Iolo Morganwg

From Ffaith

1747-1826

Iolo Morganwg was the bardic name of Edward Williams of Llancarfan, Glamorgan. He was an influential antiquarian, poet, collector and literary forger. The name is Welsh for "Ned of Glamorgan". Iolo first came to public notice by revealing some previously undiscovered poetry by Dafydd ap Gwilym, generally considered to be the greatest Welsh poet, in 1789. These poems were in fact forgeries, but survived critical attention for over hundred years. He went on to author fairly substantial works (most of which are now considered forgeries) claiming that the ancient druidic tradition had survived intact in Wales, despite the Roman conquest, Christianity, the persecution of the bards under Edward I, and other adversities. He also forged an extra set of Welsh Triads.