Jump to content

Gorsedh Kernow: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
m Host town name for 2025 provided by the Current Grand Bard
 
(11 intermediate revisions by 10 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Non-political Cornish organisation}}{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Short description|Non-political Cornish organisation}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
|name = <small>Gorsedd of the Bards of Cornwall</small><br><small>''Berdh Gorsedh Kernow''</small>
|name = <small>Gorsedd of the Bards of Cornwall</small><br /><small>''Berdh Gorsedh Kernow''</small>
|image = Banner of Gorsedh Kernow.svg
|image = Banner of Gorsedh Kernow.svg
|caption = Banner
|caption = Banner
Line 9: Line 10:
|formation = 1928
|formation = 1928
|headquarters = [[Cornwall]]
|headquarters = [[Cornwall]]
|type = [[Cornish culture]]<br>[[Celtic Revival]]
|type = [[Cornish culture]]<br />[[Celtic Revival]]
|founder = [[Henry Jenner]]
|founder = [[Henry Jenner]]
|leader =
|leader =
Line 16: Line 17:


'''Gorsedh Kernow''' (Cornish Gorsedd) is a non-political [[Cornwall|Cornish]] organisation, based in Cornwall, [[United Kingdom]], which exists to maintain the national [[Celt]]ic spirit of Cornwall. It is based on the Welsh-based [[Gorsedd]], which was founded by [[Iolo Morganwg]] in 1792.
'''Gorsedh Kernow''' (Cornish Gorsedd) is a non-political [[Cornwall|Cornish]] organisation, based in Cornwall, [[United Kingdom]], which exists to maintain the national [[Celt]]ic spirit of Cornwall. It is based on the Welsh-based [[Gorsedd]], which was founded by [[Iolo Morganwg]] in 1792.

Since 1995, they run the annual [[Holyer an Gof Publishers Awards]] "to promote books about Cornwall, set in Cornwall or in [[Cornish language revival|Cornish]]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/holyer-an-gof-publishers-awards|title=Holyer an Gof Publishers' Awards|publisher=Gorsedh Kernow}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Line 21: Line 24:
The Gorsedh Kernow ([[Gorsedd]] of Cornwall) was set up in 1928 at [[Boscawen-Un]] by [[Henry Jenner]], one of the early proponents of [[Cornish language]] revival, who took the [[bardic name]] "Gwas Myghal", meaning "servant of [[St Michael|Michael]]". He and twelve others (including [[Kitty Lee Jenner]]) were initiated by the Archdruid of [[Wales]]. It has been held every year since, except during [[World War II]]. 1,000 people have been Cornish bards, including Dame [[Alida Brittain]], [[Ken George]], [[Robert Morton Nance|R. Morton Nance]], and [[Peter Berresford Ellis]].<ref>[http://www.gorsethkernow.org.uk/english/archives/newbards/bardlist.htm List of new Cornish bards / bardic names] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119161350/http://www.gorsethkernow.org.uk/english/archives/newbards/bardlist.htm |date=19 November 2007 }}</ref><ref name="TheJenners">{{Cite ODNB|id=75066|title=Jenner, Henry}}</ref>
The Gorsedh Kernow ([[Gorsedd]] of Cornwall) was set up in 1928 at [[Boscawen-Un]] by [[Henry Jenner]], one of the early proponents of [[Cornish language]] revival, who took the [[bardic name]] "Gwas Myghal", meaning "servant of [[St Michael|Michael]]". He and twelve others (including [[Kitty Lee Jenner]]) were initiated by the Archdruid of [[Wales]]. It has been held every year since, except during [[World War II]]. 1,000 people have been Cornish bards, including Dame [[Alida Brittain]], [[Ken George]], [[Robert Morton Nance|R. Morton Nance]], and [[Peter Berresford Ellis]].<ref>[http://www.gorsethkernow.org.uk/english/archives/newbards/bardlist.htm List of new Cornish bards / bardic names] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071119161350/http://www.gorsethkernow.org.uk/english/archives/newbards/bardlist.htm |date=19 November 2007 }}</ref><ref name="TheJenners">{{Cite ODNB|id=75066|title=Jenner, Henry}}</ref>


