Dafydd ab Edmwnd (l450-80): innovative Flintshire poet who classified and defined the 24 Welsh bardic metres at the l45l Carmarthen Eisteddfod.

Dafydd ab Owain Gwynedd (d. l203): a son of Owain Gwynedd, he helped kill Hywel ab Owain to become ruler of Gwynedd, marrying Henry ll’s half sister Emma of Anjou, but was forced out by Llywelyn Fawr.

Dafydd ap Gruffudd (d. l283): younger brother of Llywelyn; he was the last Prince of Wales of the line of Gwynedd. After Llywelyn, he continued resistance to King Edward; was quickly captured and executed.

Dafydd ap Gwilym (l320-80): from Llanbadarn Fawr, a world-class Welsh-language poet much influenced by Ovid and contemporary French literature, bringing innovations to the language, subject matter, and techniques of poetry, Dafydd’s command of language is unparalleled among Welsh poets. Most of the 150 of the poems that survive are love poems set in a world of nature.

Dafydd ap Llywelyn (d. l246): Prince of Gwynedd, son of Llywelyn ap Iorwerth and Joan (daughter of King John of England). After his brother Gruffudd died escaping from the Tower of London, Dafydd rebelled against Henry 111 but died fighting.

Dafydd Ddu Meddyg (Black David the Doctor: David Samwell): Captain Cook’s surgeon who made the first written record of the Maori language.

Dafydd, Edward (l600-l678): the last professional household poet, he wrote for prominent Glamorgan families.

Dafydd Gam (d.l4l5): skilful soldier who fought against Owain Glyndwr but was killed at Agincourt in the service of Henry V. Possibly the model for Shakespeare’s Fluellen.

Dafydd y Garreg Wen (David Owen, l7l1-4l): harpist from Ynyscynhaearn, Caerns, who composed the eponymous tune published in Edward Jones’ Musical and Poetical Relicks of the Welsh Bards in l784.

Dafydd, Marged (Meg Ellis, b. l950): Aberystwyth, assistant editor of Y Faner in l982, has published poetry, a novel and short stories.

Dafydd Nanmor (l450-80): from Nanmor, Caerns; one of the greatest Poets of the Gentry who eulogized Edmund and Jasper Tudor and wrote of the world of men and the civilized life in the dignified style of a master cywyddwr.

Dahl, Roald (l9l6-l990): b. Llandaff to Norwegian parents, following service as an RAF pilot in WWII, he became a most successful author of children’s stories including Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

Dai: short form of David, a popular usage often used as a nickname such as Dai Bananas (Sir David Maxwell Fyfe, Secretary for Wales in the 1950’s). Dai Bread is a character in Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood.

Dai Bandito: (see Williams, Orig).

Dai Lossin: a likeable rogue, the name for a cartoon character who captained the Cwmsgwt team in The South Wales Football Echo between the Wars.

Dalton, Hugh (l887-l962): Neath-born, After service in W.W.1, he entered Parliament in l924; taught at London School of Economics; re-entered Parliament in l935 to become Minister of Economic Warfare, Minister of Board of Trade, and Chancellor of the Exchequer in the Labour Government in l945; made a Life Peer (l960).

Dalton, Timothy (1940): Wrexham-born actor, seen as the new Laurence Olivier for Heathcliffe; he appeared as Agent 007 (James Bond) in two Hollywood movies and has made many movies for British television.

Dame Wales (Dame Vendotia alias Modryb Gwen, mid-l9th century): a mid-l9th century caricature of North Wales, as an old woman in what was considered a traditional dress with tall hat carrying a large bundle on her back. The original drawing, by Hugh Hughes was titled, Dame Venedotia, alias Modryb Gwen (Aunt Gwen). Vendotia is the Latin name for the old Kingdom of Gwynedd. The drawing was first published in Beauties of Cambria, l820 and reproduced by engraver J.J.Dodd and many others

Daniel, Glyn Edmund (l9l4-l986): distinguished archeologist, writer, and Cambridge University professor, whose wit, personality and erudition made him a most popular television personality in the l950’s in programs such as The Brain’s Trust.

Daniel, Sir Goronwy (1914-2003): b. Ystradgynlais; Chief Statistician in the Ministry of Fuel and Power, The first Permanent Under-Secretary of the Welsh Office. Principal at Aberystwyth from 1969 to 79. A Fellow of the University of Wales, in 1982 he became the first Chairman of the Welsh Fourth Channel. During the second half of the 20th century, he was powerful in Welsh educational, cultural and commercial circles, and influential in Whitehall. He was one of the “Three Wise Men” who convinced the Tory Government to establish a Welsh language television channel in l982.

