0:00:00 > 0:00:01- 888
0:00:01 > 0:00:05- # The land of my fathers
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- # Is dear unto me... #
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- The lyrics use the first person - singular - this is my country.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21- So everyone can identify - with the words.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- # Its warring defenders... #
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- It's tribal, rather like the Haka.
0:00:31 > 0:00:35- There's something in it that - transports us onto another plane.
0:00:35 > 0:00:39- It reaches out to something - very primitive within us...
0:00:39 > 0:00:43- ..and affects the way - we respond to music in public.
0:00:45 > 0:00:50- # Wales! Wales!
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- # True am I to Wales! #
0:00:54 > 0:00:56- What happened, very quickly...
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- ..was that the melody and lyrics - captivated the Welsh.
0:01:01 > 0:01:04- It seemed to belong to the people.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- Gradually, 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - became the anthem...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- ..of the Welsh people.
0:01:12 > 0:01:21- # Oh may the old language endure. #
0:01:23 > 0:01:25- CHEERS
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- The anthem has never been sung...
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- ..with so much conviction - or passion. A nation awaits.
0:01:53 > 0:01:56- March 1, 1912.
0:01:57 > 0:02:01- Good news! I have obtained a copy - of the photographs I needed...
0:02:01 > 0:02:04- ..of Evan James and James James, - for the monument.
0:02:04 > 0:02:06- It's strange, - when you compare both photos.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- Although they look - like father and son...
0:02:11 > 0:02:13- ..the son, James James, - seems older than the father.
0:02:13 > 0:02:17- Of the two, you'd think Evan James - was the younger but he's the father.
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- These are the only photos the family - has and the only ones that exist...
0:02:23 > 0:02:24- ...as far as we know.
0:02:25 > 0:02:28- I consider myself lucky - to have known them...
0:02:28 > 0:02:32- ..and that I followed their story - over the years.
0:02:43 > 0:02:44- November 10, 1847
0:02:45 > 0:02:46- Dear Diary...
0:02:46 > 0:02:50- ..I got a job with Mr Evan James - in the woollen mill at Mill Street.
0:02:50 > 0:02:52- He and his wife, Elizabeth, - and their children...
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- ..came here from Caerphilly.
0:02:57 > 0:02:59- He used to be a publican, - but moved to the woollen mill.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04- Six mills have recently - opened on the banks of the Rhondda.
0:03:04 > 0:03:09- The place has altered so much, - and is so lively.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- Mr Evan James's son, Mr James James, - is very fond of playing the harp.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- He asked me - which were the best taverns here.
0:03:20 > 0:03:22- Perhaps he'd like to perform there.
0:03:23 > 0:03:28- The family live next door - to the mill, in Factory House.
0:03:30 > 0:03:32- Evan James is quite a poet, he says.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- In style, the lyrics are typical - of the period.
0:03:42 > 0:03:47- Romantic images, the sort of thing - you'd expect to hear.
0:03:47 > 0:03:52- The longing expressed - in this song...
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- ..appealed to everyone, - and still does so today.
0:03:59 > 0:04:02- April 22, 1854
0:04:02 > 0:04:05- A most enjoyable evening - at the Llanover Arms last night.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- James James entertained us - with his melodies. He is excellent.
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- I don't believe it when he says - he's self-taught. He's a marvel!
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- He's in demand - in almost every tavern in town.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21- But then, he does like his pint.
0:04:22 > 0:04:24- We had a hell of a thirst.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- There's trouble in town these days, - especially Saturday night.
0:04:31 > 0:04:35- People like Dafydd Morgan call - for a religious revival in the area.
0:04:38 > 0:04:40- He'll have his work cut out here.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43- Too many infidels posing as druids, - they say.
0:04:44 > 0:04:45- Iolo Morganwg's followers...
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- ..like Myfyr Morganwg, and his - Gorsedd of Bards on the Common...
