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Robe
Robe and stole worn by the Archdruid of the Gorsedd of the Bards (Gorsedd y Beirdd). Worn by successive Archdruids until 1959. A list of wearers supplied to the Museum by Archdruid Cynan in 1960 suggests that Hwfa Mon was the first to wear this robe in 1895. However, photographs and illustrations of Hwfa Mon's robes suggest otherwise. Hywel Teifi Edwards notes that the stole became part of the Archdruid's regalia in 1911 and that Archdruid Dyfed (Evan Rees) was the first to wear it.
Archdruid’s robe and stole made from cream satin (silk warps, cotton wefts). Hem, collar and cuffs decorated with gold-coloured metal lace. The robe is made in four main sections with seams at the sides and centre-back. The fabric is gathered up into a wide fold on each shoulder. The sleeves consist of an inner and an outer sleeve. The outer sleeves are full and gathered and have two openings along their upper edges. The inner sleeve is fitted and the outer is stitched to it in swathes. Evidence of former stitches (needle holes and remains of threads) seem to indicate that each sleeve would have been decorated with two buttons. Hem, collar and inner cuffs are decorated with gold-coloured metal lace. The collar is a stand-up style. There are two hook and eye fasteners at the neck of the robe and eight metal poppers down the centre-front opening. There are three metal poppers at inner cuffs. Openings in side seams with pocket inserts.