David, Dennis (1918-2000): b. Tongwynlais, Glam; only 2l years old during the Battle of Britain, he shot down eleven enemy planes and defended a field hospital by helping bring down another fourteen.

David, Elizabeth (1913-1992): proud of her Welsh ancestry, through her cook books, Elizabeth Gwynne (her real name) introduced the war-weary British public to foods then considered exotic, including olive oil, garlic, and pasta.

David, St. (Dewi Sant, 6th century): the son of King Sant of Ceredigion and Non of Brittany. After studying under Paulinus at Llanddeusant, he built a monastery at Glyn Rhosyn, Dyfed. Known as David the Waterman, he lived a frugal existence preaching the gospel and establishing churches in many parts of Wales and beyond. His tomb became an important site for pilgrims including William lst, Henry 11, and Edward lst. He was canonized by Calixtus 11, and celebrated as the patron saint of Wales on March lst.

David, Tania (b. l966): b Bridgend; a top scientist with the Forensic Science Service helping Customs and Excise Office and the Police solve crimes.

David, Sir T.W.Edgeworth (1858-1935); Cardiff-born Australian geologist who helped survey the geology of New South Wales l882-9l; he was also on Shackleton’s Second Antarctic Expedition, 1907-9 which located the South Magnetic Pole.

Davidson, Jane (b. l957): Assembly Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning; former Head of Social Affairs Welsh Local Government and Secretary to Rhodri Morgan, leader of the Assembly.

Davies, Aled Wyn: b, Llanbrynmair: tenor, winner of the Soloist of the Year at the National Eisteddfod in 200l after having won lst prize in folk singing at Llangollen. He toured Australasia with Cor Codre’r Arian in 2002.

Davies, Sir Alun Talfan (1913-2001): from Gorseinon, Swansea; recorder of Merthyr, 1963-8; Swansea 1968-9; Cardiff l969-84: President of the National Eisteddfod 1977-80; Board Member of Welsh National Opera l978-86: Chairman Bank of Wales 195l-96, and much more in a distinguished career.

Davies, Andrew Wynford (b. 1936): Cardiff; author, winner of many awards, inc. Guardian Children’s Fiction, 1979; Boston Globe Horn Award 1979; TV programs include Moll Flanders, Pride and Prejudice. His children’s books include Educating Marmalade.

Davies, Aneirin Talfan (l909-l980): b. Felindre, Cards; critic, poet and radio broadcaster who became Head of Programs at BBC Wales in l966. A prolific author with a wide range of interests, a patron of Welsh writers, he also helped found the publishing company now known as Christopher Davies.

Davies, Arthur Bowen (l862-l928): Welsh-American romantic painter who organized an exhibition of the Ashcan School, and who was a major influence at the Armory Show in New York City in l9l3.

Davies Brothers, Robert and John (early l8th century): iron workers at Bersham, near Wrexham, who produced the magnificent gates at Chirk Castle, and St. Giles Church Wrexham among others.

Davies, Bryan Martin (b. l933): from Brynamman, teacher, translator of Welsh, and Crown winning poet.

Davies, Clara Novello (l86l-l943): Cardiff-born musician and choir leader, mother of composer Ivor Novello.

Davies, Clement (1884-1962): lawyer; Liberal M.P. for Montgomeryshire (1929-62) and popular, influential leader of his party l945-56. As Chairman of the All-Party Action Group, he helped force Chamberlain to resign in May, l940. Davies was also President of the Parliamentary Association of World Government.

Davies, Dai (b. 1948): Amman Valley, one of Wales’ greatest goalkeepers with Swansea, Everton, and Wrexham. Played for Wales 52 times.

Davies, Dan Isaac (l839-87): Llandovery, a teacher and headmaster at Aberdare, he proposed the use of Welsh in the classroom to the Royal Commission on Elementary Education in Wales; he was one of the founders of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, and author of many articles.

Davies, David (Dai’r Cantwr, l8l2-74): from Llancarfan, Glamorgan; sent to Van Dieman’s Land after the Rebecca Riots, returned to Wales as a vagrant (his pipe set fire to the barn in which he was sleeping and he was burnt to death).