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- ..and Ieuan ap Iago, - to give Evan James his bardic name.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56- Infidels posing as druids, indeed!
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- People of all ages - like a good story.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- It's exactly the same with music.
0:05:08 > 0:05:11- The simpler the story, the better.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - is simple and easily memorized.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20- Musically, it develops - leisurely from note to note...
0:05:20 > 0:05:22- ..based on simple chords.
0:05:22 > 0:05:26- Actually, it has very few chords. - Just ordinary, basic chords.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- In very few chords, - it builds up in steps...
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- ..and within the natural confines - of the scale...
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- ..creates an unforgettable melody.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- It was quite a feat for James, - because there's a knack to it.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- When you think of popular - melodies from any age or country...
0:05:56 > 0:06:01- ..their main virtues are simplicity, - and something that's memorable.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05- May 9, 1854
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- A morning at the market. - So many people buy and sell here.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- The place is still growing. - There's so much work in the area.
0:06:18 > 0:06:22- I met Evan James and his wife there, - buying meat.
0:06:25 > 0:06:28- We conversed, - and Evan went on to complain...
0:06:28 > 0:06:32- ..that not enough Welsh - was heard on the streets.
0:06:32 > 0:06:37- You hear a certain amount, I said, - but had to admit, not very often.
0:06:39 > 0:06:43- As we walked, he told me that - he'd joined the Treforest branch...
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- ..of the Philanthropic - Order of True Ivorites.
0:06:48 > 0:06:51- Mrs James explained - that it was a charitable society...
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- ..that aimed to increase respect for - the Welsh language in south Wales.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58- "What about Welsh language - education for our children?"...
0:06:58 > 0:06:59- ..asked Evan fervently.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- I pondered awhile, then bade - them farewell, and went home.
0:07:04 > 0:07:09- As I parted, Evan called after me, - "May the old language endure!"
0:07:09 > 0:07:10- BELL RINGS
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- 'The land of my fathers - is dear unto me.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- 'Old land where the minstrels - are honoured and free.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37- 'For freedom, - their life's blood they gave.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40- 'Wales, Wales!
0:07:40 > 0:07:42- 'True am I to Wales.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46- 'While seas secure the land so pure,
0:07:47 > 0:07:50- 'Oh may the old language endure.'
0:07:51 > 0:07:52- Well done.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06- September 26, 1899
0:08:06 > 0:08:09- In today's Western Mail, there was - a letter from Mr Daniel Owen.
0:08:09 > 0:08:14- Not the novelist from north Wales, - but a gentleman from Cowbridge.
0:08:14 > 0:08:16- He knew James James...
0:08:16 > 0:08:19- ..so he decided - to share with the readers...
0:08:19 > 0:08:22- ..the story behind - 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau'.
0:08:24 > 0:08:28- While James James walked along the - River Rhondda, a melody came to him.
0:08:29 > 0:08:32- The more he whistled it, - the more he liked it.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- He went home to his father - and said, "I've composed a melody.
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- "I want you to write - the lyrics for it."
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- Mr Evan James replied, "Fetch some - beer from the Colliers Arms, son.
0:08:45 > 0:08:47- "I'll write the words for you."
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- Mr Daniel Owen adds that Mr Evan - James was a moderate drinker...
0:08:52 > 0:08:56- ..but his muse needed - a pint to awaken it!
0:09:00 > 0:09:06- Mr Daniel Owen claims that the tune - came first, followed by the lyrics.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- That's not how I remember it - in 1856.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- Let me check again the diary entry - I made at the time.
0:09:15 > 0:09:19- Maybe I should write - to the Western Mail, too.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29- There's no mention of a committee...
0:09:29 > 0:09:33- ..deciding that 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - should be the anthem.
0:09:33 > 0:09:38- We should remember that eisteddfodau - during that time were massive.
0:09:38 > 0:09:43- 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' was sung - regularly at large eisteddfodau.
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- It's clear that it became rooted in - Welsh people's minds at that time.
