C Y M R A E G

John Williams (Ab Ithel, 1811–62)

John Williams (Ab Ithel), an Anglican priest, antiquary and scholar, was one of the main disseminators of Iolo Morganwg's bardo-druidism. He organized the Grand Eisteddfod of Llangollen, 1858, which featured several Gorsedd ceremonies. Following initial criticism, it later became a blueprint for the National Eisteddfod.

Ab Ithel's numerous publications include the seminal two-volume work Barddas; or, a Collection of Original Documents, Illustrative of the Theology, Wisdom, and Usages of the Bardo-Druidic System of the Isle of Britain (1862 and 1874), which remains a reference point for modern neo-druidic groups.
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