Barrows:

Conway: “The Men of Harlech Had Triumphed Indeed”: The Castles of Edward I and the

Eisteddfod of Wales

The castles of Edward I stand as enduring symbols of conquest, yet by the 19th century, these fortresses became unlikely hosts to a celebration of Welsh language and literature: the Eisteddfod. This talk explores the evolving relationship between these medieval structures and the national festival, from informal gatherings to the festival’s formalisation in the 1860s and beyond.

It will examine their logistical role and how these castles were repurposed as venues, detailing the ceremonies, competitions, and the wider reception of the Eisteddfod within these historic spaces. Crucially, the talk will consider the anglicisation of the festival to appeal to English audiences, the debates this sparked, and the ways in which the Eisteddfod redefined these sites within the national consciousness.

As contested symbols—representing oppression, resilience and pride – these castles became focal points in wider discussions of Welsh identity. By interrogating these tensions, this talk sheds light on the cultural and political complexities of hosting a Welsh festival within the very stones of conquest.