0:09:47 > 0:09:49- It became very special.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- # Its warring defenders
0:09:54 > 0:09:57- # So gallant and brave... #
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- There's no doubt that - 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' contributed...
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- ..to an awareness of Welshness - and of Wales, all over the world.
0:10:04 > 0:10:08- It became popular - as a national tune at a time...
0:10:09 > 0:10:12- ..when postcards were sent - from Wales all over the world.
0:10:13 > 0:10:16- 'Everyone and everything - in Wales sings.'
0:10:16 > 0:10:18- It belongs to a certain age.
0:10:18 > 0:10:22- And it has transcended that age. - It belongs to every age, really.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- In a way, it's a part of us...
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- ..plucking - at the nation's heartstrings.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- It does so very successfully - on every public occasion.
0:10:36 > 0:10:38- # Oh, may the language endure. #
0:10:57 > 0:10:59- 888
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- James, James!
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- # The land of my fathers - is dear unto me... #
0:11:11 > 0:11:13- You're supposed to be bloody Welsh!
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- # Old land where the minstrels - are honoured and free. #
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- I have just found the diary entry...
0:11:30 > 0:11:35- ..about Evan and James James - composing 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau'.
0:11:35 > 0:11:37- It took hours to find.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41- There has been a lot - of disagreement about the story.
0:11:41 > 0:11:44- But this is how I remember it, - in any case.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- January 26, 1856
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- I walked home from the Welsh Harp - with Evan James.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- He and his son James have composed - a new melody, called 'Glan Rhondda'.
0:11:57 > 0:11:59- We enjoyed singing it tonight.
0:12:00 > 0:12:04- There's something about it, - it's as if we've always sung it.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Evan said he'd written - the patriotic words...
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- ..after receiving a letter - from his brother in America.
0:12:15 > 0:12:17- He described America - as the Promised Land...
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- ..and invited Evan to pack up - and follow him across the ocean.
0:12:22 > 0:12:23- Clutching the letter...
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- ..he went to walk along the banks - of the River Rhondda.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- The weaver had to choose - between a new life in America...
0:12:31 > 0:12:34- ..or remaining - in the land of his fathers.
0:12:35 > 0:12:39- He returned to the mill, and wrote - the first verse in no time.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41- Then the second, and the third.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- 'The land of my fathers - is dear unto me.'
0:12:45 > 0:12:49- He gave the words to James, who also - walked along the river bank.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- The melody, which is very memorable, - by the way...
0:12:53 > 0:12:55- ..came to him immediately.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- It seems they spent the night...
0:12:58 > 0:13:02- ..composing an answer - to the brother in America.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- Mrs Elizabeth James told them off, - for playing the harp on the Sabbath!
0:13:07 > 0:13:09- We both laughed, slightly drunk.
0:13:09 > 0:13:11- Then he turned to me.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17- "The weaver sat down to write, - but the poet fashioned the words.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20- "Goodnight!" he said.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29- Everyone in Wales sings the song.
0:13:29 > 0:13:33- But I'm not sure if everyone - understands all the words.
0:13:33 > 0:13:38- Very often, it's the only bit - of Welsh that many people know.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- But how many Welsh speakers - understand words like 'Pau'?
0:13:43 > 0:13:48- 'The line 'I'r bur hoff bau', is - a wonderful sound, in strict metre.
0:13:49 > 0:13:51- 'Tra mor yn fur i'r bur hoff bau.'
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- The word 'pau' means 'country'.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- It comes from the same root - as 'pays' in French, Pays de Galles.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05- Maybe many of us sing the words - without fully understanding them.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- But the passion's still there.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- The marriage of words and music - is superb.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15- # To the land so pure... #
0:14:20 > 0:14:22- March 1, 1856
0:14:22 > 0:14:24- Our patron saint's day.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28- I hoped to go to see Elizabeth John - in a concert tonight...
