Gwyneddigion Society facts for kids

The Gwyneddigion Society (which means Cymdeithas y Gwyneddigion in Welsh) was a special group based in London. It was created by Welsh people who wanted to celebrate and keep their language and culture alive. The first society started in 1770 and ended in 1843. It was briefly brought back in 1978. All their meetings and activities were done in the Welsh language.

A Look Back: The Society's History

The Gwyneddigion Society began in December 1770. It was started by Welsh people living in London. Their first official meeting happened on February 4, 1771. A very important founder was Owen Jones, also known as Owain Myfyr. He became the society's first president. Owen Jones came from Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr and became rich as a fur seller in London.

Who Were the Key Members?

Many other famous people joined the society early on. These included Iolo Morganwg (Edward Williams), William Owen Pughe, and Jac Glan-y-gors. Also, Siôn Ceiriog, Edward Jones (who was called "Bardd y Brenin" or "the King's Bard"), and Twm o'r Nant (Thomas Edwards) were members. Even though the name "Gwyneddigion" suggests a link to the Gwynedd area, the society quickly welcomed people from all over North Wales, and later, from all parts of Wales.

Why Was the Society Formed?

It seems the society was created partly because other Welsh groups in London felt a bit too fancy or exclusive. The Gwyneddigion Society wanted to be more welcoming. In its early days, the focus was on having fun, playing music (especially the harp and penillion-singing, which is singing poetry to music), and enjoying each other's company.

Where Did They Meet?

The main place they met was the Bull's Head Tavern in Walbrook. One member, David Samwell, even wrote a short poem about it:

In Walbrook stands a famous Inn
Near ancient Watling Street
Well stored with brandy, beer and gin,
Where Cambrians nightly meet.

Growing into a Cultural Hub

In 1777, new rules were made. Every member had to speak Welsh and love singing, or at least enjoy listening to poetry sung with a harp. Soon, the society became more focused on culture and literature. When another group, the Cymmrodorion Society, closed in 1787, its special presidential chair was given to the Gwyneddigion Society. One member said that between 1790 and 1815, the Bull's Head was the "center of Welsh literary life."

Promoting Welsh Culture and Books

The society helped organize yearly eisteddfodau in Wales. These were like festivals for Welsh poetry and music. They were the early versions of today's National Eisteddfod. The first one was held in Bala in 1789. The society also had its own library and kept in touch with scholars across Wales. They even offered a silver medal as an annual prize for literature.

Most importantly, the society published important Welsh books. With money from Owen Jones, they released Barddoniaeth Dafydd ab Gwilym in 1789. They also published The Myvyrian Archaiology of Wales between 1801 and 1807. These books helped preserve old Welsh writings.

The Search for Welsh Indians

An interesting event in the society's early history was when they helped fund John Evans. In the 1790s, they paid for him to explore North America. He was looking for the legendary "Welsh Indians." These were supposedly the descendants of Madog ab Owain Gwynedd, a Welsh prince said to have sailed to America long ago.

The Society's Decline

From the early 1800s, the society slowly started to fade. By the mid-1830s, it had mostly joined with another group called the Cymreigyddion Society. The Gwyneddigion Society officially closed down in 1843.

A Brief Return: The Revival

A new Gwyneddigion Society was started in London in 1978. However, it is not known if this new group lasted very long.