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Gorsedd
Circles
In the 19th century the national eisteddfod became a symbol for the
promoting of Welsh culture, the 1860 festival at Llangollen and the 1861
festival at Aberdare are considered the first national eisteddfods. The
eisteddfod is held every year, alternately in north and south Wales, in
2001 the site was Denbigh. The Gorsedd, the organizing body, proclaims the
next eisteddfod by holding a ceremony inside a circle of stones. The
circle consists of twelve stone pillars, sometimes from the local area and
sometimes, the stones have been brought in to represent the Welsh
counties, such as at Aberystwyth.
A
large, flat-topped stone, known as the Logan Stone, lies at the centre of
the circle is used as a platform from which the Archdruid conducts the
proceedings. Facing it, at the east cardinal point, is the Stone of the
Covenant, where the Herald Bard stands, and behind this are the Portal
Stones that are guarded by Eisteddfod officials. The portal stone to the
right of the entrance points to midsummer sunrise, while that to the left
indicates the midwinter sunrise.
Llanrwst
Stone Circle (1951)
SH 799 614
Thanks
to Stephen for telling me about this one. This circle was built in 1951 to
commemorate the Eisteddfod in the town that year. It consists of 14 large
stones, twelve in the circle and two outliers to the NE at about 6 feet
(1.8 metres) high. It is set in parkland beside the River Conwy and was
the centre of activity on the Bank Holiday Monday. To reach it you have to
cross a single lane bridge and there is a car park further down on the
left. The old man in the tea shop said he thought there used to be stones
there before the modern one was built but I can’t find any information
about this. It is a pleasant place to take a walk along the river.
1951
Stone Circle
The
Gorsedd Stones (Meini’r Orsedd), Ruthin
Modern Stone Circle (1973)
SJ 124 579
Each
year the National Eisteddfod (Festival of Arts) is held at different towns
in Wales. In 1973 this national festival was held at Ruthin in North Wales
and the twelve stones, which form the circle, represent the twelve old
counties of Wales. The Logan Stone in the middle was for the Arch Druid to
proclaim his information about the festival, and it is here, within the
Gorsedd Circle, that the ceremonial dances were performed and where all
the new members of the Druid Circle are inaugurated.
1973
Stone Circle
This
site can be viewed during the foot and mouth crisis but the gate leading
to it is closed. However it is close to the fence and easily seen. The
tallest stone is about 5 feet (1.5m) high and the circle is about 60 feet
(20m) diameter. The circle is in the grounds of Ruthin Castle that dates
to the 13th century and is now a hotel where you can get
afternoon teas and watch the peacocks wandering around. From the small
roundabout in the town centre take the turning left just after the Nat
West bank and you will see the archway entrance to the castle a couple of
hundred metres up the road where you can drive in and park near reception.
The circle is up the steps from the carpark and a short walk over the
grass.
Ruthin
Castle
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Bardic
Circle, Llandudno
Modern Stone Circle (1963)
SH 782 832
This stone circle was
erected in 1963 for the Llandudno Eisteddfodon the grassy area beneath
Happy Valley. It is an attractive site with pleasant views of the bay. It
is a long climb from here up the Great Orme or you can drive. If you take
the Coastal Road there is a £2 toll charge.
1963
Stone Circle
View of
the circle from near the cafe
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