0:14:28 > 0:14:32- ..at Tabor CM Chapel, Maesteg. - I missed the coach. Damn!
0:14:32 > 0:14:35- I had looked forward to hearing - her sing 'Glan Rhondda'...
0:14:36 > 0:14:38- ..for the first time in public.
0:14:38 > 0:14:42- John Davies, son of Myfyr Morganwg, - the Archdruid...
0:14:42 > 0:14:44- ..had taught it to Miss John.
0:14:44 > 0:14:47- I'm sure he emphasized every line.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Myfyr Morganwg had heard the song...
0:14:50 > 0:14:52- ..in Evan James's house - one night when I was present.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56- He was mesmerized, and said - it should be sung at the Eisteddfod.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- "A triumph!" he said. But I think - that the title 'Glan Rhondda'...
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- ..does not convey the passion - in Evan James's lyrics.
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- I believe it needs another title.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- One distinct musical feature - of 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau'...
0:15:18 > 0:15:21- ..is its similarity - to other national anthems.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- For example, Finland's - national anthem, 'Finlandia'.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29- It's almost a second national anthem - for us in Wales. Why?
0:15:30 > 0:15:32- It's in a similar key.
0:15:32 > 0:15:36- It moves in a similar way too, - like a powerful hymn tune.
0:15:36 > 0:15:40- But it's memorable too, - and is very easy to sing.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- We remember the tune, - perhaps the tune above all.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Everyone all over the world - knows about 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau'.
0:15:50 > 0:15:54- It's one of the greatest national - anthems, without any doubt.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- August 12, 1857
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- Scores of people climbed the Common, - to the Rocking Stone...
0:16:02 > 0:16:04- ..for Myfyr Morganwg's Eisteddfod.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- He still calls himself the Archdruid - of Glamorgan, I notice.
0:16:09 > 0:16:11- He is a bit strange, in my opinion.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15- I had the company of James, - Cecilia and their son Taliesin.
0:16:15 > 0:16:19- I noticed that John Davies was - courting the singer, Elizabeth John.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- Dr William Price was present, - of course.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- At the end, Myfyr Morganwg - asked James James to sing his song.
0:16:27 > 0:16:31- The audience were so enchanted, - they tried to sing with him.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- But they didn't know the words. - Quite amusing, really.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07- In the great Llangollen - Eisteddfod of 1858...
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- ..a prize was offered for a - collection of unpublished melodies.
0:17:12 > 0:17:16- There were two collections, one by a - contestant calling himself Orpheus.
0:17:16 > 0:17:18- The other was by Llewelyn Alaw.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- Curiously, both collections - included 'Glan Rhondda'.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- We know that James James - was the composer, of course.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30- In the 1860s, - the National Eisteddfod developed.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- The old melodies were popular, - evidently.
0:17:34 > 0:17:38- 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - appeared almost immediately...
0:17:38 > 0:17:40- ..as the 'Eisteddfod Song'.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- That's what it was called, - not an anthem.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48- But it's clear that very soon...
0:17:48 > 0:17:53- ..the melody and the words - captivated the people of Wales...
0:17:53 > 0:17:55- ..and were adopted by the people.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59- Gradually, 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - became the national anthem...
0:17:59 > 0:18:02- ..as far as ordinary - people were concerned.
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- November 4, 1878
0:18:08 > 0:18:11- Very late arriving home last night. - Travelled through wind and rain.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- In the Colliers Arms, - Mountain Ash, all night.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- James took a fancy to the place...
0:18:18 > 0:18:21- ..and will take it over - in a few weeks time.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24- But that's not why we celebrated.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- We celebrated the life of old - Evan James, and sang all night.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33- Yesterday afternoon, - he was buried in Carmel Cemetery.
0:18:33 > 0:18:37- We sang 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - with the Male Voice Choir.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39- A lump came to my throat.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43- Evan would have liked to hear - his song becoming Wales's anthem.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- I remember that night...
