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0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:02 > 0:00:06- Two hundred years ago - in the heart of Montgomery...
0:00:06 > 0:00:11- ..some of our nation's famous hymns - were penned by a special young lady.
0:00:12 > 0:00:16- Her poems are excellent - and totally unique.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- "Ann Griffiths - was a great, religious woman...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- "..and this is no exaggeration."
0:00:23 > 0:00:25- She's a remarkable writer...
0:00:26 > 0:00:31- ..and is classed among - the top fifteen writers of Wales.
0:00:32 > 0:00:35- There's a new interest - in Ann Griffiths' work.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- Her 30 hymns are classed among - the best in the world.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44- Is her work even more significant?
0:00:44 > 0:00:47- Was she more poet than hymn writer?
0:00:47 > 0:00:53- Is any other poet so prominent - in our nation's every day life?
0:01:03 > 0:01:07- Ann Griffiths' words for - Wele'n Sefyll Rhwng y Myrtwydd...
0:01:07 > 0:01:12- ..has transcended chapel walls - and is a favourite on many stages.
0:01:12 > 0:01:19- # There he stands among the myrtles
0:01:19 > 0:01:25- # Worthiest object of my love #
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- It's instantly recognizable - as a hymn by Ann.
0:01:29 > 0:01:33- It's characterized - by a deep feeling of love.
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- This boundless love - for Jesus Christ.
0:01:37 > 0:01:41- # One glad morning
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- # One glad morning #
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- There's a danger that we devalue - any poetry that is set to music.
0:01:50 > 0:01:55- We cannot do this with Ann Griffiths - because the words stands alone.
0:01:55 > 0:02:03- # In his love through all my days
0:02:03 > 0:02:06- # My days
0:02:06 > 0:02:11- # My days #
0:02:13 > 0:02:15- We all know Ann Griffiths' story.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- She was born and raised - at Dolwar Fach.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- She lost her mother at 17 and - had a religious conversion at 20.
0:02:23 > 0:02:27- She married, had a child - and died before she turned 30.
0:02:27 > 0:02:32- It's no wonder this short, tragic - life attracts so much curiosity.
0:02:33 > 0:02:35- How much do we really know - about Ann?
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- How did she create such masterpieces - in her short life?
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- The best set of records are found at - the National Library in Aberystwyth.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- None of Ann Griffiths' hymns - were documented in her lifetime.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- Nothing was published...
0:02:53 > 0:02:57- ..and yet the National Library - is home to 3,000 documents...
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- ..that are linked with her name.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02- After her death...
0:03:02 > 0:03:08- ..people realized that the work of - this ordinary girl was exceptional.
0:03:08 > 0:03:12- Her close friend, - Reverend John Hughes, Pontrobert...
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- ..penned her first biography.
0:03:16 > 0:03:21- "We remember those amazing feats - in Ann Griffiths' short career...
0:03:21 > 0:03:23- "..because it was truly amazing.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- "Amazing in its qualities - and strengths.
0:03:27 > 0:03:32- "Amazing in its scriptural facts - and spiritual experiences.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37- "And amazing in its love, - gaiety and sanctity of life.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- "It was a crown of beauty - for her profession of faith."
0:03:41 > 0:03:46- Dolwar Fach was a comfortable home - and the family was quite wealthy.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- Ann was educated locally and - was obviously a talented child.
0:03:52 > 0:03:57- She learnt some English - but Welsh was her first language.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- The evidence suggests - that she could write poetry...
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- ..and use Welsh metrical - alliteration...
0:04:05 > 0:04:08- ..which points to poetic tuition.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- However, I doubt she received - a formal education.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15- At the National Library...
0:04:16 > 0:04:21- ..there are documents that give us - an insight into her early life.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- They include this book, - The Book of Dolwar Fach.
0:04:25 > 0:04:30- This proves that they were - a cultural family.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- They wrote poetry - and were immersed in the arts.
0:04:34 > 0:04:38- We can see alliterative stanzas - in this section.
