A WELSH university lecturer from Powys received the high honour of being inducted into the Gorsedd of the Bards last month.

Aled Gruffudd became part of a sacred sect that dates back more than 200 years at the National Eisteddfod held in Gwynedd last month.

The Gorsedd of the Bards includes poets, writers, musicians, artists and individuals who have made a contribution to Wales, the language or its culture.

County Times: ‘Aled o Llanidloes’, translating simply to ‘Aled from Llanidloes’ ‘Aled o Llanidloes’, translating simply to ‘Aled from Llanidloes’ (Image: Aled Grufudd)

As it customary when you become a member, you are allowed to choose a bardic name for yourself and Aled may now be referred to as ‘Aled o Llanidloes’, translating simply to ‘Aled from Llanidloes’.

Aled, 53, and wife Katie now live in Llanafan Fawr, near Builth Wells, with their three children, but he was born and raised in Llanidloes, attending the Welsh unit at Trefeglwys Primary School.

When he’s not being Aled o Llanidloes, he is simply known as Aled, a Welsh for adults tutor at Cardiff University.

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“Since returning to live in Wales after 18 years in London I have thoroughly enjoyed reconnecting with the Welsh language and Welsh culture,” said Aled.

“Being admitted to the Gorsedd is an honour and a great way to publicly declare my support of and commitment to our language and culture.

“I've got two children in the Welsh unit at Builth Wells Primary School and I hope my commitment inspires them to fully embrace the possibility of a bilingual life.”

County Times: ‘Aled o Llanidloes’ (l) at the Eisteddfod in August ‘Aled o Llanidloes’ (l) at the Eisteddfod in August (Image: Aled Grufudd)

The Gorsedd, established in 1792 by Iolo Morgannwg, is an integral part of the Eisteddfod festival. Morgannwg devised the Gorsedd’s rituals based on the Druids, but with a strong Christian influence, to emphasise the fact that the culture and heritage of the Celts belongs to the Welsh.

The first Gorsedd was held at Primrose Hill in London during the Summer Solstice of 1792, and the first connection between the Eisteddfod and the Gorsedd took place at the 1819 Carmarthen Eisteddfod.

During the 1930s the Gorsedd’s ceremonies and rituals were adapted to make them more relevant and attractive to a modern audience. In 2019, it was announced that the Gorsedd of the Bards of the Island of Britain would change its name to Gorsedd Cymru.