Brinley Richards facts for kids

Brinley Richards (born April 13, 1904 – died September 18, 1981) was a famous Welsh language poet and writer. He held a very special role as the Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales from 1972 to 1975. The Archdruid is like the main leader of the Eisteddfod, which is a big festival celebrating Welsh culture.

Who Was Brinley Richards?

Brinley Richards was born in a place called Cwm Llynfi in Glamorgan, South Wales. He was named after another famous person, a musician and composer named Henry Brinley Richards.

His Early Life and Education

Young Brinley went to Maesteg Grammar School. After that, he spent a year studying at Cardiff University. He lived in Maesteg for most of his life, where he also had his own legal business.

Becoming the Archdruid

Brinley Richards was a talented poet. In 1951, he took part in the Llanrwst Eisteddfod, which is a major Welsh cultural festival. At this event, he won a special prize called "the chair." Winning the chair is a huge honor for a poet in Wales. It also meant he would eventually become the Archdruid.

His Bardic Name

When he became the Archdruid, Brinley Richards used a special name called a bardic name. This is a traditional name used by poets and bards in Wales. His bardic name was Brinli.

His Published Works

Brinley Richards wrote many poems. All his collected poems were put together in a book called Cerddi'r Dyffryn. This book was published in 1967.

Where He is Buried

Brinley Richards and his wife, Muriel, are buried together. Their resting place is at St Cynwyds church in Llangynwyd.