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Llyfrau BooksWelsh genealogical books
From medieval bardic genealogies to modern scholarly editions: the key works for tracing Welsh families.
Ffynonellau Sources
About Welsh genealogical literature
Welsh genealogical writing is one of Europe's oldest continuous traditions of recording family history. From medieval bardic genealogies to modern scholarly editions, these works preserve the web of relationships that tied Welsh families to their royal and tribal ancestors.
Why the bards kept pedigrees
The tradition began with the Welsh bards, who had to memorise and recite their patrons' genealogies as part of their professional duties. Under Welsh law, knowing your pedigree was essential for inheritance rights, legal status and social standing. This created a tradition of genealogical recording that spans over a millennium.
Llyfrgell Library