After 1939 the Council of the Gorsedd of Cornwall approved additional regalia, and asked [[Francis Cargeeg]] to design and execute new regalia for the Grand Bard, the Deputy Grand Bard and the Secretary, and two headpieces for the Marshal's staves. Over time, and up to 1970, additional pieces were added, including [[breastplate|plastrons]] for past Grand Bards, also produced by [[Francis Cargeeg]].<ref>[http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~soskernow/Gorsedd.htm Soskernow – Friends of Kernow]</ref> More metalwork was carried out for the Gorsedh by John Turner and by Cyril Orchard.<ref> Pill, Colin (2011) ''Cornish Art Metalwork''. Bristol: Sansom & Co. ISBN 978-1-906593-58-2; pp. 104, 110-113 & 116-117</ref>
After 1939 the Council of the Gorsedd of Cornwall approved additional regalia, and asked [[Francis Cargeeg]] to design and execute new regalia for the Grand Bard, the Deputy Grand Bard and the Secretary, and two headpieces for the Marshal's staves. Over time, and up to 1970, additional pieces were added, including [[breastplate|plastrons]] for past Grand Bards, also produced by [[Francis Cargeeg]].<ref>[http://freepages.history.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~soskernow/Gorsedd.htm Soskernow – Friends of Kernow]</ref> More metalwork was carried out for the Gorsedh by John Turner and by Cyril Orchard.<ref>Pill, Colin (2011) ''Cornish Art Metalwork''. Bristol: Sansom & Co. ISBN 978-1-906593-58-2; pp. 104, 110-113 & 116-117</ref>


[[File:Lady of Cornwall.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lady of Cornwall and flower girls at the 2007 Gorsedh ([[Penzance]])]]
[[File:Lady of Cornwall.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Lady of Cornwall and flower girls at the 2007 Gorsedh ([[Penzance]])]]
Line 169: Line 172:
* 2022 Heyl / [[Hayle]]
* 2022 Heyl / [[Hayle]]
* 2023 Lodenek/ [[Padstow]]
* 2023 Lodenek/ [[Padstow]]
* 2024 Kelliwik / [[Callington, Cornwall|Callington]]
* 2025 Marhasvean / Marazion




|}
|}
Line 187: Line 194:
* Map Dyvroeth ([[Richard Jenkin]]) 1985–1988
* Map Dyvroeth ([[Richard Jenkin]]) 1985–1988
* Gwas Constantyn (John Chesterfield) 1988–1991
* Gwas Constantyn (John Chesterfield) 1988–1991
* Caradok (Jori P. S. Ansell) 1991–1994<ref>Barded 1978; Deputy Grand Bard 1988-1991. Grand Bard 1991-1994.--[http://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/councilmembers.html Gorsedh Kernow]</ref>
* Caradok (Jori P. S. Ansell) 1991–1994<ref>Barded 1978; Deputy Grand Bard 1988-1991. Grand Bard 1991-1994.--[http://gorsedhkernow.org.uk/councilmembers.html Gorsedh Kernow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170830005538/http://www.gorsedhkernow.org.uk/councilmembers.html |date=30 August 2017 }}</ref>
* Cummow (Brian F. J. Coombes) 1994–1997
* Cummow (Brian F. J. Coombes) 1994–1997
* Bryallen (Ann Trevenen Jenkin) 1997–2000
* Bryallen ([[Ann Trevenen Jenkin]]) 1997–2000
|valign="top"|
|valign="top"|
* Jowan an Cleth ([[John Bolitho]]) 2000–2003
* Jowan an Cleth ([[John Bolitho]]) 2000–2003
Line 198: Line 205:
* Telynor an Weryn (Merv Davey) 2015–2018
* Telynor an Weryn (Merv Davey) 2015–2018
* Melennek (Elizabeth M. Carne) 2018–2021
* Melennek (Elizabeth M. Carne) 2018–2021
* Mab Stenak Vur (Pol Hodge) 2021-
* Mab Stenak Vur (Pol Hodge) 2021-2024
* Gwythvosen (Jenefer Lowe) 2024-
|}
|}


