Cleddyf y Genedl - Sword of the Nation.

On 30 Ionawr (2007) the first programme of a series will be broadcast on S4C about the ''Cymric'' Princes of Wales. If you take a look in the Western Mail's magazine/TV supplement for this week (20th January) you will see an article re this series with two photos of 'Cleddyf y Genedl'. Now... read on:

Cleddyf y Genedl - Sword of the Nation.

Symbol of Justice......but, where's the justice in keeping it in the back passage stairwell at MOMA Machynlleth? So much for patriotic pride in Embassy Glyndŵr's attempt to restore the 'Honours of Cymru'. Are you wondering what on earth the ''Honours of the Cymry'' are? Well, essentially, they are the 'National Royal Treasures of Wales' stolen by Edward I at the time of the conquest of Cymru 1282 - 83 - 84. They consisted of the Royal Diadem of the Princes of Gwynedd and other Royal regalia such as a ring and plates etc. Most important amongst these 'National Treasures' was 'Y Croes Naid' and, reputedly, the ''Crown of Arthur'' - although Embassy Glyndŵr is still researching this one and suspects that Edward I May have concocted this story re the crown of Arthur to serve his own 'English Nationalist' dynastic ends. However,there is no doubt of the existance of the other prementioned Royal treasures.

We at Embassy Glyndŵr feel that a nation's national treasure is a potent symbol of that nation's national pride - and when Edward I looted our national treasures as spoils of conquest, he knew exactly the effect that would have on the Cymric psyche; Cymru and our national treasures were now his property - and we were to get used to it!

To commemorate the 600th anniversary of Owain Glyndŵr's coronation on 21 June 1404 at Machynlleth, Embassy Glyndŵr commisioned the sponsorship and making of 'Cleddyf Y Genedl' and thence arranged for it to be presented to the Town council on the understanding that they would protect it and care for it on behalf of the community of Machynlleth.

Thus, following a beautiful ceremony at Capel Pennal, this wonderful sword - the first item of our hoped plan to restore the 'Honours of Cymru' was duly presented by the French Consul to the Mayor of Machynlleth, thus far so good - as you will see from phots below:

The 'Blessing of the Sword' ceremony at Pennal was followed by a spectacular march in Machynlleth prior to the 'Presentation Ceremony' taking place which concluded with two ''Machynleth Maids'' presenting flowers to the French Consul and myself. We were left with the impression that the Council would arrange to place 'Cleddyf y Genedl' on display to the people of Machynlleth, Wales and the World and would be proud of the fact that their town was home to the first of the restored ''National Treasures of the Cymry''. So, where is 'Cleddyf y Genedl'? HHHhhhmmm!!! Indeed. Sadly, the photos below will show you how much pride it would seem Machynlleth has for 'Cleddyf Y Genedl'.

Nice display case, provided by Town Council plus neat plaque at least recognising Embassy Glyndŵr.

Then, they spoil it all by placing the sword on display in a location that can only essentially spell out ''Out of Sight and Out of Mind''.

Wales, unlike Scotland does not have it's 'Honors'' (Traditional Native Crown Jewels) as already mentioned, ours were stolen by Edward I but, what we do have are the English created ''Honors of Wales'' which were presented to ''Carlo'' the English Pretender ''Prince of Wales''. These you will see on display in a ''Bomb proof'' display case in the NMW, Caerdydd. My guess is that if these were presented to Machynlleth they would not be placed in a back passage of MOMA as is the case with 'Cleddyf y Genedl'. That unfortunatly is the sad state of so called ''Welsh Patriotism'' totally misplaced. What makes matters even worse is that MOMA cannot be even be bothered to put up signs anywhere as to indicate where 'Cleddyf y Genedl' is displayed so, If you dont already know about 'Cleddyf y Genedl' and that it is on display on the back stairwell of MOMA, you never will if its left to MOMA to draw attention to it.

We would like to suggest that you write to them about this and also suggest that perhaps a better place to put Cleddyf Y Genedl is in the foyer of MOMA where there is plenty of place for 'Cleddyf y Genedl' and thence may be seen when the place is shut. Plus, you may suggest that they could put a big notice in the window stating 'Cleddyf y Genedl' - 'Sword of the Nation' is on display here. After all this should be patriotically percieved as to be the most important item in the keeping of MOMA. this is also a matter for Machynlleth Town Council to be concerned with so perhaps you could write to them as well. Of course if you're ever passing through Machynlleth do go and see the nation's 'Symbol of Justice' which has not itself seen itself given the good justice it truly deserves. Other than this, may we remind you that 21 Mehefin is, since 2004, dedicated as both 'Dydd y Senedd Glyndwr' and 'Dydd Coroni Glyndŵr' and thus we call upon patriots to assemble in Machynlleth on or about that date to commemorate the events in that town which occured on 21 Mehefin 1404. Further details on this will be posted soon.

'Juratus Oweyn'


Sian Ifan