0:04:38 > 0:04:42- At the back of the book, - on this page...
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- ..we find the signature - of Ann Griffiths.
0:04:45 > 0:04:48- Anne is written twice...
0:04:48 > 0:04:52- ..on the page where she would - practice her handwriting.
0:04:52 > 0:04:58- There's also a section of a letter, - written in Ann's own hand.
0:04:59 > 0:05:01- "Dearest sister in the Lord.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- "In accordance with your wish, - I have written these lines to you."
0:05:07 > 0:05:10- The handwriting is neat - and beautiful...
0:05:10 > 0:05:15- ..and the language is flawless, - poetic and Biblical.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- What type of woman was she?
0:05:18 > 0:05:21- We don't have any pictures of Ann.
0:05:21 > 0:05:26- Our only description of Ann - is found in the book by John Hughes.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30- "She had a delicate composition.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35- "She had a high forehead - and dark hair.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39- "She was physically taller - than the majority of other women.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- "Bright eyes sat on her skin.
0:05:43 > 0:05:46- "And she had a majestic look - about her.
0:05:46 > 0:05:50- "Despite this, - she was easy to approach...
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- "..and seek counsel."
0:05:54 > 0:05:58- Those who remember her - spoke of a lively character...
0:05:59 > 0:06:02- ..who was also very mischievous.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- She spoke her mind...
0:06:05 > 0:06:10- ..and we get the impression - that she was a strong-willed person.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18- At the Ann Griffiths Memorial Chapel - in Dolanog...
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- ..we find the only image - of Ann's face.
0:06:22 > 0:06:28- The details about her life - and personality are limited.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- The only thing that has survived - and stands to this day is her words.
0:06:33 > 0:06:37- # God, make me like a tree
0:06:38 > 0:06:43- # Well planted grow
0:06:45 > 0:06:51- # In fertile ground
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- # Where living waters flow #
0:06:54 > 0:06:57- Ann lived in a world - that was evolving...
0:06:58 > 0:07:04- ..thanks to the French Revolution - and war and changes in religion.
0:07:04 > 0:07:07- Her family - turned their backs on the church...
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- ..and sought spiritual guidance - from the Methodists.
0:07:13 > 0:07:16- Alongside this - cultural upbringing...
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- ..Ann enjoyed the gaiety of the fair - and loved to dance.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25- The pinnacle of the year - was the parish saint's festival.
0:07:26 > 0:07:28- During the festival of 1796...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- ..Ann found herself - in a very different place.
0:07:44 > 0:07:47- Somewhere between the farm - and the fair...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- ..Ann passed a preaching meeting.
0:07:49 > 0:07:55- The words of Reverend Benjamin Jones - from Pwllheli moved her.
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- Ann would never be the same again.
0:07:59 > 0:08:05- # Wholly counter to my nature
0:08:05 > 0:08:11- # Is the path ordained for me
0:08:11 > 0:08:18- # Yet, I'll tread it, - yes, and calmly
0:08:18 > 0:08:24- # While thy precious face I see
0:08:25 > 0:08:32- # Count the cross a crown, - and bear it #
0:08:32 > 0:08:36- Thousands were converted - during the Methodist Revival.
0:08:37 > 0:08:41- Ann found it an overwhelming - and spiritual experience.
0:08:42 > 0:08:48- It's believed that she endured - an agonizing time.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- It's interesting - that throughout history...
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- ..women have to express - their devotion...
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- ..using sensory actions, - such as singing or dancing.
0:09:02 > 0:09:05- It isn't fundamentally - a female thing...
0:09:06 > 0:09:12- ..but I witnessed women in India - dancing and entering a trance...
0:09:12 > 0:09:15- ..while their husbands sat sedately.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Intense spiritual experiences - were not uncommon.
0:09:19 > 0:09:24- It was a period of mystics and - prophets who had many followers...