Davies, David (Tom Sawyer, l8l8-90): from Llandinam, railway pioneer who also began the Parc and Maerdy pits in the Rhondda to form the Ocean Coal Company in l887 and a dock at Barry to compete with Cardiff. He became Liberal MP for Cardigan; his son Lord Davies established The Welsh Outlook in l9l4. His grandson was lst Baron.

Davies, David, lst Baron, of Llandinam (l880-l944): Labour M.P., private secretary to Lloyd George in l9l6, promoted the League of Nations; worked to improve university education in Wales; daughters Gwendoline Elizabeth and Margaret Sydney, collected the French Impressionist paintings now at the National Museum of Wales. They bought Gregynog Hall to make it a center for Welsh music and the famous private press.

Davies, David Ivor (Ivor Novello, l893-l95l): Cardiff-born composer, actor and playwright, son of singer Dame Clara Anastasia Novello, his songs were popular in World War l and after; his musical comedies had great success.

Davies, David James (l893-l956): b. Llandebie, Carmarthenshire; went to Pennsylvania at age l9 after working underground in the Gwendraeth Valley; miner, boxer, prospector and sailor, writer on politics and economics who returned to Wales and joined Plaid Cymru at its formation, greatly influencing its early socialist and nationalist policies.

Davies, David P. (1920-2004): Neath-born chief test pilot of the Civil Aviation Authority’s flight department for 33 years. During World War Two he flew off the fighter catapult ship Patia, the carriers Unicorn and Illustrious. When Britain pioneered in the new age of jet and turboprop airliners, David originated the fundamentally new pilot handling requirements for the jet age, including those for the Concorde supersonic airliner.

Davies, Donald (l924-2000): b. Treorchy; a pioneer computer scientist whose work is fundamental to the Internet. During W W ll, he worked with Alan Turing on the Enigma solution. In l965, he developed a system that allowed computers to send information back and forth over public telecommunication networks, called “pocket switching,” the basis of today’s Internet.

Davies, Edward Tegla (l880-l967): minister and prolific prose author whose children’s books were very popular as were his delightfully satiric weekly columns for Yr Herald Cymraeg.

Davies, Elizabeth: (see entry for Cadwaladr, Beti).

Davies, Evan (Myfyr Morganwg, l80l-88): yet another eccentric from Pontypridd; affected by druidic fever, he claimed to be Archdruid of the Bards of Britain; conducted mystic ceremonies and wrote of druidism.

Davies, Gareth Alban (b. l926): from Ton Pentre, Rhondda, former coal miner, educated at Oxford; became Chair of Spanish at Leeds University in l975, but has published Welsh works, including verse and essays.

Davies, George Maitland Ll. (l880-l949): b. Liverpool to Welsh parents, he served in the Royal Welsh Fusiliers before becoming deeply opposed to WW 1. Secretary to the Housing Trust set up by David Davies of Llandinam, he worked for the Fellowship of Reconciliation at Cambridge before moving back to Wales, meeting with De Valera of Ireland, Lloyd George, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Lord Salisbury to try to alleviate the dire situation in post war Germany. In l923, he won the University of Wales Parliament seat (its only pacifist). He spent the rest of his life helping the poor and unemployed.

Davies, Geraint Talfan (b. l943): journalist and television director who was Controller of BBC Wales from l990 until l999, steering it through years of momentous change brought about by the resurgence of things Welsh.

Davies, Geraint Wyn (b. l957): Swansea born actor, veteran of stage and screen (son of Cerwyn Davies).

Davies, Gerald (b. l945): b. Cydweli, Carms; rugby winger who helped the British Lions defeat New Zealand in l97l. He began a new career as an after-dinner speaker. Inducted into International Rugby Hall of Fame in l999.

Davies, Glyn (l9l9-2003): from Aberbeeg, Mon., he won first place in the Royal Society of Arts Exam in economics in l938, before serving in the army during W.W.ll, including the Battle of El Alamein. In l968, he became chief economics advisor to George Thomas, Secretary of State for Wales, and Sir Julian Hodge. Professor of Banking and Finance at the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (1970 to l985); the author of the definitive work: A History of Money from Ancient Times to the Present Day.

Davies, Gwen Frangcon (l89l-l992): renowned stage actress named after a valley in Snowdonia; in l924 she played Juliet to Gielgud’s Romeo. She became Dame of the British Empire in l99l, the year of her last TV appearance, 80 years after her debut.

