History of the harp in Wales facts for kids

The harp is super important in Wales! It's actually the country's national instrument. Imagine, people have been playing the harp in Wales for a really, really long time – since at least the 11th century! That's over 900 years of harp music.

We don't know everything about the very first harps from those old days. But we do have clues, like old poems. Some of these poems even complain about new types of strings, like those made from animal guts. Back then, the traditional strings were made from braided horse hair!

The Welsh Harp: A National Treasure

The harp isn't just any instrument in Wales; it's a symbol of Welsh culture and history. It shows how much music means to the people there. Harpers, who are people who play the harp, have kept this musical tradition alive for centuries.

History of the Welsh Harp

For hundreds of years, the harp has been a big part of Welsh life. It was played at important events, in homes, and for entertainment. The tradition of playing the harp has been passed down from one generation to the next. This means that even today, you can hear music that connects directly to those ancient times.

Early Harps and Their Strings

In the beginning, harps in Wales likely had strings made from horse hair. This was a common material for strings before other options became available. When gut strings started to appear, some people weren't too happy about the change! They preferred the sound and feel of the traditional horse hair. This shows how important tradition was, even in music.

Types of Welsh Harps

Over time, different kinds of harps became popular in Wales. One very special type is the triple harp. It's called a "triple" harp because it has three rows of strings instead of just one or two! This allows for a much wider range of notes and more complex music.

Where to See Old Harps

If you want to see some real Welsh triple harps, you can visit the St Fagans National History Museum. It's near Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. The museum has examples of harps made in places like Llanover and Llanrwst. They also have harps made by a craftsman named Bassett-Jones from Cardiff. Seeing these old instruments helps us understand how they were made and played long ago.

Bringing the Harp Back to Life

In the middle of the 1960s, there was a new interest in making harps again. This was especially true for Celtic harps and triple harps. A very important person in this rebirth was J.W. (John) Thomas. He lived in a place called Gwaelod y Garth, near Taffs Well.

John Thomas's Legacy

John Thomas was a skilled harp maker. He helped bring back the art of building these beautiful instruments. He taught his skills to several students, making sure the knowledge wouldn't be lost. Even though John Thomas passed away in 1992, his work continued through his apprentices.

Telynau Teifi Harps Today

One of John Thomas's students, Allan Shiers, started his own company called Telynau Teifi Harps. He founded it in 2004 in a town called Llandysul. Today, Telynau Teifi Harps still makes Celtic and folk harps. This means that the tradition of Welsh harp making, which John Thomas helped revive, is still going strong!