Gofal Ein Gwinllan

Caring for the Vineyard

In 16 essays by distinguished scholars, the contribution of the Church in Wales to the history and culture of Wales during the first half of the 19th Century is explored in the second volume of the 'Gofal ein Gwinllan' series, launched at the Eisteddfod

The essays are based on conversations given in a series of online seminars held during 2022 and 2023 under the auspices of St Padarn’s Institute. The book, with the title, Care of our Vineyard: Essays on the Contribution of the Church in Wales to our lore and history and culture (Volume 2), will be launched at the National Eisteddfod on 9 August.

It includes an examination of the Methodist connection, the growth of scholarship, the Eisteddfod movement, the development of the periodical press and the increasing contribution of women. Attention is also given to hymn writers, such as Ieuan Glan Geirionydd and Rice Rees, the poets Alun, Tegid and Daniel Ddu and cultural patrons Angharad Llwyd and Gwenynen Gwent.

The book is edited by Professor Densil Morgan and Dr A Cynfael Lake.

The foreword has been written by the Bishop of St Davids, Dorrien Davies. He says, "As the Bishop with portfolio responsibility for the Welsh language, it is my great privilege to recommend this second volume to you. I hope you will enjoy reading these essays which describe a very interesting period in the development of the Church - and also have lessons for us as we try to proclaim the Gospel of Christ at a very different time."

The book was published by Y Lolfa on behalf of St Padarn’s Institute and the Church in Wales. Although it focuses on figures from the Church in Wales, the book will be of interest to all those who treasures the nation's cultural heritage.

Everyone is welcome to the launch in the Societies Tent at the Eisteddfod on Friday 9 August at 3pm. The event will include an address from one of the contributors to the book, Professor Prys Morgan, who will talk about Augusta Hall, Lady of Llanofer (Gwenynen Gwent). This topic will be of particular interest as Ynys Angharad Park, where this year's Eisteddfod is located, stands on land that was once owned by the Lady's family. The chair of the session will be Canon Dr Ainsley Griffiths.

The book can be ordered online at ylolfa.com or from all good bookshops.