Davies, Gwilym (l879-l955): Baptist minister, Honorary Director of the League of Nations Union, whose draft plans for international cop-operation in education were adopted as the constitution of UNESCO. On St. David’s Day, l923, he gave the first radio broadcast in the Welsh language one year after inaugurating the annual Goodwill Message of the Children of Wales.

Davies, Sir Henry Walford (l869-l94l): composer, music professor at Aberystwyth, fostered musical education mainly through popular radio talks.

Davies, Captain Howell (d. l7l9): Milford Haven, ‘the Cavalier Prince of Pirates”: he was the master of and inspiration for the infamous Black Bart.

Davies, (David), Hywel (b.1929): Cardiff-born, Deputy-General, Science, Research and Development, E.U.C. Brussels, 1982-6: former head of Airborne Radar Group; prominent writer on electronics, radar and remote sensing.

Davies, Idris (l905-53): b. Rhymney, ex-miner and teacher in London, the Rhondda and Rhymney, whose Gwalia Deserta (l938) followed by The Angry Summer (l943) deal with the desert created by unemployment in South Wales.

Davies, Islwyn (l928-2002): Sarn, Powys, ”the Honourable Islwyn,” chaired the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society for l5 years, making it one of the most successful in Britain. Son of Lord Davies of Llandinam, he served with the Royal Navy during W.W. 11 and later established champion herds of Welsh Black and Hereford Cattle.

Davies, James John (l873-l947): b. Tredegar; iron worker who went to the U.S. in l88l (his grandfather had built an iron furnace in Maryland) becoming an important figure in the government of Harding and Coolidge as Secretary of Labor, and U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. A promoter, organizer, and financier of Welsh-American cultural activities, co-owner of Welsh American newspaper The Druid, he helped incresse membership of the Loyal Order of Mooose to one and a half miillon (from just 250) and established the lodge in Britain (at Tredegar in l926).

Davies, James Conway (l89l-l97l): b. Llanelli, Custodian of Manuscripts at Durham Cathedral and Reader at University of Durham; published books on legal and administrative aspects of medieval Britain.

Davies, James Kitchener (l902-l952): Cardiganshire-born poet, an early advocate of Plaid Cymru; his Cwm Glo (Valley of Coal) deals with the effects of the Great Depression in the Rhondda. His autobiographical Swn y Gwynt syn Chwythu (Sound of the Wind that is Blowing) is one of the finest Welsh-language poems of the 20th Century.

Davies, Jocelyn (b. l959): from Newbridge; one of the first lay inspectors of schools in l994; Member of the National Assembly of Wales for Plaid Cymru.

Davies, John (b. 1937): b. Rhondda; raised in Bwlch Llan, Ceredigion: prolific, accomplished historian, lecturer, and broadcaster on history and politics. His works include the masterful Hanes Cymru of l990 re-published as A History of Wales (l993), The Making of Wales (l996), and many more important works of Welsh history and culture, including l00 Welsh Heroes (2004).

Davies, John (John Davies of Hereford) l565-l6l8): “the Welsh Poet,” wrote of the superiority of Wales in the Union to Henry Stuart, son of James lst; a teacher to royalty, he published several collections of verse.

Davies, John of Mallwyd, l567-l644): a distinguished scholar who revised the Welsh Bible for the popular new version of l6l0, published a Welsh grammar, a Latin-Welsh dictionary, and collected and copied ancient texts.

Davies, John Cadvan (Cadvan, l846-l92l): scholar, hymn-writer, eisteddfod adjudicator, writer, and Archdruid of the Gorsedd.

Davies, John F. (l9th Century): from Tredegar, he played a vital part in the Welsh settlement at Scranton, Pa., where he had been invited to set up a hot blast furnace to smelt iron with anthracite. Followed by foreman Evan Williams He helped make l9th Century Scranton the largest Welsh settlement in the US.

Davies, John Glyn (l870-l953): b. Liverpool, scholar, Head of Department at Liverpool University, tireless worker for the establishment of the National Library of Wales, and author of popular verses for children.

Davies, John Humphreys (l87l-l926): b. Llangeitho; Principal at University of Wales, Aberystwyth in l9l9. Published many articles and books on Welsh literature and Ballads.

