3-017-167 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Meeting of Welsh Bards at Lynn Geiriwnydd, in the Vale of Conway, 1865. Engraving from a drawing by Mr. George Hayes. 'Here...takes place the annual meeting - "Arwest Faradonol" - of the Welsh bards...This "Gorsedd y Beirdd" or Convention of Bards, has now been duly held for three successive years, according; to the ancient institutions of the Welsh bardic college...the bards assembled...around the column of Taliesin. The proceeding were opened at noon by Mr. David Griffith (Clwydfardd), who stood on the central or presidential stone of the Druid circle, and with an audible voice read the formal proclamation...When all the bards...had uncovered their heads and stepped within the circle, the president, standing on the central stone, asked aloud, holding a naked sword in his hand, "Is there Peace?" all the bards answering "Peace!" The ceremony of sheathing the sword was then performed; and an invitation was given to all who sought the degree and privilege of bards and musicians to present themselves, and strive by oratory, singing, and playing the harp to obtain the approval of the judges'. From "Illustrated London News", 1865.