04/06/2026
Waldo Williams (1904–1971) was one of the most influential Welsh-language poets of the twentieth century and is remembered not only for his poetry but also for his commitment to pacifism, social justice and Christian humanism. He spent part of his childhood in Mynachlog-ddu, Pembrokeshire, where his father was the headmaster of the local school. The landscape of the Preseli Hills left a lasting impression on him and became a recurring influence in his work.
A memorial to Waldo Williams stands at Rhos Fach, near Mynachlog-ddu, on the northern side of the Preseli Hills. The monument consists of a tall bluestone monolith with a commemorative plaque and was erected to honour his life, work and connection to the area. It is located close to the prehistoric Gors Fawr Stone Circle, placing a modern literary memorial within a landscape that has been significant to local communities for thousands of years.
The site was chosen because of its strong association with the scenery that inspired Waldo Williams throughout his life. From the memorial there are views across the Preseli Hills, including landmarks that featured in his memories and writings. Today the monument serves as a tribute to one of Wales’s most celebrated poets and highlights the enduring relationship between Waldo Williams and the landscape of north Pembrokeshire that helped shape his poetry and worldview.