3-008-886 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Grand National Eisteddfod at Carnarvon Castle, [Wales], 1862. At '...the great national congress of Cambrian bards, minstrels, historians, and artisans...there was an average attendance of 13,000 each day. The marquee in which the company assembled was laid out in such a manner as to secure full comfort to from 7000 to 8000 people...The roof-cloth of the pavilion was surmounted by various ornaments; and from the roof-tree, if so we may term the top, floated flags of various sizes and designs. The architect of this marquee was Mr. D. Thomas...Among the subjects for competition were Welsh dwelling-houses, poetry, music, arts, and science - including prize poems - performances on the harmonium, harp, and piano; designs in improved shipbuilding, public building, improved machinery for slate-quarrying, models of new agricultural implements; essays on "The Best Mode of Teaching the English Language;" "The History of the Literature of Wales," " Self-culture," translations of various subjects, choral, quartet, and band competition, singing music at sight, painting, and architecture. The whole proceedings were a great success, which was, however, damped by the announcement on the last day of the death of one of Wales's most eminent men - Ap Ithel'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.