0:09:24 > 0:09:26- ..including some women.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31- Joanna Southcott is one of the most - recognized figures of the time.
0:09:32 > 0:09:38- She was similar to Ann in that - she was also a farmer's daughter...
0:09:38 > 0:09:41- ..who had very little schooling...
0:09:41 > 0:09:46- ..but was mesmerized - by these mystical texts.
0:09:46 > 0:09:52- She believed that anything that had - been promised in the scriptures...
0:09:52 > 0:09:54- ..was achieved through her.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Christ is central - to Ann Griffiths' work...
0:09:58 > 0:10:05- ..but Joanna Southcott embodies - the woman clothed with the sun...
0:10:05 > 0:10:07- ..in the Book of Revelation.
0:10:08 > 0:10:14- # Lo, to us is born a Brother #
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- Ann found her conversion - distressing...
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- ..as she cast off her sins - from the fair...
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- ..to express her new love - for Christ.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30- "At times, she was so entranced - that she shouted with elation.
0:10:30 > 0:10:33- "Sometimes, her jubilant cries...
0:10:33 > 0:10:37- "..were heard in the fields - near her home."
0:10:37 > 0:10:40- I wonder how she was viewed - by her peers.
0:10:41 > 0:10:45- She enjoyed the fair but was now - talking about God and Jesus Christ.
0:10:46 > 0:10:51- Some found her too vocal in meetings - when she broke out in praise.
0:10:52 > 0:10:55- She was accused of drawing attention - to herself.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- She was a mesmerizing character.
0:10:59 > 0:11:01- Two centuries later...
0:11:01 > 0:11:05- ..and her experience - continues to inspire us.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Her greatest feat...
0:11:08 > 0:11:13- ..is that she avoided any excessive - use of theological terminology.
0:11:13 > 0:11:18- They feel like love songs or poems - that were written from the heart.
0:11:18 > 0:11:24- It means that people from all walks - of life can sing these words...
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- ..without having to share - Ann's beliefs.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32- # Fount clear-flowing
0:11:32 > 0:11:36- # Life bestowing
0:11:36 > 0:11:41- # God our saving ark
0:11:41 > 0:11:47- # Is he #
0:11:51 > 0:11:52- .
0:11:53 > 0:11:53- Subtitles
0:11:53 > 0:11:55- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- It's been 200 years - since the death of Ann Griffiths...
0:12:02 > 0:12:07- ..but there's a new interest - in her work in Wales and beyond.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14- When Rowan Williams - became Archbishop of Canterbury...
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- ..he chose an Ann Griffiths hymn - for his service.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- It introduced her work to the world.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- # Be my dwelling
0:12:23 > 0:12:26- # Be my dwelling
0:12:26 > 0:12:33- # In his love through all my days #
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- Ann Griffiths' poems are complex...
0:12:36 > 0:12:41- ..when compared with other - religious and spiritual poems...
0:12:41 > 0:12:43- ..by other women from that period.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46- There are many differences.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- Other women tend to write poems...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- ..that are very objective.
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- They convey a message...
0:12:56 > 0:13:00- ..whilst Ann Griffiths' poems - are very private.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- They were tools - to aid her personal faith.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07- Female authors - in Ann's day were rare...
0:13:07 > 0:13:11- ..but are there feminine - characteristics in her work?
0:13:11 > 0:13:15- You don't instantly think - that it's the work of a woman.
0:13:15 > 0:13:20- This isn't a criticism - but something praiseworthy.
0:13:21 > 0:13:26- It means she's on a level plain - with any male hymn writers...
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- ..or poets from that period.
0:13:31 > 0:13:36- Ann met with other Methodists at the - chapel of John Hughes, Pontrobert.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- Ann came here during - the last five years of her life.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- Ann shared her spiritual experiences - with her maid, Ruth.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48- She was an integral part - of Ann's legacy.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- # Gods pure name... #
0:13:51 > 0:13:57- They were more like sisters - or best friends...
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- ..as opposed to a mistress - and her maid.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- Ruth often accused her...
