Our History

The History of Cwmdu Eisteddfod

We’ll never know exactly the degree to which the founders of Cwmdu Eisteddfod were inspired by one “Carnhuanawc” – but the Reverand Thomas Price, Vicar of StMichael’s Cwmdu was certainly influential in supporting and resurrecting all things culturally Welsh and the Welsh language of this area in the nineteenth century. At the very least the original organising committee must have wanted to commemorate and draw attention to his legacy, as his is the name of our main prose competition – the Carnhuanawc Essay.

He was a man of letters, an orator, a narualist, artist, musician and educator, who promoted the use of Cymraeg alongside English in the Old Schoolhouse in Cwmdu, in a period when the “Welsh Not” had already had a devastating impact on the language.

Cymdeithas Cymreigyddion y Fenni – a Society established in Abergavenny in November1833 to promote Welsh Culture and Welshness, the Reverend Thomas Price’s name topped the list of members. He, along with the  Cymreigyddion’s main financial sponsor, Lady Llanofer, were responsible for this society’s great successes, including the region’s annual Eisteddfod. The Abergavenny Eisteddfod flourished as cultural festivals that they became renowned not only throughout Wales, but across Britain and beyond.  

It’s interesting to note that the first Cwmdu Eisteddfod was convened in 1914??

One wonders whether the original intent may have been to lift the spirits of local people, amidst the ugliness and suffering of the First World War, and to bring people together. Certainly, it would have brough huge comfort to loved ones at home, to read a silly Limrick or clever sentence composed by a distant son, brother or father, possibly in some unseen, horrible trench or campaign. One hopes such distractions and connections might have been comforting to these soldiers too.

Over it’s history, the Eisteddfod has not been held, only twice, in 1916 and 19xx. War is the enemy of creativity.

Below, you’ll see some of the programmes and competition details of past Eisteddfodau, in the possession of the Organising Committee.

You’ll also find a short pieces composed by two recent and very admired Chairpersons – both of whom contributed more than 25 years each of service to this wonderful event.

Mrs Hazel Thomas (Chairperson 19xx- 19xx) a Mrs Janice Block (Chairperson 19xx – 2025)

Our heartfelt thanks to both of them!