Line 227: Line 235:
* Melennek (Elizabeth M. Carne) 2015–2018
* Melennek (Elizabeth M. Carne) 2015–2018
* Mab Stenak Vur (Pol Hodge) 2018–2021
* Mab Stenak Vur (Pol Hodge) 2018–2021
* Gwythvosen (Jenefer Lowe) 2021-
* Gwythvosen (Jenefer Lowe) 2021-2024
* Myrgh an Tyr ([[Loveday Jenkin]]) 2024-
|}
|}


Line 267: Line 276:


{{Culture of Cornwall|state=expand}}
{{Culture of Cornwall|state=expand}}
{{Celtic nations}}
{{Celts}}
{{Cornish language}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Bards of Gorsedh Kernow|*]]
[[Category:Bards of Gorsedh Kernow|*]]
[[Category:Celtic Revival]]
[[Category:Celtic Revival]]
[[Category:Cornish culture]]
[[Category:Culture of Cornwall]]
[[Category:Cornish language]]
[[Category:Cornish language]]
[[Category:Cornish nationalism]]
[[Category:Cornish nationalism]]

Latest revision as of 10:14, 18 December 2024

Gorsedd of the Bards of Cornwall
Berdh Gorsedh Kernow
AbbreviationCornish Gorsedd
Formation1928
FounderHenry Jenner
TypeCornish culture
Celtic Revival
HeadquartersCornwall
Websitegorsedhkernow.org.uk

Gorsedh Kernow (Cornish Gorsedd) is a non-political Cornish organisation, based in Cornwall, United Kingdom, which exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall. It is based on the Welsh-based Gorsedd, which was founded by Iolo Morganwg in 1792.

Since 1995, they run the annual Holyer an Gof Publishers Awards "to promote books about Cornwall, set in Cornwall or in Cornish".[1]

History

[edit]
Awen of Iolo Morganwg

The Gorsedh Kernow (Gorsedd of Cornwall) was set up in 1928 at Boscawen-Un by Henry Jenner, one of the early proponents of Cornish language revival, who took the bardic name "Gwas Myghal", meaning "servant of Michael". He and twelve others (including Kitty Lee Jenner) were initiated by the Archdruid of Wales. It has been held every year since, except during World War II. 1,000 people have been Cornish bards, including Dame Alida Brittain, Ken George, R. Morton Nance, and Peter Berresford Ellis.[2][3]

After 1939 the Council of the Gorsedd of Cornwall approved additional regalia, and asked Francis Cargeeg to design and execute new regalia for the Grand Bard, the Deputy Grand Bard and the Secretary, and two headpieces for the Marshal's staves. Over time, and up to 1970, additional pieces were added, including plastrons for past Grand Bards, also produced by Francis Cargeeg.[4] More metalwork was carried out for the Gorsedh by John Turner and by Cyril Orchard.[5]

Lady of Cornwall and flower girls at the 2007 Gorsedh (Penzance)

The Gorsedh Kernow has now opened up to all forms of revived Cornish language, and states its aim as "to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall". The Gorsedh also encourages the study of the arts and history. It has been held annually since and has become an important institution in Cornwall's cultural and civic life. Its competitions attract many applicants and the "open Gorsedh" is attended by many Cornish people. There is also extensive coverage on local media.

An important part of the open Gorsedh is the awarding of bardships to individuals for meritorious work for Cornish culture. Thus the Gorsedh acts in many ways as a form of "honours system"[citation needed]. Bardships are awarded for study in the language, services to Cornish music, encouraging the arts (especially amongst children) amongst other things. Initiate Bards are given Bardic names by the Grand Bard who welcomes them into the College of Bards. These names are in Cornish and will often refer somehow to the reason for their bardship: other Bardic names refer to the Bard's personal or family name, or describe the Bards themselves,[citation needed]

The three major Gorsedhs in Britain are recorded in an ancient Welsh triad as being held at Moel Merw and Bryn Gwyddon in Wales and Boscawen-Un in Cornwall (ref: Craig Weatherhill). After domination of the Brythonic Celts by the Saxons the Bardic tradition fell into disuse and despite attempts at revival over the centuries lost all its prestige.[citation needed]

The Gorsedh for 2008 was held in September 2008 in Looe which coincided with the Dehwelans Kernow festival. The 2009 Gorsedh began on 18 April at Saltash.[citation needed]

The first bards of Gorsedh Kernow at Boscawen-Un

[edit]

