Isaac Clarke (publisher) Isaac Clarke (publisher) Isaac Clarke (1824 - 5 April 1875) was a Welsh 19th century newspaper proprietor, printer and publisher. He published the National Anthem of Wales: "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" ('Land of my Fathers'). According to his baptism records was baptised on 24 April 1824 in Mold Parish Church Clarke ; his parents were Robert and Ruth Clarke who lived in the township of Leeswood ("Coed-llai") which at that time was in the parish of Mold where his father was a farmer. Clarke did not follow in his fathers footsteps instead he learned his printing skills with Hugh Jones
James James Welsh versifier 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