 From the Wikipedia:- "Paul Robert Potts (born 13 October 1970) is a British tenor who won the first series of ITV's Britain's Got Talent in 2007, singing an operatic aria, "Nessun dorma" from Puccini's Turandot. Potts was a manager at Carphone Warehouse who also performed in amateur opera from 1999 to 2003"....MORE.  |
THIS DAY IN WELSH HISTORY AND FAMOUS AMERICANS OF WELSH DESCENT
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Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Showing posts with label history. Show all posts
Paul Potts Welsh Tenor Born This Day in 1970
Ivor Novello ( Welsh Composer ) Born This Day ( Jan 15 ) 1893
From the Wikipedia:- "David Ivor Davies (15 January 1893 – 6 March 1951), better known as Ivor Novello, was a Welsh composer, singer and actor who became one of the most popular British entertainers of the early 20th century.""Novello was born at Llwyn-yr-Eos (Grove of the Nightingale), Cowbridge Road East, Cardiff, Wales, to the well-known singer and teacher Clara Novello Davies and David Davies, a tax collector. A blue plaque commemorating his birth can be seen on the side of the house. He attended the highly regarded Magdalen College School in Oxford."
( And as much as I hate to bore people with my own personal reminiscences, I'd just like to point out that I lived in an apartment just a few doors down back in the 1980's. Sorry...couldn't resist.)
Here is Cerys Matthews poignant tribute to Ivor Novello's "We`ll Gather Lilacs".
LINKS
Ivor Novello on Wikipedia
LINKS
Ivor Novello on Wikipedia
William Williams Pantycelyn: poet, prose and hymn writer Died This Day ( Jan 11th ) 1791
From the Wikipedia "William Williams, Pantycelyn (also known as Williams Pantycelyn and Pantycelyn) (1717 – January 11, 1791) is generally acknowledged as Wales's most important hymn writer. He was also one of the key leaders of the 18th century Welsh Methodist revival, along with Daniel Rowland and Howell Harris. As a poet and prose writer he is today considered to be one of Wales's greatest writers,...." MORE HERE.
Owen Morgan Edwards, Born This Day ( Dec 26th ) 1858
Owen Morgan Edwards (26 December 1858 – 15 May1920) was a Welsh historian, educationalist and writer. He is often known as O. M. Edwards.
Owen Edwards was born in Llanuwchllyn near Bala, the eldest son of Owen and Beti Edwards. He gives a vivid description of his early education in his autobiography Clych Adgof ("Bells of Remembrance") published in 1906. Llanuwchllyn was then and remains a strongly Welsh-speaking area, but the Welsh Not was in use at the local school and usually found itself round Owen's neck, as a punishment for speaking Welsh.
After studying at Bala and Aberystwyth, Edwards spent a year at the University of Glasgow studying philosophy before studying at Balliol College, Oxford from 1884 to 1887, winning all the University's three main prizes for history. He came under the influence of the Dafydd ap Gwilym Society at Oxford, establishing friendships with other students who later became prominent in Welsh life such as John Morris-Jones and becoming a strong cultural nationalist. He then spent a year on the continent before returning to Oxford, where he was appointed a Fellow of Lincoln College and became tutor in history there and at other colleges. He remained in this position until 1907 .
In 1907 he was appointed as the first Chief Inspector of Schools for Wales under the recently established Welsh Education Department. He took the first steps towards ensuring that the Welsh language was taught in the schools of Wales. He came into conflict with the Central Welsh Board because of his conviction that the new intermediate schools were anglicising influences in Wales and his determination to resist this.
He was also a prolific writer, starting and editing the periodical Cymru in 1892 and Cymru'r Plant for children in 1894, intended to arouse interest among the people of Wales in their own language and history. An English language version of Cymru, Wales, was less successful. He wrote a number of books on Welsh history, notably Cartrefi Cymru ("Welsh homes") which describes visits to the homes of a number of important historical figures, and published the works of other writers in a series of Welsh classics Cyfres y Fil.
Edwards was elected as a Liberal Member of Parliament for Merionethshire following the premature death of T. E. Ellis MP in April 1899. He did not enjoy parliamentary life and did not seek re-election in 1900. He was knighted in 1916 and awarded the degree of D.Litt. by the University of Wales in 1918. Edwards died at Llanuwchllyn in 1920, his wife Ellen having died the previous year. His son Ifan ab Owen Edwards founded Urdd Gobaith Cymru ("The Welsh League of Youth").
