0:00:00 > 0:00:00- *
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- TRUMPET FANFARE
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- APPLAUSE
0:00:09 > 0:00:14- One of Wales's most important - cultural prizes is the crown.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- In the 2014 National Eisteddfod, - Carmarthenshire...
0:00:20 > 0:00:23- ..I was lucky enough to win one.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26- Guto Dafydd from Pwllheli.
0:00:27 > 0:00:29- APPLAUSE
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- The crown usually sits - on a shelf in the living room.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38- But it sometimes has an outing.
0:00:39 > 0:00:44- I take it with me around Wales - to give talks about the poems.
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- People enjoy wearing it.
0:00:47 > 0:00:52- The crown shares the eisteddfod - stage with another renowned prize.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- Looking at the National - Eisteddfod's two main prizes...
0:00:59 > 0:01:02- ..the crown is obviously smaller.
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- Some people think that winning - the crown is less important.
0:01:06 > 0:01:11- It's the chair's younger sibling - or even its illegitimate child.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13- But why?
0:01:13 > 0:01:16- I'm going to try to find out...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..enjoying a few stories - along the way...
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- ..from those who make them, - look after them and who wear them.
0:01:25 > 0:01:26- Here's the crown.
0:01:26 > 0:01:27- Here's the crown.- - Wow!
0:01:34 > 0:01:36- The 1861 Aberdare Eisteddfod...
0:01:36 > 0:01:40- ..is considered - the first modern eisteddfod.
0:01:40 > 0:01:42- But there was no crown.
0:01:42 > 0:01:48- The only prize for poets was - a chair for a strict metre poem.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- The free verse poets, known - as the Radicals, were unhappy.
0:01:54 > 0:01:57- A very public quarrel - developed in 1862.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- Here's a copy of Baner Ac Amserau - Cymru, dated December 17, 1862.
0:02:05 > 0:02:10- On the back, there's a critical - letter from a certain Aneurin Fardd.
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- He argued that - the Eisteddfod Committee...
0:02:14 > 0:02:18- ..shouldn't recognize - two bardic schools in Wales.
0:02:18 > 0:02:22- Stepping in to defend the Radicals - was Lewis William Lewis...
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- ..or Llew Llwyfo - - The Lion of Llwyfo.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- He was a singer, drinker, - critic, writer and poet.
0:02:30 > 0:02:32- The following week in Y Faner...
0:02:32 > 0:02:35- ..Llew wrote - a harshly critical letter...
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- ..calling Aneurin Fardd "an opponent - of all progress in poetry."
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- Handbags at dawn from two - leading figures in Welsh culture!
0:02:46 > 0:02:49- Five years later, - the quarrel reached a climax...
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- ..when a special committee - of radicals and conservatives met...
0:02:54 > 0:02:57- ..at the Ivy Bush Hotel, Carmarthen.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- Discussing this crucial time in the - crown's history is Mererid Hopwood.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- She has won a crown and a chair.
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- She's just the person - to give an impartial opinion.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14- You were the first woman to win - the chair in 2001 in Denbigh.
0:03:14 > 0:03:17- Then you won this crown - in Meifod in 2003.
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- Who made this beautiful Crown?
0:03:20 > 0:03:24- John Price, who is renowned - for making glorious crowns.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27- It tells the story - of the eisteddfod area...
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- ..and people like - William Morgan and Melangell.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- There are marvellous details.
0:03:35 > 0:03:40- The crown has to be - adjusted to fit your head.
0:03:40 > 0:03:45- John Price hid the screws - with two acorns.
0:03:47 > 0:03:51- The eisteddfod was - established in 1861...
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- ..long before you won - in Denbigh and Meifod.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- But all wasn't well.
0:03:57 > 0:04:02- There were disputes - between the two schools of poets.
0:04:02 > 0:04:07- The eisteddfod has seen a few - squabbles over the centuries.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- Poets who didn't write - strict metre poetry...
0:04:12 > 0:04:16- ..felt that free verse poems - should be honoured too.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- But how could that be done?
0:04:20 > 0:04:23- They called themselves the Radicals.
0:04:23 > 0:04:26- They wanted a prize...
0:04:26 > 0:04:32- ..a crown to be awarded - one year and a chair, the next.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35- We're in the Ivy Bush, Carmarthen...
0:04:35 > 0:04:39- ..where that crucial - meeting was held.
0:04:39 > 0:04:44- They had to come to a decision. - Things had come to breaking point.
0:04:45 > 0:04:46- Llew Llwyfo...
0:04:46 > 0:04:47- A very colourful character!
0:04:47 > 0:04:48- A very colourful character!- - Quite!
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- He didn't turn up for the meeting - the day after the discussions.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- Hywel Teifi intimated - that the beer tasted too good!
0:04:57 > 0:05:02- A few have taken that stance, - but we mustn't cast aspersions!
0:05:03 > 0:05:05- The fact was, he wasn't there.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- So the Radicals had less clout.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- They reached a compromise.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- They agreed to award a crown - and chair every year.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18- That's what happened.
0:05:18 > 0:05:20- The following year, 1868...
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- ..almost inevitably, - Llew Llwyfo won the crown.
0:05:25 > 0:05:27- Was it a real crown?
0:05:27 > 0:05:29- Well... no.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34- The Ruthin Eisteddfod - had financial problems...
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- ..and couldn't afford a crown.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- They had a medal, - apparently after someone else.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- But Llew was honoured there.
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- Who would have thought? - The first crown was a medal.
0:05:49 > 0:05:54- But where is it? And - what about the first real crown?
0:05:56 > 0:05:59- There are four crowns - in the National Library.
0:05:59 > 0:06:03- The two earliest crowns - we can definitely date...
0:06:03 > 0:06:07- ..were won by TH Parry-Williams - in 1912 and 1915.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- Are there crowns in the National - History Museum, St Fagans?
0:06:12 > 0:06:16- Will Llew Llwyfo's - fabled crown be there?
0:06:16 > 0:06:21- Curator Dr Sioned Williams - will tell us.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25- These are the national - eisteddfod crowns.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29- There are many local eisteddfod - crowns in the collection.
0:06:29 > 0:06:31- This is the most recent.
0:06:32 > 0:06:35- This is the 1933 Wrexham - Eisteddfod Crown.
0:06:36 > 0:06:38- It's very big and smart.
0:06:38 > 0:06:41- Yes. It was won by Simon Jones.
0:06:41 > 0:06:44- It's interesting - that the crown's design...
0:06:45 > 0:06:49- ..is more old-fashioned - than the eisteddfod programme.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- Yes, it's in the art deco style - which was fashionable at the time.
0:06:54 > 0:07:00- We move on to the 1909 Eisteddfod, - held at the Albert Hall, London.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05- The crown was won by WJ Gruffydd.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- It's lighter, like a fairy crown.
0:07:07 > 0:07:08- It's lighter, like a fairy crown.- - Yes.
0:07:08 > 0:07:11- It's delicate and quite feminine.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- It'd be interesting to see - a picture of WJ Gruffydd wearing it.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- What is this crown? - It's much simpler.
0:07:19 > 0:07:24- It comes from - the 1869 Holywell Eisteddfod.
0:07:24 > 0:07:28- There was no national - eisteddfod that year...
0:07:28 > 0:07:31- ..because they had - financial problems.
0:07:32 > 0:07:34- Richard Mawddwy Jones won the crown.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- I'm not sure if people had taken - to the idea of a crown at first.
0:07:39 > 0:07:41- It was still a new idea.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45- Here's a newspaper clip from 1869.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- It says, "The crown - movement has been established.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- "Could not the winner...
0:07:53 > 0:07:57- "..wear a fine gold star etched - with a crown on his breast?"
0:07:58 > 0:08:01- Some people thought - the prize should be a medal.
0:08:01 > 0:08:05- They weren't sure - about wearing a crown.
0:08:05 > 0:08:08- Men weren't sure about this.
0:08:08 > 0:08:11- Was it customary to award medals?
0:08:12 > 0:08:13- Yes.
0:08:13 > 0:08:17- A year before, in 1868, - Llew Llwyfo won the crown.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- But he didn't receive a crown.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- No, he received a medal.
0:08:22 > 0:08:23- Is this the medal?
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- No, but Llew Llwyfo did win this - at the 1866 Chester Eisteddfod.
0:08:28 > 0:08:33- It's a little earlier - and similar to what he won in 1868.
0:08:33 > 0:08:34- Exactly.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40- Can we say that the 1869 crown - is the first awarded as a prize?
0:08:41 > 0:08:43- That's not quite true.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46- We have another early crown.
0:08:46 > 0:08:51- It dates back to 1858 - and the Great Llangollen Eisteddfod.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- It's another light, delicate crown.
0:08:54 > 0:08:57- Ceiriog, or John Ceiriog Hughes...
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- ..won it for his renowned - love poem, Myfanwy Fychan.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- It's a significant crown.
0:09:05 > 0:09:09- It was the first time someone - was crowned in an eisteddfod.
0:09:09 > 0:09:10- Wow.
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- I'm going to be impertinent.
0:09:13 > 0:09:18- This 1858 crown - is the earliest one I'll ever hold.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Can I try it on?
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- You may.
0:09:22 > 0:09:23- Right.
0:09:23 > 0:09:25- I'll be careful.
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- I'll put my crown down.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- I'll crown myself - with Ceiriog's 1858 crown.
0:09:34 > 0:09:35- Does it suit me?
0:09:35 > 0:09:36- Does it suit me?- - Very nice.
0:09:37 > 0:09:38- Marvellous.
0:09:41 > 0:09:43- After seeing these old crowns...
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- ..I realize more than ever - how privileged I am...
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- ..to be part of the lengthy - tradition of crowned bards.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- I've seen six crowns so far.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- Who knows how many more I'll find?
0:09:59 > 0:09:59- .
0:10:04 > 0:10:04- Subtitles
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:10:08 > 0:10:13- I never thought that the national - eisteddfod crown's early history...
0:10:13 > 0:10:15- ..would be so revealing.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18- I've learnt that - it came into existence...
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- ..to keep us, - the free verse Radical poets, happy.
0:10:23 > 0:10:25- However, I have a theory.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- By splitting the eisteddfod's - main prize in two...
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- ..pioneering, radical, free verse - poetry was given a platform.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- That type of poetry was crucial - at the time, and still is...
0:10:41 > 0:10:44- ..in the development - of any poetic tradition.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52- # I love Wales like any Welshman
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- # But it's hard to be - natural in the culture
0:10:58 > 0:10:59- # As I come and go #
0:10:59 > 0:11:03- There are thousands of houses - in Pentwyn, Cardiff now.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07- But for a short time in 1978, - the eisteddfod was here.
0:11:08 > 0:11:11- As Geraint Jarman sang, - "Eisteddfod in the city."
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- # Eisteddfod in the city #
0:11:17 > 0:11:19- No-one won the chair - in the eisteddfod.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- But the crown was awarded - to Sion Eirian...
0:11:23 > 0:11:25- ..one of the youngest ever - to win it.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- All heads turn for - a first glimpse of the bard.
0:11:29 > 0:11:32- He's on his feet!
0:11:33 > 0:11:35- He is very young.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38- I'd say he's around 25 years old.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- Well, 24 to be precise, - a fortnight younger than I was.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46- He wasn't as young - as Caradog Prichard though...
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- ..the youngest ever Crowned Bard.
0:11:49 > 0:11:50- This is where you keep the crown.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52- This is where you keep the crown.- - Yes, in its box.
0:11:54 > 0:11:56- It smells!
0:11:56 > 0:11:57- It smells!- - Really?
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- It smells of metal.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02- It smells of metal.- - It's dusty and damp!
0:12:03 > 0:12:05- As well as being a young poet...
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- ..Sion's winning poem - broke new ground...
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- ..in terms of style and content.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- Why did you compete so young?
0:12:16 > 0:12:21- Was it to make your mark, to gain - the establishment's approval?
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- I definitely didn't seek - the establishment's approval!
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- I proved that - by not joining the Gorsedd.
0:12:28 > 0:12:30- You rejected the opportunity.
0:12:30 > 0:12:32- You rejected the opportunity.- - Yes, and it didn't go down well.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- The establishment's respect - wasn't a factor.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38- In his adjudication...
0:12:39 > 0:12:44- ..Dafydd Rowlands was ecstatic - about your future as a bard.
0:12:44 > 0:12:46- It didn't happen.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51- I'd forgotten that. But he didn't - like everything in the poem.
0:12:51 > 0:12:54- He was wrong, unfortunately.
0:12:55 > 0:12:59- It marked the end of something - rather than a new beginning.
0:12:59 > 0:13:05- Within a year of winning, I decided - to earn a living by writing.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- I began to write plays...
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- ..and discovered it - was where I wanted to be.
0:13:12 > 0:13:18- Poetry was gradually - pushed to one side.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- I expressed myself - through dramatic dialogue...
0:13:24 > 0:13:26- ..rather than my poems...
0:13:26 > 0:13:30- ..which tended - to be short and angst-ridden.
0:13:30 > 0:13:34- They are bold poems.
0:13:34 > 0:13:39- You argue there are no Welsh words - for everything.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- The style is different. - There are graphic references to sex.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- Did you deliberately - set out to ruffle feathers?
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- Perhaps, at that age.
0:13:52 > 0:13:55- At times, I enjoyed being shocking.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- A lot of young writers experiment - in the same way.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- It was part of my armoury, - especially in the late seventies.
0:14:06 > 0:14:08- Rock and roll was only 15 years old.
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- We rebelled against our parents. - We were anti-establishment.
0:14:13 > 0:14:16- Poetry went in the same direction.
0:14:16 > 0:14:20- Winning the crown should - have been a happy time for me.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23- But it turned sour.
0:14:23 > 0:14:27- Dyfed Thomas's punk band, - Dr Hywel Ffiaidd...
0:14:27 > 0:14:30- ..performed on the Thursday night.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32- He introduced one song...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- ..as the work of the eisteddfod - Crowned Bard, Sion Eirian.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40- I was proud Dyfed used the poem.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- It made the front page - of the Sunday People...
0:14:44 > 0:14:48- ..that I'd written filth - for a Welsh punk band...
0:14:48 > 0:14:52- ..discussing sex and all sorts.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56- It spoilt it for my parents.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59- But I was proud of the connection.
0:15:01 > 0:15:06- The crown isn't only a celebration - of a well-crafted poem...
0:15:06 > 0:15:08- ..but of the craftsman as well.
0:15:08 > 0:15:12- John Price from Machynlleth - has made tens of them...
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- ..for numerous eisteddfodau.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- He's working on his sixth national - eisteddfod crown. Hello.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24- Hello. How are you? - Come in and take a seat.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- Welcome to my workshop.
0:15:26 > 0:15:30- Do you want to have a look - at my crown?
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- How does it compare to your crowns?
0:15:33 > 0:15:34- It's a different style completely.
0:15:34 > 0:15:36- It's a different style completely.- - Do you like it?
0:15:36 > 0:15:37- It's wonderful.
0:15:38 > 0:15:43- It's a privilege to see you work - on this year's crown.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46- It's March. How is it going?
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- I'm on schedule, I think.
0:15:50 > 0:15:51- Will it be ready on time?
0:15:51 > 0:15:54- Will it be ready on time?- - I haven't missed a deadline yet.
0:15:55 > 0:15:57- Who is sponsoring this year's crown?
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- Who is sponsoring this year's crown?- - The Wales-Argentina Society.
0:15:59 > 0:16:02- How much have they influenced - the design?
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- I enjoy discussing the design - and talking to the sponsor.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- In the initial meeting...
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- ..I write down a few ideas.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- There are no sketches.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23- No, we only chat. - From there, a design develops.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- Once the sponsor - accepts the design...
0:16:26 > 0:16:30- ..it's passed - to the Eisteddfod Committee.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Once they're happy, I can get going.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40- You can include whatever you want - on the crown, within reason.
0:16:40 > 0:16:43- There are three things I must have.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46- The Mystic Mark must be prominent, - the name...
0:16:47 > 0:16:49- ..location and eisteddfod year.
0:16:49 > 0:16:53- I also have to be able to adapt - the crown to fit the winner.
0:16:54 > 0:16:59- What is your favourite crown? - You've made tens of them.
0:17:00 > 0:17:04- It's hard to say. I'm very happy - with Geraint Lloyd Owen's crown.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- Geraint and I are friends.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- You didn't know he'd won it.
0:17:09 > 0:17:13- No. I was with him - a fortnight before the eisteddfod.
0:17:13 > 0:17:18- He asked me about the crown - and whether I had images of it.
0:17:18 > 0:17:22- That's the sort of thing - we talked about.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28- I was so proud that he won it.
0:17:28 > 0:17:30- It's an honour to meet every bard.
0:17:31 > 0:17:34- Is it hard to let go of a crown, - or is it a job of work?
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- Do you feel an emotional attachment - to them?
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- That's probably true - while I'm doing the crown.
0:17:43 > 0:17:49- Once it's finished, I'm glad to see - the back of it! My job is done.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54- Before retiring in 2013...
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- ..Hywel Wyn Edwards was the - eisteddfod organizer for 21 years.
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- The organizer is the middle man...
0:18:01 > 0:18:06- ..between the maker of the crown, - the Gorsedd, Committee and poet.
0:18:06 > 0:18:08- Ah, welcome!
0:18:09 > 0:18:14- I've brought something that - confirms that relationship.
0:18:14 > 0:18:18- This is the letter I received - to say I was a Chief Bard.
0:18:19 > 0:18:22- It's like Harry Potter - finding out he can go to Hogwarts!
0:18:23 > 0:18:25- The wording is interesting.
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- I'm told there's a microphone - on the Archdruid's costume.
0:18:31 > 0:18:35- I shouldn't say anything silly. - It says the cloak is long.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37- Is that your wording?
0:18:38 > 0:18:42- I changed it because - I could see problems arising...
0:18:43 > 0:18:45- ..for instance with the costume.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50- If the winner was tall, - there wouldn't be a problem.
0:18:51 > 0:18:53- But if the winner was short...
0:18:53 > 0:18:58- ..they could trip - as they go on stage...
0:18:58 > 0:18:59- ..or come off stage.
0:18:59 > 0:19:03- ..or come off stage.- - During the eisteddfod week...
0:19:03 > 0:19:06- ..the winning bard - has to try the crown on.
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- The bard's name must be kept secret.
0:19:11 > 0:19:15- It was like Spooks or Homeland. - It was very cloak and dagger!
0:19:15 > 0:19:17- It is cloak and dagger.
0:19:18 > 0:19:24- I arranged for the crown maker - and poet to come to the office.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- If the winner - is a familiar figure...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- ..that can make things - more difficult.
0:19:33 > 0:19:38- I'm not sure how many - of the staff recognized you.
0:19:38 > 0:19:39- No-one!
0:19:39 > 0:19:45- That could have been a good thing. - It's important to have the fitting.
0:19:45 > 0:19:48- There have been times in the past...
0:19:49 > 0:19:52- ..when the crown - didn't fit properly.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- People will remember Aberystwyth - Eisteddfod, and Cyril Jones.
0:19:58 > 0:20:03- I declare that you are the Crowned - Bard of Ceredigion Eisteddfod.
0:20:04 > 0:20:05- Congratulations.
0:20:07 > 0:20:09- LAUGHTER AND APPLAUSE
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- You have a lot of experience - of crown fittings.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- The Herald Bard brings it - to the Archdruid.
0:20:28 > 0:20:31- The Archdruid stands next - to the winner.
0:20:32 > 0:20:36- He turns and places - the crown on the bard's head.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41- I've crowned you - for the second time...
0:20:42 > 0:20:45- ..although I'm far - from being an Archdruid!
0:20:45 > 0:20:47- Not yet!
0:20:51 > 0:20:56- I'll close where I started, with - Llew Llwyfo, The Lion of Llwyfo...
0:20:56 > 0:20:58- ..who won the very first crown...
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- ..that wasn't a crown at all.
0:21:01 > 0:21:07- In 1895, 27 years after his first - victory, The Llew won again.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13- This time, the eisteddfod had enough - money to pay for a proper crown.
0:21:16 > 0:21:22- Llew Llwyfo's first bona fide crown - is in the Institute in Caernarfon.
0:21:24 > 0:21:30- Roy Owen, the mayor, has allowed me - to borrow it for a couple of hours.
0:21:30 > 0:21:33- This is the Llanelli - Eisteddfod crown, 1895.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- It's light. - I won my crown in Llanelli, too.
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- It's a similar design. - I've seen a lot of crowns by now.
0:21:41 > 0:21:46- This is the earliest - National Eisteddfod crown.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48- It's Llew Llwyfo's crown...
0:21:48 > 0:21:52- ..who started the whole tradition.
0:21:55 > 0:22:00- Despite his eisteddfod successes, - The Llew was a complex character.
0:22:01 > 0:22:05- His relationship with the bottle - was a continuous battle.
0:22:05 > 0:22:07- He lived to quite an old age.
0:22:08 > 0:22:12- But Llew's great circus - ended in March, 1901.
0:22:12 > 0:22:17- His grave is in Llanbeblig cemetery, - Caernarfon... somewhere.
0:22:23 > 0:22:24- This is it.
0:22:25 > 0:22:29- "In loving memory of Llew Llwyfo - from family and friends."
0:22:29 > 0:22:33- It was put here less - than two years after his death.
0:22:33 > 0:22:37- It's here in a remote corner, - almost forgotten.
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- He's one of the eisteddfod's - most important figures...
0:22:42 > 0:22:44- ..a key figure of our culture.
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- I'm glad my journey ends here.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51- This is the man who started - the crown competition.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56- By reaching a compromise between - the Conservatives and Radicals...
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- ..he created one of our strangest, - most colourful customs.
0:23:01 > 0:23:04- The competition - still creates its own myth.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- It's still a compromise between - Conservative and Radical.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- But, before I take it back, - out of respect to Llew's ashes...
0:23:13 > 0:23:17- ..I'll give him five minutes - of peace with his crown.
0:23:38 > 0:23:40- S4C Subtitles by Gwead
0:23:40 > 0:23:40- .