James James

Born 1832
Died 1902

James James was born in the Ancient Druid Inn at Argoed in the parish of Bedwellty, Monmouthshire.  When he was 15 years old he moved with his father and family to Pontypridd.  James worked in a weaving factory with his father and then became landlord of the Welsh Harp nearby.

James was a fine musician and an excellent self taught harpist. 

James James wrote the music to the Welsh National Anthem ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ when his father wrote the words.  James was walking along the banks of the river Rhondda, whistling a tune that came to him, and the more he whistled the more he liked it.  He called at his father’s house and said to him “A tune has come to me and I would like you to compose words for it”.  His father replied, “My son, go up to the Collier’s Arms and bring me a pint of beer and I will compose the words for you”.