“Harlech, Cyfod dy Faneri“ - “Harlech, Raise Thy Banners“ - Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech

The precise origin of the March of the Men of Harlech is uncertain. It either details the fall of Harlech Castle to Henry V in 1408-9 during Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion or the later siege between 1461 and 1468 during the Wars of the Roses, in which Welsh Lancastrians held out against Yorkist attackers. Either way, the song’s original significance was to honour Welsh resistance in the face of outside invaders. The music was first published by the King’s Harpist Edward Jones in his 1794 book “Musical And Poetical Relicks Of The Welsh Bards“. This popular arrangement of the song is the oldest recorded version, unfortunately the author of the lyrics remains unknown. It predates John Ceiriog Hughes’s 1890 arrangement by at least several decades. Performed by The Welsh Guards, the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, and the Morriston Orpheus Choir, 1989.