James James

• Name — James James • Born — 4 November 1832 • Birthplace — Bedwellty, Monmouthshire, Wales • Died — 11 January 1902 • Place of death — Aberdare, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Wales

James was born on 4 November 1832, at the Ancient Druid Inn, Hollybush, in the parish of Bedwellty, Monmouthshire. He was the son of Evan James (1809–1878) and Elizabeth Stradling of Caerphilly. His father, a Welsh poet who wrote under the pen-name of leuan ab lago, moved with his family to Pontypridd, where he carried on the business of weaver and wool merchant, in about 1844. His son James assisted him in the business. James James composed the melody which was later to be known as Hen Wlad fy Nhadau in January 1856. Its initial title was Glan Rhondda (The banks of the Rhondda), giving rise to the tradition that the tune had come to James as he walked on the bank of the River Rhondda. His father, Evan James, wrote the lyrics that eventually became the words of the Welsh national anthem. James James died in Aberdare in the Cynon Valley on 11 January 1902. He was buried in the local cemetery at Aberdare, in the same grave as his wife Cecilia and daughter Louisa. A memorial to James James and his father, comprising two figures representing the muses of Poetry and Music, stands in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd.

James James is recorded as a citizen of United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Recorded with the occupation Christian minister. Recorded with the occupation composer. Recorded with the occupation poet.