Gorsedd   Stones () are groups of standing stones constructed for the National Eisteddfod of Wales. They form an integral part of the druidic Gorsedd ceremonies of the Eisteddfod. The stones can be found as commemorative structures throughout Wales and are the hallmark of the National Eisteddfod having visited a community. centre|500px|Gorsedd Circle at Aberdare Park showing typical layout. The National Eisteddfod has been held in Aberdare three times, including the first in 1861 Origins An early Gorsedd was held by Iolo Morganwg at a location known as the "Rocking Stone" (in Welsh, "Y Maen Chwŷf") at Pentrebach, Pontypridd; Iolo, a stonemason by trade, constructed a stone circle around the central stone. Iolo had already held a similar ceremony in 1792 in London, also featuring a stone circle. It has been suggested that the "Gorse Stone", located on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire, has some connection with similar Druidic rituals of prehistoric times. Trivia A Gorsedd Circle is about to set up in Hungary as a symbol of strengthening relationships between Wales and Hungary, and as commemoration of The Bards of Wales. The circle will consist of 13 stones, each representing one martyr bard.
Gorsedd Circle at Aberdare Park showing typical layout. The National Eisteddfod has been held in Aberdare three times, including the first in 1861 Gorsedd Stones () are groups of standing stones constructed for the National Eisteddfod of Wales. They form an integral part of the druidic Gorsedd ceremonies of the Eisteddfod. The stones can be found as commemorative structures throughout Wales and are the hallmark of the National Eisteddfod having visited a community. Origins An early Gorsedd was held by Iolo Morganwg at a location known as the "Rocking Stone" (in Welsh, "Y Maen Chwŷf") at Pentrebach, Pontypridd; Iolo, a stonemason by trade, constructed a stone circle around the central stone. Iolo had already held a similar ceremony in 1792 in London, also featuring a stone circle. It has been suggested that the "Gorse Stone", located on Stanton Moor in Derbyshire, has some connection with similar Druidic rituals of prehistoric times. Bute Park, Cardiff|thumb
A
Circle at Aberdare Park showing typical layout. The National Eisteddfod has been held in Aberdare three times, including the first in 1861
A
Gorsedd
D
centre|500px|Gorsedd Circle at Aberdare Park showing typical layout. The National Eisteddfod has been held in Aberdare three times, including the first in 1861
D
Trivia
R
A Gorsedd Circle is about to set up in Hungary as a symbol of strengthening relationships between Wales and Hungary, and as commemoration of The Bards of Wales. The circle will consist of 13 stones, each representing one martyr bard.
Bute Park, Cardiff|thumb