Davies, John Tudor: from Rhosllanerchrugog; distinguished contemporary conductor and musical director of the Rhos Male Voice Choir organist, composer of hymn tunes, adjudicator; awarded the MBE in 2002.

Davies, Jonathan (b.1962): captain of Wales, who switched to Rugby League. In 1990, he scored 34 points in one game for Widnes. In l995, he returned to Rugby Union with Cardiff. He then began a career with BBC.

Davies, Jonathan Ceredig (l859-l932): Llangunillo, Cards, traveler and writer especially of Wladfa, Patagonia.

Davies, Lewis (l863-l93l): from Hirwaun, teacher and author of adventure books for children and romantic stories based on Welsh history.

Davies, Lynn (Lynn the Leap): b. Nantymoel; Gold Medal with Olympic, Commonwealth and European Long Jump titles at the same time; first Briton to win an Olympic field event (Gold Medal, 1964).

Davies, Mervyn (Merv the Swerve, b. l946): with Llanelli, debuted against Scotland in l969: played 3l times for Wales; retired through injury; elected to International Rugby Hall of Fame in l999.

Davies, Neal (b. l966): Newport, leading operatic bass, studied under the patronage of Dame Gwyneth Jones at Zurich after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music. He won the l99l Lieder Prize at the Cardiff Singer of the World Contest.

Davies, Pennar (Davies Aberpennar, l9ll-l996): from Mountain Ash, poet, scholar, and novelist. After a distinguished academic career at Cardiff, Oxford, and Yale, he became a minister of religion and a professor at Bala-Bangor Theological Collect; Principal of Memorial College, Brecon (l952-l98l); wrote poetry in English and Welsh. A member of Cylch Cadwgan, he was a leader in the campaign for Welsh language rights and broadcasting in the l960’s.

Davies, Philip. (b. 1943): from Carmarthen, former executive with Novartis Pharmaceuticals, N J. and architect with HOK International New York; has a Ph.D. from the Welsh National School of Medicine. A permanent member of the scientific staff at Medical Research Council London, and Executive Director of Research at Merck Laboratories, Rahway, N. J, a director of the National Welsh American Foundation and treasurer and president of the Welsh Society of Central New Jersey., he became president of NWAF in May, 2005.

Davies, R. (19th century): deserving of mention is this butcher slated to play the lead in Romeo and Juliet at a Wrexham Theatre on December l3, l806. He came on stage inebriated, landed up sprawled in the gallery, and staggered into the street, his part having to be read by a member of the company. The theatre later became a Temperance Hall.

Davies, Rev. R. Cerwyn (b. l928) from Pembrokeshire, left Wales in l963 for Canada; he was minister at Toronto Welsh United Church for l4 years. From l996-8 he was President of WNGGA; and is also a member of the Gorsedd for his services to the North American Welsh.

Davies, Rees (dates unknown): from Tredegar, he began the Tredegar iron works at Richmond, Virginia that played an important part in the Civil War , producing 50 percnet of all the canon used by the Confederacy.

Davies, Sir Rees (1938-2005): b. near Llanddderfel, Merionydd, an outstanding and influential teacher of history who championed Welsh indentity, professor of history at universities of kSwansea, Aberystwyth, University College, London, and finally Chichele Professor of Medieval History at Oxford. With his advice much in demand; he received some to f the highest awards available in the humanities and knighted in 1996.

Davies, Rhys (l903-l978): Anglo-Welsh novelist and short-story writer who emphasized the grit and daily humor of the coal miners. His most famous novel is The Black Venus (l944); he also wrote novels based on Ivor Novello and Dylan Thomas.

Davies, Richard (l50l-8l): helped persuade Parliament to pass the l563 Act that ordered the translation of the Bible and Book of Common Prayer into Welsh.

Davies, Robert (b. 1977): from Llanelli, Robert caught a 9 ft long sturgeon in Swansea Bay in June, 2004 weighing 264 lbs (in the Natural History Museum).

Davies, Robert (Bardd Nantglyn, l769-l825): from Nantglyn, Denbigh, known for his humorous verses, won at Caerwys Eisteddfod l798, moved to London to work with the Gwyneddigion Society; his Grammar of l808 greatly influenced Welsh poetry during the l9th century.

Davies, Robert Rees: (b. l938): from Bala: historian and professor, Chair of Modern History at University of Oxford and former President of the Royal Historical Society; winner of the First Modern British Book Prize.

