The Bells of Aberdovey

The Bells of Aberdovey (in Welsh: Clychau Aberdyfi) is a popular song which refers to the village now usually known by its Welsh name of Aberdyfi (or in English: Aberdovey) in Gwynedd, Wales, at the mouth of the River Dyfi on Cardigan Bay. The song is based on the legend of Cantre'r Gwaelod, which is also called Cantref Gwaelod or Cantref y Gwaelod (or in English: The Bottom or Lowland Hundred). This ancient sunken kingdom is said to have occupied a tract of fertile land lying between Ramsey Island and Bardsey Island in what is now Cardigan Bay to the west of Wales. The legend supposes that the bells of the submerged lost kingdom can be heard ringing below the waves on the beach at Aberdyfi.

The song first appeared in 1785 in English in Liberty Hall which was a comic opera in two acts, written and produced by Charles Dibdin. It was first performed at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane in London on 8 February 1785, and also contained other popular songs entitled Jock Ratlin, and The Highmettled Racer. The text to the opera, entitled "Liberty-Hall: or, a test of good fellowship. A comic opera, in two acts. As it is performed with the greatest applause at the Theatre-Royal in Drury-Lane" was published by the author, and printed and sold by G. Kearsley, in 1785. In Liberty Hall, the song was sung in Act II, scene V, by the comic Welsh character, Ap Hugh.

The song became popular and gained the reputation of being a traditional Welsh folk-song. Its origins have been disputed by several sources. An example of this discussion follows:

Frank Kidson wrote in the entry "Welsh Music - Doubtful Melodies" in Grove:

The Welsh words were written by John Ceiriog Hughes (1832-1887), during the 19th century. Although he collected many Welsh folk-songs, he also rewrote many English songs into the Welsh language.

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