Although the National Anthem is linked with
the town of Pontypridd there are many other sites associated
with the history of the Anthem within the local area. This
trail - by highlighting some of the main sites of interest
allows the more adventurous reader to explore the area
and learn more about our National Anthem.
Below is a map with links relating to significant events
to do with our National Anthem. Click on any of them to
jump straight to that section where you can find more information.
Aberdare
Former site of the Swan Hotel, Aberaman. James James lived
here with his son Taliesin, also a harpist, for a short time
following the death of his wife - Cecilia.
Number 6 Hawthorn Terrace, Aberdare
The final home of James James, where he died on 11th January
1902.
The grave stone of James James
James James was buried at Aberdare Cemetery located on
Hirwaun Road with his late wife Cecilia who died on the
12th. of March 1892. His youngest daughter Louisa was also
buried there in 1910.
Mountain Ash
In 1873 James James moved to Mountain Ash to keep The
Colliers Arms Public House. He was to remain in the Cynon
Valley for the rest of his life.
Maesteg
Maesteg Workingmens Club
Former site of Tabor Methodist Chapel where 16 year old
Elizabeth John first publicly performed the National Anthem.
Tabor Methodist Chapel
Often mistaken for the original Tabor Methodist Chapel
at which the National Anthem was first publicly performed,
this chapel was in fact built in 1907 and has been converted
into flats during the early part of 2006. The original site
is now the Workingmens Club pictured above.
Pontypridd
The Mosaic
Recent commemorations to Evan and James
James include a mosaic in a Pontypridd town centre underpass
that shows their likenesses. See below for map location
of the mosaic.
The Plaque
Plaque marking the place where Evan James' woollen factory
once stood. The current plaque is a replacement for the original
marble tablet, unveiled in 1931, that was damaged during
building works.
The Harp
This harp which once belonged to Taliesin James, son of
James James, can be seen in the Pontypridd Historical and
Cultural Centre.
The Memorial
Memorial to Evan and James James, Ynysangharad
Park, Pontypridd. The memorial, designed by the artist
Sir W.Goscombe John, was unveiled on July 23rd 1930. The
remains of Evan James and his wife Elizabeth were re-interred
under the memorial on July 1st 1973.
