Rhys of Wales Tartan Collection
Rhys of Wales Tartan Collection
Celebrate the Rhys name with a Welsh family tartan — the name of the Lord Rhys of Deheubarth, who held the first recorded eisteddfod at Cardigan in 1176.
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About the Rhys of Wales Tartan
The Rhys of Wales tartan is one of the modern Welsh family setts created in the late 1990s by Sheila Daniel at the Cambrian Woollen Mill in Powys, in collaboration with the Wales Tartan Centres.
Welsh tartan is a modern tradition and these designs are not drawn from medieval records — but few Welsh names carry more history, and the cloth is worn with real feeling at eisteddfodau and Welsh gatherings around the world.
Rhys Tartan Pattern and Colours
The Welsh family setts follow their own conventions of thread and weave. This collection draws on bold reds and greens with a gold accent — the red of the dragon and the green of the Tywi valley, with gold for the bardic chair.
The Rhys Name
Rhys is an old Welsh personal name understood to carry a sense of ardour or fiery spirit, and its greatest bearer was Rhys ap Gruffudd, known simply as the Lord Rhys, who ruled Deheubarth from 1155 until his death in 1197. He rebuilt his kingdom in the face of Norman power, and made his court at Cardigan a centre of Welsh culture.
It was there, at Christmas 1176, that he held the great gathering of poets and musicians from across Wales and beyond that is remembered as the first recorded eisteddfod — the ancestor of the National Eisteddfod held every year to this day. Three centuries later Rhys ap Thomas of Dinefwr backed Henry Tudor on the march to Bosworth in 1485.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for those of the Rhys and Rees name, families with Deheubarth, Carmarthenshire and Cardiganshire roots, eisteddfod and bardic households and anyone who wants a tartan that names a Welsh family.
- ✓ Rhys and Rees family
- ✓ Deheubarth and Tywi valley roots
- ✓ Eisteddfod and bardic heritage
- ✓ St David's Day and Welsh festivals
- ✓ Welsh ancestry gifts
- ✓ Princely red tartan style
How to Wear Rhys Tartan
Rhys tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. Its bold red palette makes a striking statement for eisteddfodau, St David's Day, weddings and everyday heritage wear.
Rhys of Wales Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Rhys Welsh tartan, its origins and who may wear it.
Is the Rhys tartan ancient?
No — it is a modern Welsh family tartan from the late 1990s, designed at the Cambrian Woollen Mill in Powys.
Who was the Lord Rhys?
Rhys ap Gruffudd, ruler of Deheubarth from 1155 to 1197, who rebuilt his kingdom and made Cardigan a centre of Welsh culture.
What was the first eisteddfod?
The gathering of poets and musicians held by the Lord Rhys at Cardigan at Christmas 1176 — the first on record.
What does the name Rhys mean?
It is understood to carry a sense of ardour or fiery spirit.
Is Rees the same name?
Yes — Rees is the usual anglicised spelling of Rhys.
Who can wear the Rhys tartan?
Anyone of the Rhys or Rees name, or with a Welsh family connection.
Wear the Rhys of Wales Tartan
Discover Rhys tartan clothing, accessories and gifts — princely red and bardic gold for the name of the Lord Rhys.
View Rhys Tartan Clothing