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- ..of being carefree and playful.
0:14:07 > 0:14:12- She enjoyed herself too much, - whereas Ruth was very serious.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- # Vow, and pay my vows, receiving #
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Ruth was well versed in her Bible...
0:14:20 > 0:14:26- ..and felt that Ann didn't express - this enough in her text.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- As opposed to sulking...
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- ..and putting her maid - in her place...
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- ..Ann accepted Ruth's criticism.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42- Ruth had a greater knowledge - of the scripture...
0:14:42 > 0:14:45- ..so Ann made changes accordingly.
0:14:45 > 0:14:47- Reverend John Hughes...
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- ..was one of the greatest - influences on the young Ann.
0:14:51 > 0:14:56- He was her mentor and treated her - with respect, not as a young girl.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- They discussed theology - and wrote to one another.
0:15:00 > 0:15:05- They spoke about major issues - as two equal individuals.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07- They were two spirits.
0:15:07 > 0:15:10- The principle message - of Ann's hymns...
0:15:11 > 0:15:14- ..surrounds - this all-encompassing love.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18- It's your spirit and what's inside - that counts.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35- Cardiff's Eglwys Y Crwys is home to - a memorial window for Ann Griffiths.
0:15:36 > 0:15:38- It attempts to portray her.
0:15:38 > 0:15:42- We see her laughing - with spiritual triumph...
0:15:42 > 0:15:44- ..and suffering from despair.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- The jubilation and sorrow - of this unique person.
0:15:49 > 0:15:55- # Wholly counter to my nature
0:15:55 > 0:16:01- # Is the path ordained for me #
0:16:01 > 0:16:04- What about Ann's style - of composition?
0:16:05 > 0:16:10- Was it completely impromptu - or a painstakingly long process?
0:16:10 > 0:16:12- It's still a contentious issue.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- "Ann once intended - to write a diary...
0:16:16 > 0:16:21- "..to keep a record of her visions - and experiences.
0:16:21 > 0:16:25- "As opposed to achieving - this goal...
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- "..she started composing verses - and hymns.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- "If there was anything extraordinary - on her mind...
0:16:33 > 0:16:35- "..it was expressed in a hymn."
0:16:36 > 0:16:41- # To the heavenly city goes #
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- There are certain stories - of her father and he would say...
0:16:47 > 0:16:53- .."Ruth, our Nancy - is starting to lose her mind."
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- He was worried about her condition.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- Ruth would tell him not to worry.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- "She's fine - and everything will be alright.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- "Something is on its way."
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- Ruth was referring to - either a hymn or a poem.
0:17:12 > 0:17:18- # Eye of kite could neer discern it
0:17:18 > 0:17:23- # Though it shines - with noontide blaze #
0:17:23 > 0:17:27- Many have suggested that the words - came from within...
0:17:27 > 0:17:31- ..and cascaded out of her.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- We see those words - as they appeared to her.
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- We have no reason to doubt this...
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- ..but there's room to believe - that Ann knew about cynghanedd.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- She heard alliteration - at the fairs...
0:17:47 > 0:17:51- ..when songs and poems - were performed.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57- I would put my head on the block - and say she knew about alliteration.
0:17:57 > 0:18:03- It's suggested that she recorded - her experiences privately...
0:18:03 > 0:18:06- ..and shared the verses - with her maid, Ruth.
0:18:07 > 0:18:08- She remembered them...
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- ..and introduced them - to a wider audience.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- It's possible - that she thought of them as songs...
0:18:17 > 0:18:23- ..because she used the same metres - as the likes of Pantycelyn.
0:18:23 > 0:18:27- I'm sure that - in her subconscious mind...
0:18:27 > 0:18:31- ..she echoed this notion of singing.
0:18:31 > 0:18:38- # Sinner is my name and nature
0:18:38 > 0:18:44- # Fouler none on earth can be #
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- She fashioned her verses - using the popular metres of the day.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- It's possible - that at the back of her mind...
