Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" () is the national anthem of Wales. The title – taken from the first words of the song – means "Old Land of My Fathers" in Welsh, usually rendered in English as simply "Land of My Fathers". The words were written by Evan James and the tune composed by his son, James James, both residents of Pontypridd, Glamorgan, in January 1856. The earliest written copy survives and is part of the collections of the National Library of Wales. "Glan Rhondda" (Banks of the Rhondda), as it was known when it was composed,
John Owen (Owain Alaw) "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"). Owen continued to compose, perform and adjudicate in his later years, while also editing and contributing to several collections of Welsh music and poetry that were published in the 1860s and 1870s, including "Tonau yr Ysgol Sabothol" and "Y Gyfres Gerddorol". Of his own works, several songs appeared in "Y Gyfres Gerddorol" and other collections. His oratorio "Jeremiah" was published in 1878. John Owen died on 29 January 1883 at the age of 61, and was buried in Chester. John Owen (Owain Alaw) John Owen, also known by his bardic name Owain Alaw Pencerdd (November 14,