Gorsedd

Society of Welsh bards founded 1792 by the Glamorgan bard Iolo Morganwg (1747–1826). It was devised to replace a long-defunct medieval order of the same name. Iolo merged the Gorsedd ceremonial with the eisteddfod in Carmarthen 1819.

The present-day Gorsedd forms an integral and influential part of the organization of the National Eisteddfod of Wales, in that most of the National Eisteddfod Court or governing body are members of the Gorsedd. The Gorsedd is responsible for administering and conducting the rich and colourful bardic ceremonial of the Eisteddfod, which has developed into a picturesque and very popular national pageant.