also has a collection of welsh art and literature, including works by
ieuan ap iago.
legacy
ieuan ap iago's legacy can be seen in the many
artistic and literary works that he inspired. his son
james james also went on to become a well-known musician and composer. a memorial, designed by w. goscombe john, was erected in honour of
evan james and
james james in
ynysangharad park, pontypridd, in 1930.
important works by
ieuan ap iago include his poems and the welsh national anthem, 'hen wlad fy nhadau'. his legacy continues to inspire artists and musicians today.