Eisteddfod offers unique glimpse of Island history
VISITORS to the National Eisteddfod have been given the opportunity to witness some of Anglesey’s rich history firsthand at a special spot on the Maes.
Saturday saw the official opening of Y Lle Hanes (The History Place), an exhibition of exciting objects and a range of activities covering a broad period of Welsh history to inspire visitors of all ages.
Sioned Hughes, head of public history at Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said: “We had a great response to last year’s stand in Abergavenny, and we are proud to be able to join together again this year with the other national and local bodies to create Y Lle Hanes that will be unique to Anglesey.
“There are interesting objects, pictures and stories from all the partners involved from around the Island, and it’s great to be able to share these with visitors throughout the week.
“Our hope is to stimulate people to become more interested in Welsh history and we are looking forward to seeing how visitors respond to this year’s content.”
The official opening of y Lle Hanes took place on Saturday, led by the local Assembly Member, Rhun ap Iorwerth, and Rhys Mwyn from the Gwynedd Archaelogical Trust.
The artefacts on show include the Mold Eisteddfod Chair from 1873, won by Hwfa Môn for his ‘awdl’ ‘Caradog yn Rhufain’.
Other historical pieces with a rich Anglesey flavour include the Archdruid costume worn between 1986-2009 and a replica of a slave chain from Llyn Cerrig Bach.
More than 150 Iron Age metal objects were discovered in the lake near modern day RAF Valley in 1943, thought to have been placed as votive offerings to the gods.
They were only discovered by chance when then head groundsman at the RAF base, William Owen Roberts, thought there was something odd about a chain he had found. It was only when experts were summoned to examine it, that it was found to be more than 2,000 years old. Also on display is a reproduction of the White Book of Rhydderch, one of the most important Welsh manuscripts which contains the earliest collection of Welsh language legends, apart for the Red Book of Hergest.
Throughout the week, visitors will be given the opportunity to take part in a fake archaeological excavation, help create a community wall hanging for Llys Llywelyn at St Fagan’s and discuss archaeological collections.
Visitors to the Maes, as well as those who cannot attend the Eisteddfod itself, can access information on all the objects displayed at Y Lle Hanes during the week on the website www.peoplescollection.wales