Ellis Humphrey Evans, 1887-1917

Ellis Humphrey Evans, poet, better known as Hedd Wyn, his bardic name, was born in Trawsfynydd on 13 January 1887. He was encouraged by his father to write, and his awdl on the subject of Strata Florida won second prize in the 1916 National Eisteddfod in Aberystwyth.

Early in 1917 he enlisted in the 15th battalion, the Royal Welch Fusiliers. He had already started on his composition for the 1917 National Eisteddfod in Birkenhead entitled Yr Arwr, and completed the awdl in camp at Litherland. The work was posted from France for entry in the competition.

When it was announced in the chairing ceremony that Hedd Wyn was the winner, it was also announced that he had been killed at the battle of Pilkem Ridge on 31 July 1917.

A volume of his poetry was published in 1918, Cerddi'r Bugail .

From the guide to the Hedd Wyn Manuscripts, 1906 - 1963, (Bangor University)