Works by O.M. Edwards
This article reproduced from the Wikipedia in accordance with the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License
Giant Zombie Cats on the Loose in Wales: First Photographic Evidence..This Day in 1993
Wales has been plagued by an infestation of "white mountain rats" or "woolly maggots" for many centuries. The recent sightings of giant cats on the hillsides ( 'Zombi Cathod Mawr' in the vernacular ) are believed to be a gift to the people of Wales from the mighty Merlin who has, of course, been sleeping in a cave for 1500 years (approx) awaiting the call to come to the aid of his countrymen. Until now sheep have outnumbered the human population of Wales by a ratio of four to one. It is to be hoped that these figures will improve now that the mutton munching monsters are in the wild.
The "Zombi Cathod Mawr" are mentioned in the Mabinogion and were used by the "Welsh" Celtic tribes ( Silures, Ordovices etc ) in battle against the Roman legions very much in the same manner as Hannibal's elephants. Unfortunately the Romans learned very early on that it was easy to distract the Cathod Mawr by driving flocks of sheep ahead of their legionary formations. This would enrage the Cathod who would disperse in furious pursuit of the sheep thus largely negating their usefulness for military purposes. A legionary commander is quoted by Tacitus as saying:- "Semper in excremento, sole profundum qui variat!!!" , when he first saw Cathod Mawr in battle formation.
The Cathod Mawr were thought to have become extinct some time in the Dark Ages but were obviously sharing a cave with Merlin, Arthur and his Knights, Owain Glyndwr etc etc awaiting the call.
William Floyd - Born 17th Dec 1734
This road sign signifies the William Floyd Parkway in Suffolk County, New York. William Floyd was one of the signatories of the American Declaration of Independence. He was of Welsh origin. Born on this day in 1734 (Dec 17th), he lived at Mastic Beach now a part of The Fire Island National Seashore.
He was a commander of the militia on Long Island and was elected to represent the State of New York in the Continental congress. His great-grandfather Richard Floyd was born in Breconshire. The family settled in the Province of New York some time in the mid 17th century.
There is some dispute concerning the exact number of persons of Welsh descent who were signatories of the American Declaration of Independence. If one believes the following article the proportion may be as high as 50%. Presidential connection
Here is Charles Goodrich's estimate of his character quoted from "Lives of the Signers to the Declaration of Independence" ( which can be found here and in the Americymru Library here. )
"In his person, General Floyd was of a middle stature. He possessed a natural dignity, which seldom failed to impress those into whose company he was thrown. He appeared to enjoy the pleasures of private life, yet in his manners he was less familiar, and in his disposition less affable, than most men. Few men, however, were more respected. He was eminently a practical man. The projects to which he gave his sanction, or which he attempted, were those which judgment could approve. When his purposes were once formed, he seldom found reason to alter them. His firmness and resolution were not often equaled.
In his political character, there was much to admire. He was uniform and independent. He manifested great candor and sincerity towards those from whom he happened to differ; and such was his well known integrity, that his motives were rarely, if ever, impeached."
November/Tachwedd
If you were born Welsh or are of Welsh descent then there is something to celebrate (or comemmorate) on every day of the year. If you are looking to learn Welsh history one day at a time or just looking for an excuse to raise a glass and celebrate on any particular day this blog is for
you. You will also find the birthdates of many famous Americans of Welsh descent. Though these pages are intended as a serious resource some of our contributors have a sense of humor. Consequently there are a few 'joke' items spread amongst the vast bulk of factual daily entries. We dont think you'll have too much trouble spotting them. To navigate to any date in the calendar please use the rollover menu or the search box above. This will take you to the monthly calendar pages or to individual
entries. You might also wish to check out our list of some of the most important dates in the Welsh Calendar which can be found here
November/Tachwedd
November is a month to remember Wales heritage of political radicalism. On the 4th of November 1839 the Chartists marched on Newport in support of their demand for universal male suffrage and other democratic reforms. On the 15th of November 1897, Aneurin Bevan was born. He was the 'father' of the National Health Service in the UK and was recently voted number 1 in an online poll to establish an all-time list of Welsh Heroes. In terms of the Welsh contribution to the arts and popular entertainment November is also a significant month. Richard Burton, Donald Houston and Bryn Terfel were all born in this month.
The Welsh word for November is Tachwedd.
November is a month to remember Wales heritage of political radicalism. On the 4th of November 1839 the Chartists marched on Newport in support of their demand for universal male suffrage and other democratic reforms. On the 15th of November 1897, Aneurin Bevan was born. He was the 'father' of the National Health Service in the UK and was recently voted number 1 in an online poll to establish an all-time list of Welsh Heroes. In terms of the Welsh contribution to the arts and popular entertainment November is also a significant month. Richard Burton, Donald Houston and Bryn Terfel were all born in this month.
The Welsh word for November is Tachwedd.
