Christine James facts for kids
Christine James (born February 2, 1954) is a famous Welsh poet and a university professor. She made history by becoming the first woman to be the Archdruid of Wales. This important role involves leading special ceremonies at the National Eisteddfod, a big festival of Welsh culture. She held this position from 2013 to 2016.
To become an Archdruid, you must have won a major writing prize at a past National Eisteddfod. Christine James also became the first woman to be elected as the Cofiadur (Recorder) of the Gorsedd of Bards in 2017. She has also won the Wales Book of the Year award for her writing.
Life and Education
Christine James was born on February 2, 1954, in Tonypandy, a town in Rhondda, Wales. She went to Porth County Grammar School for her early education.
Later, she studied at Aberystwyth University. There, she earned a top degree in Welsh. She also completed a PhD, which is a very high university degree. Her PhD research was about the ancient Laws of Hywel Dda, which are old Welsh laws.
Today, Christine James lives in Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. She is a professor at Swansea University, where she teaches Welsh. She is also a member of important groups like the Learned Society of Wales and the Welsh Academy. These groups recognize people who are experts in their fields.
Her Poetry
Christine James is a talented poet. In 2005, she won the Crown at the National Eisteddfod. This is a very important award for poetry in Wales. Her winning poems were inspired by different works of art, including some found in the National Museum Cardiff.
Her first collection of poems, called Rhwng y Llinellau, was published in 2013. It was launched at the National Eisteddfod in Denbigh. This book later won the prize for the best poetry book in the Wales Book of the Year competition in 2014.