Davies, Ron (b. l946): elected Labour M.P. for Caerphilly in l983, Secretary of State for Wales In l997, leading his party’s successful campaign in favor of a Welsh Assembly, his greatest triumph. A member of the Gorsedd, Despite personal problems, he continued to faithfully serve Wales in the Assembly until March 2003, when he was forced to resign, but has remained active, serving Wales in various capacities.

Davies, Russell T. (b. l963): Swansea-born, award-winning BBC producer, writer, and presenter, chief writer and prouducer of the revival of “Dr. Who.”

Davies, Ryan (l937-77): from Carmarthenshire, much-loved entertainer of stage, radio and television. With Ronnie Williams he formed Ryan a Ronnie, a popular Welsh TV series. He died suddenly in New York City.

Davies, Samuel (l723-l76l): Welsh American Presbyterian minister from Delaware; helped found Princeton University, fought for religious rights against the established church; he was the first successful American hymn writer.

Davies, S. O. (1886-1972): Labour M.P. from Merthyr Tydfil, known as a fiery radical socialist, who presented his Parliament for Wales Bill in 1955. In l970, he was elected as Independent Labour M.P. for Methyr.

Davies, Thomas Glynne (b. l926): BBC news reporter, producer, and broadcaster who won the Eisteddfod Crown in l95l and whose novel Marged and his short stories contribute to modern Welsh literature.

Davies, Tony (b. l938): from Groesgoch, Pemb; became managing director of ERF South Africa in l975 as well as a director of several companies: with the OBE for services to the British Commercial vehicle industry, President of the Witwatersrand Cambrian Society and Cor Meibion Cymru De Afffica.

Davies, Walford (l869-l94l): b. Oswestry; organist, and composer. Prof. of Music at Aberystwyth, succeeded Elgar as Master of the King’s Music in l934; renowned for oratorios and choral suites. He was Director of Music during the War for the R.A.F.

Davies, Walford ((b. l940): from Pontyberem, lectured at University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and at St. Anne’s College, Oxford, Director of Extra-Mural studies at Aberystwyth; essayist and critic.

Davies Walter Haydn (l903-l984): from Bedlinog, Glamorgan, collier, then headmaster, Bargoed Grammar Technical School, published three volumes of autobiography shedding light on local customs.

Davies, Wilfred Mitford (l895-l966): from Menai Bridge, a commercial artist who illustrated many childrens’ books associated with Urdd Gobaith Cymru.

Davies, William (d. l593): Catholic martyr; from Caernarfonshire, he helped re-print Y Drych Cristianogawl at Llandudo but was later executed.

Davis, Hywel (1680-1719): known as “the cavalier prince of pirates,” from Milford Haven, he looted ships of all nationalities and raided ports everywhere.

Davies, W. H. (William Henry, l87l-l940): Newport-born “tramp” poet who lost a foot riding the rails in the US, prospected in the Klondyke (“What is this world, if full of care/We have no time to stand and stare?”).

Davies, W. Tudor: from Rhos, near Wrexham: distinguished, prominent musician, former bandmaster of Rhos Silver Band, appointed conductor of the world-renowned Rhos Male Voioice Chior in l992, bringing it many honors.

Dee, John (l527-l608): London Welshman, alchemist, astrologer and mathematician. His promotion of Prince Madog’s supposed l2th Century discovery of the New World was used by Queen Elizabeth’s Court officials to justify their war against Spain and British involvement in the Americas.

Deiniol, St. (mid-6th century): the first Bishop of Bangor. St. Deiniol’s Library at Hawarden, Flintshire, attracts scholars to study mainly theological works.

Deio ab Ieuan Du (l450-80): from Llangynfelyn, Cardigan, a poet responsible for the line Y Ddraig Goch ddyry cychwyn (the Red Dragon shows the way) now used on the royal badge of Wales.

Delaney, Mark (b. l976): Haverfordwest, international footballer with Aston Villa; the only Premier league club player who began in the League of Wales.

Derfel, Robert Jones (l824-l9l5): radical author whose play Brad y Llyfrau Gleision (Treachery of the Blue Books, l854) satirizes the l847 government report on the state of education in Wales.

Dewi Sant (see St. David).

Dic Aberdaron (1780-l843): Richard Roberts Jones, unemployed self-educated linguist, master of many different languages, whose Welsh, Greek, and Hebrew dictionary is kept at St. Asaph (Llanelwy) Cathedral.