Morton Nance became the second Grand Bard in 1934. He said, "One generation has set Cornish on its feet. It is now for another to make it walk." Although the early Gorsedh used the Unified form, in June 2009, members voted overwhelmingly to adopt the new Standard Written Form as their standard.[6]

Lists of Cornish bards and venues

[edit]

1899 – 1928

[edit]
1899, Wales
1903, Brittany
1904, Wales
1928, Wales
  • Albert Marwood Bluett (Gwryghonen Vew)
  • James Sims Carah (Gwas Crowan)
  • Gilbert Hunter Doble (Gwas Gwendron)
  • Robert Morton Nance (Mordon)
  • Annie Pool (Myrgh Piala)
  • Trelawney Roberts (Gonader A Bell)
  • Joseph Hambley Rowe (Tolzethan)
  • William Charles Daniel Watson (Tirvab)

Venues in Cornwall since 1928

[edit]


Jori Ansell, Caradok. Barded in 1978 at Merry Maidens, St Buryan by examination in the Cornish language. Joined GK Council as elected member in 1985. Deputy Grand Bard 1988-1991. Grand Bard 1991-1994. Chair GK Constitutional sub-committee.

List of Grand Bards of the Gorsedh Kernow since 1928

[edit]
  • Jowan an Cleth (John Bolitho) 2000–2003
  • Tewennow (Rod Lyon) 2003–2006
  • Gwenenen (Vanessa Beeman) 2006–2009
  • Skogynn Pryv (Mick Paynter) 2009–2012
  • Steren Mor (Maureen Fuller) 2012–2015
  • Telynor an Weryn (Merv Davey) 2015–2018
  • Melennek (Elizabeth M. Carne) 2018–2021
  • Mab Stenak Vur (Pol Hodge) 2021-2024
  • Gwythvosen (Jenefer Lowe) 2024-

List of Deputy Grand Bards of the Gorsedh Kernow since 1928

[edit]
  • Mordon (Robert Morton Nance) 1928–1934
  • Tolzethan (Joseph Hambley Rowe) 1934–1937
  • Gonader A-Bell (Trelawney Roberts) 1937–1946
  • Map Mor (Henry Trefusis) 1946–1952
  • Gwas Cadoc (David R. Evans) 1952–1962
  • Tan Dyvarow (Francis Cargeeg) 1962–1967
  • Map Kenwyn (Cecil Beer) 1967–1972
  • Map Dyvroeth (Richard Jenkin) 1972–1976
  • Den Toll (Hugh John Miners) 1976–1982
  • Gwas Gwethnok (Ernest E. Morton Nance) 1982–1988
  • Caradok (George P. S. Ansell) 1988–1991
  • Cummow (Brian F. J. Coombes) 1991–1994
  • Bryallen (Dorothy Ann Trevenen Jenkin) 1994–1997
  • Jowan an Cleth (John Bolitho) 1997–2000
  • Tewennow (Rod Lyon) 2000–2003
  • Gwenenen (Vanessa Beeman) 2003–2006
  • Skogyn Pryv (Mick Paynter) 2006–2009
  • Steren Mor (Maureen Fuller) 2009–2012
  • Telynor an Weryn (Merv Davey) 2012–2015
  • Melennek (Elizabeth M. Carne) 2015–2018
  • Mab Stenak Vur (Pol Hodge) 2018–2021
  • Gwythvosen (Jenefer Lowe) 2021-2024
  • Myrgh an Tyr (Loveday Jenkin) 2024-

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Holyer an Gof Publishers' Awards". Gorsedh Kernow.
  2. ^ List of new Cornish bards / bardic names Archived 19 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Jenner, Henry". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/75066. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  4. ^ Soskernow – Friends of Kernow
  5. ^ Pill, Colin (2011) Cornish Art Metalwork. Bristol: Sansom & Co. ISBN 978-1-906593-58-2; pp. 104, 110-113 & 116-117
  6. ^ Gorsedh adopts SWF – Cornish Language Partnership
  7. ^ Barded 1978; Deputy Grand Bard 1988-1991. Grand Bard 1991-1994.--Gorsedh Kernow Archived 30 August 2017 at the Wayback Machine
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Gorsedh_Kernow&oldid=1263741087"