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Renowned people
William Williams of Pantycelyn (1717-1791)
Anyone who hears the enthralling singing at rugby matches or who saw the recent wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge might not have realised they were listening to a little bit of Llandovery’s history. ‘Bread of Heaven’ ("Guide Me Oh thou Great Jehovah"), favourite of royal weddings and Welsh rugby terraces alike, was penned by William Williams of Pantycelyn, born just outside Llandovery. Williams of Pantycelyn was one of the leaders of the Welsh Methodist movement and was Wales’ most celebrated hymn writer. What is less well known is that in order to support his preaching journeys, he was also a tea merchant! He is remembered in Llandovery, both in the Pantycelyn Memorial chapel on the High Street and also at his tomb in the church of Llanfair-ar-y-Bryn on the northern edge of town. His descendants still farm at Pantycelyn farm, 5km east of Llandovery.
Text credit: Wikipedia
Image credit: National Library of Wales
Text credit: Wikipedia
Image credit: National Library of Wales
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan (1341-1401)
Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan was a wealthy Carmarthenshire landowner who was executed in Llandovery by Henry IV of England in punishment for his support of Owain Glyndŵr's Welsh rebellion. Until recently Llewelyn was little known even in his home area, but has become celebrated as a "Welsh Braveheart" after a campaign to construct a monument to him in Llandovery.
Text credit: Wikipedia
Image credit: Anthony Pease photography
Text credit: Wikipedia
Image credit: Anthony Pease photography
Vicar Rhys Prichard (1579-1644)
Born in Llandovery, the 16th century Vicar Rhys Prichard was, so the story goes, more often to be found in the pub than the pulpit. This changed after one day witnessing a goat forced to drink alcohol. When the goat refused to repeat the experience, he realised that the animal was showing more wisdom than him and, in fact, could teach him a lesson. From that day onwards, Vicar Prichard became a man of sobriety and a stalwart of the Puritan movement. Now remembered as an excellent parish priest and for his works ‘Canwyll y Cymry’ (a Welshman’s Candle) and for various verses on religion and morality, he is buried in the 14th century Llandingat church, a short walk from the town centre. He is affectionately known as Yr Hen Ficer (the old vicar).
Picture credit:
Vicar Prichard and the Goat (1981) by Ronald A. Chapman (1928–1982)
Picture credit:
Vicar Prichard and the Goat (1981) by Ronald A. Chapman (1928–1982)
© Anthony Pease
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