Angharad James (poet) facts for kids

Angharad James (born July 16, 1677 – died August 25, 1749) was a talented Welsh woman. She was a farmer, a skilled harp player, and a poet. She is remembered for her unique poems and her music.

Her Life Story

Angharad James was born on July 16, 1677. Her home was Gelliffrydau farm in a beautiful part of Wales called the Nantlle Valley. When she was still young, she married William Prichard. He was much older than her and farmed in a valley near Dolwyddelan.

Angharad lived in a house called Parlwr, or Tai Penamnen. This house had once belonged to the important Wynn family from Gwydir. She stayed there for the rest of her life. Even after her husband passed away, she continued to manage the farm in the valley. In 2009, archaeologists were still exploring the old house.

Her Passing

Angharad James was buried on August 25, 1749. Her resting place is inside the church of St. Gwyddelan in Dolwyddelan.

Her Artistic Talents

Angharad was a very skilled harpist. She would play her harp for her workers. They would dance to her music as they came back from milking the cows.

She is also important because she was one of the first known female poets to write in the Welsh language. Thanks to another poet named Margaret Davies, many of Angharad's poems have survived. Margaret Davies copied Angharad's work, and these old writings are now kept safe at the National Library of Wales.

Angharad's poems include a sad poem for her son, who died when he was only 16. She also wrote a poem for her husband after he passed away. This poem was written like an imaginary conversation.