Dici Bach Dwl: a character from the plays of John Oswald Francis (l882-l956), a term now used for a dull-witted, country person.

Dic Penderyn (Richard Lewis, d. l83l): after the Merthyr Riots of l83l, was hanged for the crime of wounding a soldier; he vigorously protested his innocence. It is recorded that the last words Lewis spoke on the scaffold were “O Arglwydd, dyma gamwedd ”(Oh Lord, what an injustice) making the poor man a martyr to the people of the Valleys (forty years later, Ieuan Parker, of Cwmafan, who lived in the United States, confessed to the crime).

Dic Sion Dafydd: a 19th-century expression, found in a poem by John Jones (Jac Glan y Gors, l766-l82l): a person who pretends to have forgotten his Welsh or who affects the loss of his national identity in order to succeed in English society (“an Uncle Tom”).

Diffiniad: a contemporary Welsh pop group that started with dance music whose big break came with the release of Digon in l998.

Dillwyn, Amy Elizabeth (1845-1935): novelist and literary critic, daughter of Lewis Llewellyn, industrial magnate and M.P. for Swansea, she pioneered women’s rights in industrial and public life. Her novel The Rebecca Rioters was published in l880.

Dillwyn, Mary (l816-1906): b. Swansea; pioneer who created the world’s first portrait of a smile (on her nephew William Mansel Llewelyn) sold for 48,225 pounds in 2003 to the National library of Wales. She was related to Henry Fox Talbot who announced the discovery of photography in l839.

Disley, John (b. l928): a mountaineering instructor from Corris, Snowdonia, he broke the official World and Olympic 3,000 steeplechase record at the Dynamo Stadium, Moscow in September l955.

Dodd, Arthur Herbert (l89l-l975): from Wrexham, professor at Bangor University, author and historian, especially of Stuart Wales. He is the author of The Industrial Revolution in North Wales (l933) and Life in Wales (l972).

Dodd, Stephen (b. 1967): internationally known Welsh golfer who won the British Amateur championship in 1989, the Chinese Open in 2004, and the Irish Open in 2005.

Dodd, Charles Harold (l884-l973): b. Wrexham “the most influential British New Testament scholar of the 20th century.” In l930, he became Rylands Professor of Biblical Criticism at Manchester, then Norris Hulse Chair of Divinity at Cambridge (the first non-Anglican Professor of Divinity). A fellow of Jesus College, he received numerous fellowships and honorary degrees, and published countless books and articles on biblical study. He was the General Director of the translation of the New English Bible, 1970.

Donaldson, Jessie (l799-1867): b. Swansea, she moved to Cincinnati at age 57 after marrying an American cousin. A friend of Frederick Douglass and William Lloyd Garrison, she up ”safe houses” (with Welsh names) on the banks of the Ohio to shelter runaway slaves, playing a crucial role in the fight to free the U.S. from the scourge of slavery.

Driscoll, Jim (1880-1925): b. Cardiff: featherweight champion. In l909, he boxed world champion, Abe Attell to a draw. A return bout was promised, but Jim had already promised a charity match to aid an orphanage in Cardiff. Regarded by Nat Fleischer as one of the greatest ever, Peerless Jim died of tuberculosis. His statue is in Cardiff.

Drover (15-l9th C.): one who drove cattle and sheep (or even geese) from Wales to English markets by regular routes. One prosperous drover, David Jones founded Banc yr Eidion Du (The Bank of the Black Ox) at Llandovery in l799 (now Lloyd’s Bank).

Druid: Celtic priest-philosopher, guardian of traditions and learning, controlling the calendar and the planting of crops, and presiding over the religious festivals before the coming of the Roman armies to Britain who destroyed the order.

Dwynwen, St. (5th century): patron saint of Welsh lovers; her feast day, Gwyl Ffolant, is 25 January. Her ancient church and magic well are at Llanddwyn, Anglesey.

Dyer, John (l699-l757): b. Llanfynydd, Carms, the author of Grongar Hill, lived at nearby Aberglasne where the famed gardens have been restored.

Dyfrig, St. (Dubricius, 5th century): an important religious leader connected with Archenfield, in Herefordshire, Bishop of Llanilltud Fawr and Caldey; and also Llandaf (the first Bishop and Primate of Wales).

Dyn Hysbys (Wise man): a Welsh wizard who could break the power of evil spells and who could protect both humans and animals from harm.