Did you know that the first known Eisteddfod took place throughout the Christmas period all the way back in 1176?
The venue for this Eisteddfod was Aberteifi (Cardigan in English) and the host was none other than Rhys ap Gruffydd (1132 – 28 April 1197), a mighty ruler of Deheubarth who is wrongly stylised today as the “Lord Rhys”.
Cardigan Castle, originally a Norman structure, was captured by Rhys ap Gruffydd in the year 1166 and, perhaps, felt it right to celebrate its capture ten years later with an Eisteddfod within its grounds. This Eisteddfod was sought after far and wide, too, with participants travelling to Aberteifi from England, Scotland, Ireland and France.
It might seem like this was a friendly gesture of welcoming to foes and allies alike but there was some political motive behind the gesture, too, as Rhys – who would typically hold events at his home, native Welsh castle of Dinefwr – was clearly hosting the event at Aberteifi to send a message to Normans (who previously held the castle) and any other would-be foe. “We defeated you to claim this castle, so don’t mess with me and all will be well” was likely the message.
Chairs, a valued asset in those times, were handed out as prizes to winners of the poetry and music competitions. It would be almost 300 years before another known Eisteddfod was held!
The attached image depicts a handcrafted reimagining of how the prized chairs might have looked.
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Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.