Rhys Prichard

Welsh writer

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July 13, 2026

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Rhys Prichard was a significant figure in 17th-century Welsh literature, known for his work Canwyll y Cymry (1646–72), which translates to "The Welshman's Candle". This collection featured moral verses written in the traditional meters of old folk songs, known as penillion telyn.1

Prichard's work was part of a new literary school that emerged, blending folk song traditions with contemporary English poetry styles. His Canwyll y Cymry is considered a landmark in this development, contributing to the evolution of Welsh prose and poetry during a period of cultural transition. While many poets of this era produced work in similar meters, Prichard's handling of the form is noted for its impact.12

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Celtic literature
Welsh literature in the 17th century
…version of the Psalms and Rhys Prichard’s Canwyll y Cymry (1646–72; “The Welshman’s Candle”), both written in so-called free meters. Prys’s Psalter contained the first Welsh metrical hymns. Prichard’s work consisted of moral verses in the meters of the old folk songs (penillion telyn). Many other poets wrote in these…
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…version of the Psalms and Rhys Prichard’s Canwyll y Cymry (1646–72; “The Welshman’s Candle”), both written in so-called free meters. Prys’s Psalter contained the first Welsh metrical hymns. Prichard’s work consisted of moral verses in the meters of the old folk songs (penillion telyn). Many other poets wrote in these…
Read More