Evan James (poet) were taken many years apart. Evan James (poet) Evan James (also known by the bardic name "Ieuan ap Iago") (1809 – 30 September 1878), a weaver and poet from Pontypridd, originally from Caerphilly, Wales, wrote the lyrics of "Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau" ("Land of my Fathers"), the national anthem of Wales. James, a weaver by trade, employed several people at his mill on the bank of the River Rhondda. According to family legend, his son James James, was walking one day in January 1856 on the banks of the river when the melody for "Hen Wlad fy Nhadau" came to
Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau was first performed in the vestry of the original Capel Tabor, Maesteg (which later became a working men's club), in either January or February 1856, by Elizabeth John from Pontypridd, and it soon became popular in the locality. James James, the composer, was a harpist who played his instrument in the public house which he ran, for the purpose of dancing. The song was originally intended to be performed in 6/8 time, but had to be slowed down to its present tempo when it began to be sung by large crowds. The popularity of the song increased after the Llangollen