Today marks 193 years since the birth of James James, who is best known as the composer of the music which accompanies the lyrics of the Welsh national anthem, “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”.
Who Was James James?
James was born on 4 November 1832 at the Ancient Druid Inn, Hollybush, Coed Duon. He was the son of Evan James (1809–1878), a poet and weaver who ran a wool factory, and Elizabeth Stradling of Caerphilly. However, Evan is, of course, most well known for being the man who wrote the lyrics for “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau”. The family would move to Pontypridd when he was around 15 years of age and, there, he would grow to become a talented harpist and musician.
It has been said that James came up with the tune for “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” in the form of a hum while walking down by the river banks. Once the younger informed his father of the tune, the senior began writing the accompanying lyrics, which would turn the tune into what would become “Glanrhondda” and, later, “Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau” – the Welsh national anthem.
He would marry a woman by the name of Cecilia and they would have a daughter, Louisa. The composer would pass away in Aberdare, Cwm Cynon, on 11 January 1902. He, Cecilia and Louisa are buried together.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – November 2025
Welsh Histories Magazine November 2025 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for November 2025 has finally arrived!
This month, the magazine delves into the topic of the Welsh Kings – the early Welsh rulers who came to prominence in the centuries following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Don’t expect to see the esteemed Welsh princes (Llywelyn Fawr, Rhys ap Gruffydd and so forth) in this magazine as this issue focuses solely on those who were referred to as Kings, not princes. This magazine has been on the cards for quite some time and, hopefully, you enjoy it!
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We also continue with the recent theme of different “did you know?” type fun facts within this magazine, though this time each fact relates to the topic of the Welsh Kings (or is somehow relevant to them). This is, to date, the only issue of Welsh Histories Magazine which covers the Kings specifically.
This month’s magazine has been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). We have no guest writer this month. All images used in this issue of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
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.