Gorsedh Kernow

Awen of Iolo Morganwg

The Gorsedh Kernow (Gorsedd of Cornwall) was set up in 1928 at Boscawen-Un by Henry Jenner, one of the early proponents of Cornish language revival, who took the bardic name "Gwas Myghal", meaning "servant of Michael". He and twelve others (including Kitty Lee Jenner) were initiated by the Archdruid of Wales. It has been held every year since, except during World War II. 1,000 people have been Cornish bards, including Dame Alida Brittain, Ken George, R. Morton Nance, and Peter Berresford Ellis.[2][3]

After 1939 the Council of the Gorsedd of Cornwall approved additional regalia, and asked Francis Cargeeg to design and execute new regalia for the Grand Bard, the Deputy Grand Bard and the Secretary, and two headpieces for the Marshal's staves. Over time, and up to 1970, additional pieces were added, including plastrons for past Grand Bards, also produced by Francis Cargeeg.[4] More metalwork was carried out for the Gorsedh by John Turner and by Cyril Orchard.[5]

Lady of Cornwall and flower girls at the 2007 Gorsedh (Penzance)

The Gorsedh Kernow has now opened up to all forms of revived Cornish language, and states its aim as "to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall". The Gorsedh also encourages the study of the arts and history. It has been held annually since and has become an important institution in Cornwall's cultural and civic life. Its competitions attract many applicants and the "open Gorsedh" is attended by many Cornish people. There is also extensive coverage on local media.

An important part of the open Gorsedh is the awarding of bardships to individuals for meritorious work for Cornish culture. Thus the Gorsedh acts in many ways as a form of "honours system". Bardships are awarded for study in the language, services to Cornish music, encouraging the arts (especially amongst children) amongst other things. Initiate Bards are given Bardic names by the Grand Bard who welcomes them into the College of Bards. These names are in Cornish and will often refer somehow to the reason for their bardship: other Bardic names refer to the Bard's personal or family name, or describe the Bards themselves,

The three major Gorsedhs in Britain are recorded in an ancient Welsh triad as being held at Moel Merw and Bryn Gwyddon in Wales and Boscawen-Un in Cornwall (ref: Craig Weatherhill). After domination of the Brythonic Celts by the Saxons the Bardic tradition fell into disuse and despite attempts at revival over the centuries lost all its prestige.

The Gorsedh for 2008 was held in September 2008 in Looe which coincided with the Dehwelans Kernow festival. The 2009 Gorsedh began on 18 April at Saltash.

• List of topics related to Cornwall

• Weatherhill, Craig (1995). Cornish Place Names & Language. Sigma Leisure. ISBN 1-85058-462-1.
• Jenkin, John Chirgwin (2007). Byrth Gorseth Kernow 1928–2007: Bards of the Gorseth of Cornwall. Gorseth Kernow. ISBN 978-1-903668-01-6.
• Lyon, Rod (2008). Gorseth Kernow / The Cornish Gorsedd: what it is and what it does.

• "Penzance 2007 Gorseth Kernow parade and ceremony". Youtube.
• Gorsedh Kernow. "Official website". Retrieved 20 April 2009.
• "Rol Byrth Gorseth Kernow, 1947". Cornovia (organisation). Archived from the original on 10 July 2009.
• "Cornish Gorseth Diamond Jubilee". Celtic League. Archived from the original on 28 September 2007. Retrieved 10 July 2007.
• Gorsedh Kernow. "List of Grand Bards". Archived from the original on 30 August 2009.