Pantycelyn Hall's new poetry celebrates journey of its re-opening

Pantycelyn Poems

New poems have been composed about Pantycelyn Hall to mark 10 years since the start of the journey towards its re-opening. 

Three notable poets who have a close connection to the famous residential accommodation - Professor Mererid Hopwood, Dr Eurig Salisbury and Dr Hywel Griffiths - have each composed an ‘englyn’.

An englyn is a four-line poem that uses the strict meter of Cynghanedd. Cynghanedd is the unique Welsh poetic device where a variety of patterns are used through rhyme, alliteration and matching consonants, to create harmony between words.

Thanks to work between UMCA and the University, these new poems are being exhibited alongside other iconic Welsh poetry in Pantycelyn.

The new poem by Professor Hopwood from the University's Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies, reads:

     ‘Yma cei orwel dielyn – yr haul  

     Yn rhodd, ac ar gychwyn 

     Dy daith yn dy iaith dy hun 

     Cei aelwyd Pantycelyn.’ 

Pantycelyn Hall was re-opened in September 2020 as a Welsh-medium residential hall after over five years of work to renovate the building.

Dr Gwawr Taylor, Director of Welsh at Aberystwyth University said: 

“It is wonderful to read these new poems which have been elegantly placed on the walls of the hall. Pantycelyn is undoubtedly one of the treasures of Welsh education - a unique place. The reopening of the hall five years ago was the result of the work of many students, staff and partners, together with our friends in the community. It is a unique hall of residence which nurtures our national language on the tongues of the next generation. This new poetry is now part of a rich history the hall.” 

“With Aberystwyth recently designated as Wales' first UNESCO City of Literature, we are proud that the University's students and staff are contributing further to the lively literary scene that is maintained within the walls of Pantycelyn and across the town.”

Nanw Maelor, President of the Aberystwyth Welsh Students' Union, has composed poetry based on her experience of living and working in Pantycelyn. She has also interpreted the new compositions with her own artistic drawings.

She was selected as a member of the Literature Wales 'Pencerdd' scheme for 2025-26 - a scheme which gives poets the opportunity to develop their skills as speakers.

Nanw added:

“Over the decades, literature has been a foundation of the Welsh community in Aberystwyth and we are very fortunate to have opportunities such as the Intercollegiate Eisteddfod which has been a platform for past and future Welsh poets and writers. It was important to me that we celebrate that legacy and craft poetry not only as part of the building's history, but also its significance today. I am very grateful to the Accommodation Department for all their work preparing the work and to Mererid, Eurig and Hywel for their special contributions.” 

AU2826

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