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Memorial planned for the men who wrote Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau

News | Rhys Williams | Published: 13:00, Thursday February 14th, 2019.

Evan James, who was born in Caerphilly, co-wrote the Welsh national anthem

 

Plans for a memorial in Caerphilly town centre to the father and son who wrote the Welsh national anthem have moved a step closer.

Five artists will be approached to confirm their interest in designing the memorial, which has a budget of £16,000.

The proposals for the project are currently being discussed by Caerphilly Town Council.

The memorial would commemorate Evan James and his son, James James, who wrote Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.

Evan James was born in a cottage which stood near where Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall now stands, while James James was born in Bedwellty, near Argoed. Evan wrote the words, while his son composed the tune.

A wooden monument commemorating Evan James was previously located in Dafydd Williams Park, near Caerphilly Castle, but was removed in 2017.

The former memorial to Evan James was removed due to rot

The monument was removed for structural safety reasons after the wood started to rot.

Caerphilly Town Council, which is separate of Caerphilly County Borough Council, is made up of elected councillors from Caerphilly town centre.

Cllr James Fussell said: “We want to re-establish the knowledge of Evan James being born in Caerphilly and replace the dragon figurehead that was in Dafydd Williams Park.

“I think it will add something extra to the town. All eyes are on Caerphilly at the moment – it’s a dynamic time for the town.

“I hope the monument can bring more people to Caerphilly town centre.”

Cllr James Pritchard said: “Caerphilly has a lot of history, and this needs to be celebrated to ensure the history of the town and its people provides valued educational information to local residents and tourists. I hope the National Anthem Memorial will do this, while also adding a new public realm improvement to the town.”

Pontypridd Library
Chris Downer

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