0:18:54 > 0:18:58- ..she thought someone, somewhere - would sing her verses.
0:19:00 > 0:19:06- # See him there, - his law fulfilling #
0:19:06 > 0:19:08- When singing her text today...
0:19:09 > 0:19:13- ..do we appreciate them or - is the meaning lost in the melody?
0:19:14 > 0:19:17- The Welsh enjoy a good melody...
0:19:17 > 0:19:20- ..and thrive on singing.
0:19:20 > 0:19:26- However, I would prefer the emphasis - to rest on understanding the lyrics.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- Certain lyrics - are difficult to interpret...
0:19:31 > 0:19:36- ..but it's worth studying them - to find their true meaning.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- It's difficult to sing about - the experiences...
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- ..of those from a different era.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- They are not necessarily - the same experiences.
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- We can value their wealth...
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- ..and sense that they are intense - and profound experiences...
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- ..but cannot necessarily - express them from the heart.
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- I suspect people do not regard the - lyrics of a song as being poetry.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08- It's viewed as a song - as opposed to a poem.
0:20:08 > 0:20:13- This is the general consensus - in terms of the treatment of poetry.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- The fact - that these words are sung...
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- ..makes them far more memorable.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- There's no doubt - that Ann Griffiths was a poet.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- Ann only had eight years - to compose her poetry.
0:20:34 > 0:20:38- A fortnight after the death - of her first child in childbirth...
0:20:38 > 0:20:42- ..Ann, herself, died aged only 29.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- Ann was plagued with ill-health - but she did not fear death.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51- In her letter to Elizabeth, - she said...
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- .."this is what cheers me more - than anything else these days...
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- "..not death in itself...
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- "..but the great gain - that is to be got through it."
0:21:02 > 0:21:09- # O might I gain faiths insight
0:21:10 > 0:21:16- # With angel-minds on high #
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- She didn't record any of her hymns - on paper.
0:21:19 > 0:21:23- We're indebted to Ruth, - who remembered them...
0:21:23 > 0:21:27- ..and John Hughes, - who recorded them for all to see.
0:21:27 > 0:21:33- In recent years, I've been amazed - by the attention she has received...
0:21:33 > 0:21:35- ..outside of Wales.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39- She's recognized - throughout the world.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- Her work has been translated - into English.
0:21:44 > 0:21:49- People from America have even - made the journey to come here.
0:21:49 > 0:21:55- They want to know more after reading - the translations of her hymns.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- Some have said that they - didn't understand Ann's hymns.
0:22:00 > 0:22:05- They felt they were old fashioned - but this is not the case.
0:22:07 > 0:22:11- Ann Griffiths - is the perfect role model...
0:22:11 > 0:22:17- ..for young women - who want to write poetry.
0:22:17 > 0:22:22- She's a positive example - for creative women.
0:22:22 > 0:22:25- She isn't only godly - but intelligent too.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29- Ann and William Williams - Pantycelyn...
0:22:30 > 0:22:32- ..are our two major hymn writers.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- The stand out difference for me...
0:22:36 > 0:22:41- ..is William Williams Pantycelyn - was more aware of his craft...
0:22:41 > 0:22:45- ..whereas Ann - concentrated on her feelings...
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- ..and how she could improve herself.
0:22:49 > 0:22:52- She was always - putting herself down.
0:22:52 > 0:22:57- I think she was just as good as - any other poet from her era...
0:22:57 > 0:22:59- ..and modern times...
0:22:59 > 0:23:03- ..because she got to the root - of the true experiences.
0:23:07 > 0:23:13- Ann's story is enriched by the fact - that she was a farmer's wife.
0:23:13 > 0:23:19- Nancy Dolwar wasn't worthy of a - painting or statue in her lifetime.
0:23:19 > 0:23:25- Today, her work plays - an integral role in Welsh life.
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- Ann Griffiths, - the hymn writer and poet.
0:23:55 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .