Martha Llwyd

Martha Llwyd (1766 – 16 October 1845), born Martha Williams, was a Welsh poet and Methodist hymnwriter. Due to health problems, Llwyd was unable to walk. She was carried aloft in her chair. Early life Martha Williams was born at Nantbendigaid Farm in Cynwyl Elfed, Carmarthenshire. Her family moved to Y Felin farm in the neighbouring parish of Llanpumsaint when she was a baby. She was regularly visited by the Methodist leader and fellow hymnwriter William Williams Pantycelyn to discuss their work, and it is alleged that some of her hymns were published under his name. Very little of Martha Llwyd’s work remains, and most of her hymns have been lost to posterity. Some of Llywd’s hymns were published in 1925, as recalled by John Evan Davies (Rhuddwawr). Another descendant is Dafydd’s mother, poet Menna Elfyn. Personal life In 1785 Martha Williams married Dafydd Llwyd, a local blacksmith and prominent member of the village’s Methodist community. The couple lived together in the centre of the village and had nine children, six boys and three girls, born between 1787 and 1807. The rigours of raising such a large family took its toll on her health and with time she became unable to walk. N