October/Hydref
If
you were born Welsh or are of Welsh descent then there is something to
celebrate (or comemmorate) on every day of the year. If you are looking
to learn Welsh history one day at a time or just looking for an excuse
to raise a glass and celebrate on any particular day this blog is for
you. You will also find the birthdates of many famous Americans of Welsh
descent. Though these pages are intended as a serious resource some of
our contributors have a sense of humor. Consequently there are a few
'joke' items spread amongst the vast bulk of factual daily entries. We
dont think you'll have too much trouble spotting them. To navigate to
any date in the calendar please use the rollover menu or the search box
above. This will take you to the monthly calendar pages or to individual
entries. You might also wish to check out our list of some of the most
important dates in the Welsh Calendar which can be found here
October/Hydref
The Welsh word for October is Hydref.
The Welsh word for October is Hydref.
September/Medi
If
you were born Welsh or are of Welsh descent then there is something to
celebrate (or comemmorate) on every day of the year. If you are looking
to learn Welsh history one day at a time or just looking for an excuse
to raise a glass and celebrate on any particular day this blog is for
you. You will also find the birthdates of many famous Americans of Welsh
descent. Though these pages are intended as a serious resource some of
our contributors have a sense of humor. Consequently there are a few
'joke' items spread amongst the vast bulk of factual daily entries. We
dont think you'll have too much trouble spotting them. To navigate to
any date in the calendar please use the rollover menu or the search box
above. This will take you to the monthly calendar pages or to individual
entries. You might also wish to check out our list of some of the most
important dates in the Welsh Calendar which can be found here
September/Medi
The Welsh word for September is Medi.
The Welsh word for September is Medi.
August/Awst
If
you were born Welsh or are of Welsh descent then there is something to
celebrate (or comemmorate) on every day of the year. If you are looking
to learn Welsh history one day at a time or just looking for an excuse
to raise a glass and celebrate on any particular day this blog is for
you. You will also find the birthdates of many famous Americans of Welsh
descent. Though these pages are intended as a serious resource some of
our contributors have a sense of humor. Consequently there are a few
'joke' items spread amongst the vast bulk of factual daily entries. We
dont think you'll have too much trouble spotting them. To navigate to
any date in the calendar please use the rollover menu or the search box
above. This will take you to the monthly calendar pages or to individual
entries. You might also wish to check out our list of some of the most
important dates in the Welsh Calendar which can be found here
1. 1952Dylan Thomas reads 'The Outing' on BBC. Footage never recovered
1.Alun Hoddinott
(composer) born this day
1929
1.Howard Marks (drug
smuggler and author)born this day 1945
2. Dic
Penderyn hung on this day in 1831.
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
1.T.E.
Lawrence born this day,
1888
1.
Meriwether Lewis (explorer) born this day 1774
2. Welsh author Dorothy Edwards born
this day 1903
1. Battle
of Bosworth on this day 1485 ( Brings Henry Tudor to the throne )
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
1. Daffyd Iwan ( singer and
politician ) born 1943
1.Henry
Morgan the great Welsh
buccaneer died, 1688
1Actress Pauline Peters born this day 1896
30
31
1.
Raymond Williams (author and critic) born this day 1921
August/Awst
August is a month of multiple celebration for the Welsh Everywhere but particularly in Oregon. Meriwether Lewis, joint leader of the Lewis and Clark expedition ( who was of Welsh descent ) was born on this day in 1774. Other notables born this month include T.E. Lawrence and Dafydd Iwan. For further information click on the images above or on the relevant calendar entry. This month also saw the death of Henry Morgan the famed Welsh buccaneer and on the 22nd the Battle of Bosworth took place which brought Henry VII to the throne. August also saw the foundation of Plaid Cymru in 1925.
The Welsh word for August is Awst.
July/Gorffennaf
If
you were born Welsh or are of Welsh descent then there is something to
celebrate (or comemmorate) on every day of the year. If you are looking
to learn Welsh history one day at a time or just looking for an excuse
to raise a glass and celebrate on any particular day this blog is for
you. You will also find the birthdates of many famous Americans of Welsh
descent. Though these pages are intended as a serious resource some of
our contributors have a sense of humor. Consequently there are a few
'joke' items spread amongst the vast bulk of factual daily entries. We
dont think you'll have too much trouble spotting them. To navigate to
any date in the calendar please use the rollover menu or the search box
above. This will take you to the monthly calendar pages or to individual
entries. You might also wish to check out our list of some of the most
important dates in the Welsh Calendar which can be found here
July/Gorffennaf
There is much to celebrate in the month of June! This is the month in which the noble sport of bog snorkelling was first publicly unveiled at Llanwrtyd Wells in 2005. A great many famous Welshmen and women were born this month including George Everest, Alun Lewis, Sir William Grove, Annie Rhiannon, and Gruff Rhys amongst others. The Welsh word for July is Gorffennaf.
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