Evan James

Born 1809
Died 1878

Evan James was born in 1809 at Caerphilly but moved when only four years old to live at the Ancient Druid Inn near Argoed in the parish of Bedwellty. A weaver by trade, he installed his own loom near the inn and spent the early years of his married life as both landlord and weaver. His son James, one of seven children, was also born there in 1832. Evan James and his family came to Pontypridd in 1847 to run a woollen factory on the banks of the river Rhondda. He remained there until his death in 1878.

Evan James spent many hours reading and writing simple poetry. It is said that even whilst working he always kept a slate beside him should he feel the need to write some thoughts. From an early age his son James showed a natural gift for music and became fond of the harp. So father and son would happily spend long evenings, the one composing verses and the other playing music.

Evan James and James James composed the Welsh National Anthem.  James first composed the tune whilst walking along the river Rhondda and asked his father to write the words for it.  The father and son named their song Glan Rhondda as it was composed on the banks of this river.  Later it became the Welsh National Anthem and was called Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau.