07/07/1849
An eisteddfod was held on Monday evening week at the Bridgend Inn, in this place, which, already endowed with interesting associations, both historical and industrial, bids fair to combine with them some pretensions to literary reputation.
The room, the largest in Hirwain, was quite full, many being obliged to turn back for want of place, and among those who were present, were Mr. Phillip Taylor and Miss H. E. Taylor, Hirwain, Mr. David Williams, Ynyscynon, Aberdare, &c. The last-named gentleman did the honours of the chair; and Mr. John Richards was appointed to the vice-chair. In the course of the evening, Mr. Williams delivered his own adjudication on the bardic compositions, and read that of Mr. T. Stephens of Merthyr, upon the prose essays, when the prizes were distributed as follows:
- For the best essay on the “Benefits of Literary Societies and Eisteddfodau;” fifteen shillings, Mr. John Rees, Merthyr.
- Best history of “Hirwain Wrgant;” £1. Mr. J. Williams, grocer, Hirwain.
- Best song to Francis Crawshay. Esq., and Hirwain Iron Works; £1, divided between Mr. William Morgan (Gwilym Gellideg), and Mr. John Jones. Aberdare.
- Best song- in praise of the “Fair Maids of Hirwain;” divided between Mr. David Evans (Dewi ab Ieuan), and Mr. John Owen (Casmaelus).
- Best englyn to the “Gamby Goat;” Mr. John Owens.
- The best singer in the manner of Gwent and Morganwg was, according to Mr. William Morgan, Mr. John Evans (Cenydd Glan Cynon).
- The best after the manner of North Wales; Mr. David Morgan.
- The prize offered to the best “Reader,” was awarded to Mr. Wm. Hopkins, Hirwain.
Several stirring addresses were delivered in the course of the evening by Messrs. D. Williams, William Morgan, and William Williams, Stag, Aberdare; and the entertainments of the evening were varied by bardic contests, and the music of Mr. Hopkin Smith, a Hirwain harpist.
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