Gorsedh Kernow

Gorseth Kernow (Cornish Gorsedd) is a non-political Cornish organisation, which exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall in the United Kingdom.

Contents

History

The Gorseth 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 name "Gwas Myghal", meaning "servant of Michael". He and twelve others 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 Ken George, R. Morton Nance ("Mordon") and Peter Berresford Ellis.[1]

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. [2]

The Gorseth Kernow has now opened up to all forms of revived Cornish and states its aim as "to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall". As such it supports the revival of the Cornish language. The Gorseth 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 Gorseth" is attended by many Cornish people. There is also extensive coverage on local media.

An important part of the open Gorseth is the awarding of bardships to individuals for meritorious work for Cornish culture. Thus the Gorseth acts in many ways as a form of "honours system". 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,

The three major Gorseths 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.

The Gorseth for 2008 was held in September 2008 in Looe which coincided with the Dehwelans Kernow festival. The 2009 Gorseth began on April 18 at Saltash.

The first bards of Gorseth Kernow at Boscawen-Un

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 Gorseth used the Unified form, in June 2009, members voted overwhelmingly to adopt the new Standard Written Form as their standard.[3]

Lists of Cornish bards and venues

1899 - 1928

1899, Wales
1903, Brittany
1904, Wales
1928, Wales

Venues in Cornwall since 1929

List of Grand Bards of the Gorseth Kernow since 1928

  • Gwas Constantyn (Dr John Chesterfield) 1988-1991
  • Caradok (Jori Ansell) 1991-1994
  • Cummow (Revd Brian Coombes) 1994-1997
  • Bryallen (Anne Trevenen Jenkin) 1997-2000
  • Jowan an Cleth (John Bolitho) 2000-2003
  • Tewennow (Rod Lyon) 2003-2006
  • Gwenenen (Vanessa Beeman) 2006-2009
  • Skogyn Pryv (Mick Paynter) 2009-

List of Deputy Grand Bards of the Gorseth Kernow since 1928

  • 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 (Rev David R Evans) 1952-1962
  • Tan Dyvarow (Francis Cargeeg) 1962-1967
  • Map Kenwyn (Maj Cecil Herbert 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 (Rev Brian F J Coombes) 1991-1994
  • Bryallen (D 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-

See also

References

  1. ^ List of new Cornish bards / bardic names
  2. ^ Soskernow - Friends of Kernow
  3. ^ Gorsedh adopts SWF - Cornish Language Partnership

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