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- ..when he described how he composed - it, on the banks of the Rhondda.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53- And I think of Kate Wynne, - Llew Llwyfo, Eos Morlais...
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- ..all the greats, singing it - on the National Eisteddfod stage.
0:18:58 > 0:19:01- And I think, not bad, mun, not bad.
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- 'HEN WLAD FY NHADAU' - Guitar Solo.
0:19:35 > 0:19:38- A key event took place - at the London Eisteddfod...
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- ..Victoria's Jubilee Eisteddfod, - at the Albert Hall in 1887.
0:19:43 > 0:19:47- After almost 25 years of trying to - get him to come to the Eisteddfod...
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- ..Prince Bertie was finally present.
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- The Prince of Wales and his family - attended the Eisteddfod.
0:19:55 > 0:20:00- The renowned singer of the time was - tenor, Eos Morlais - Robert Rees.
0:20:00 > 0:20:04- When the old prince - came to the stage...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- ..they sang 'God Bless - the Prince of Wales', of course.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- Eos Morlais led the singing.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- When that session ended, - the prince prepared to go home...
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- .. and Eos Morlais stood - to sing 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau'.
0:20:20 > 0:20:22- The prince stood too.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26- I don't think there's any doubt - that it was a significant event.
0:20:27 > 0:20:31- If one had to put a finger - on an event that clinched...
0:20:31 > 0:20:34- ..'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - as the national anthem...
0:20:34 > 0:20:36- ..it was probably that moment.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- August 12, 1887, - in the Albert Hall, London...
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- ..at Victoria's Jubilee Eisteddfod.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- I think you can safely say - that from that moment onwards...
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- ..'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau' - was Wales's National Anthem.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- July 14, 1911
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- There's a great demand in town for - a memorial for the father and son.
0:21:01 > 0:21:03- I've been saying this for years.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07- Sir Goscombe John himself - has agreed to create one.
0:21:08 > 0:21:11- Ponty isn't as prosperous as it was, - I know.
0:21:11 > 0:21:13- But no matter, I'm determined.
0:21:15 > 0:21:18- Column upon column of newspaper - reports tell the story...
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- ..of the investiture in Caernarfon.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26- 'God Bless the Prince of Wales' - was sung, rather badly.
0:21:26 > 0:21:28- Embarrassing, to be honest.
0:21:28 > 0:21:33- Everyone sang 'Hen Wlad fy Nhadau', - our national anthem, heartily.
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- Everyone knows it.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- Every choir and society sing it.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- You hear it everywhere. - Evan and James have touched us all.
0:21:45 > 0:21:49- I can almost hear James laughing - from his grave in Aberdare.
0:21:51 > 0:21:53- It's almost ten years since he died.
0:21:54 > 0:21:58- But I can still see him walking - around Ponty, his harp on his back.
0:22:01 > 0:22:02- If only Evan and James knew...
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- ..that their song, written - on the banks of the Rhondda...
0:22:06 > 0:22:09- ..had become - the national anthem of Wales.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- If only they knew - that it was famous across the world.
0:22:22 > 0:22:27- And if only they knew - that it is still sung in Welsh.
0:22:28 > 0:22:32- # The land of my fathers
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- # Is dear unto me.
0:22:39 > 0:22:43- # Old land where the minstrels
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- # Are honoured and free. #
0:22:50 > 0:22:53- I think that - every Welsh man or woman...
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- ..feels proudly patriotic...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- ..when they hear - those words and that melody.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- Maybe we don't understand - every syllable...
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- ..but we understand the deeper - meaning, that lies at its core.
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- It's a feeling that makes us - declare to the world...
0:23:11 > 0:23:13- ..our pride in being Welsh.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19- # Wales, Wales!
0:23:20 > 0:23:26- # True am I to Wales.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- # While seas secure
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- # The land so pure.
0:23:43 > 0:23:52- # Oh, may the old language endure. #
0:23:56 > 0:23:58- S4C Subtitles by: GWEAD