The ‘Heroes and Heroines of Wales’
Daring swordfights and thrilling battles. Tragic romances and secret experiments. Powerful princes and courageous princesses.
Discover the dramatic tales behind Wales’ amazing heroes and heroines; they are the people of Welsh legends. Some are just everyday folk who have done inspirational things with different backgrounds and lived experience; maybe you're a Welsh cultural hero or heroine in the making — only time will tell!
Read the stories and watch the messages below to travel in time or set off on a digital mission.
Download one our Heroes and Heroines of Wales — free eBooks — or our fun colouring sheets
Who was Betty Campbell?
Learn about a girl who had a dream to become a teacher and to change the world, who overcame prejudice, became a Headteacher, and; went on to be an important influence in establishing Black History Month in the UK and become the first historical Welsh woman to be celebrated with a statue. And through her story and her eyes, discover the history good and bad of her home Tiger Bay, that she thought was the best place in the world.
This Cadw film, created to celebrate and recognise her life, work, challenges and achievements and her passion for teaching and her home town, was created as part of the Children’s Festival of Welsh History 2022; developed and adapted from an In Character production, with support from Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Butetown Arts & Culture Association, and actor Kimberley Abodunrin.
The film provides opportunities to explore: racial prejudice past and present and equality; overcoming obstacles and having self-belief; ambitions; and what makes your home the best place in the world. What is great about your square mile?
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the grandson of Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd, Lord of Snowdon, Prince of Pura Walia, Tywysog Cymru.
Llywelyn the Last, Llywelyn ein Llyw Olaf who was cheated and murdered on the 11th of December in the cold frost on Pont Orewin near Builth Wells in the year 1282.
After years of oppression by the Marcher Lords and the English crown, one brave Welshman decided enough was enough.*
*Please be aware this video makes references to war and may not be suitable for younger children.
On 1 March in Wales we celebrate our national saint, St David.
It’s a time to wear traditional Welsh clothing with leeks and daffodils pinned to our lapels whilst we dance and sing traditional Welsh songs. But who was David or Dewi as his mother named him?
Discover David’s story, how he studied hard to become a monk (yes, even a saint has to study) sharing his learning with people all over Wales and beyond; how he performed miracles and how long it took the Pope to recognise his extraordinary life and work as Archbishop of Wales!
Remember David’s message: 'Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.'
Often referred to as the Welsh Valentine’s Day, Saint Dwynwen’s Day is celebrated in Wales on 25 January each year.
But what’s the real story? Who was Dwynwen and why is she the Welsh patron saint of love?
Discover Dwynwen’s story of love and heartbreak, how she became a saint who devoted her life looking after others, making sure they found hope and strength to follow their hearts and to be happy...
Over a hundred years since the death and Eisteddfod achievement of chief poet Hedd Wyn in 1917, we are pleased to present an unique opportunity for the children of Wales to learn about his heartbreaking but inspiring story and to commemorate the bard of the Black Chair.
Why would anyone want to walk 26 miles without shoes? Come and meet Mary Jones, the 16 year old school girl who wanted something important – one of the first Welsh language books available for ordinary folk – The Bible. Sometimes a little girl can make big things happen.
When he died in 1604, Bishop William Morgan, was a poor man, who left in his will some pewter crockery, five flower pots, two peacocks and two swans. He also left the nation a priceless treasure — a Welsh translation of the Bible.
Born and raised in a small village in Pembrokeshire, Bartholomew Roberts didn’t choose to be a pirate yet became a fearless leader who terrorised the Caribbean plundering over 400 ships stealing gold galore.
