Battles

Guto'r Glyn (1435-1493) was a Welsh language poet and soldier who is considered one of the greatest exponents of the tradition of canu cyfarch (‘praise poetry’). Inspired by battles, praise poetry is often addressed to a noble patron, and Glyn was particularly adept at bringing satire and humour into his verse. Glyn spent his last years at Valle Crucis Abbey, and wrote about the buildings and his life there. The monks cared for him after he lost his sight, and he died and is buried at the abbey. This fascinating site is one of the best preserved in Wales: even the monks’ fishpond is still full of water. Valle Crucis Abbey is run by Cadw. Contemporary Welsh poet and academic Eurig Salisbury contributed to the Guto’r Glyn website.