Welsh claimed direct descent from Druids in 19th-century nationalist revival. The Welsh adopted megaliths and Druids as central to their newly recreated cultural identity Welsh claimed to be most direct heirs of ancient Britons in blood and language Welsh promoters claimed Druids practiced the true original religion of early humanity
The 18th‑century revival of Druidism, notably through Iolo Morganwg's fabricated traditions, pushed Druids into the megalith story, re‑imagining stones as Druid monuments and feeding cultural narratives that Welsh people were direct descendants of ancient Britons who preserved the original revealed religion of humanity. This connected to the myth that Christianity was brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury. English responses were divided: some followed the Welsh romantic view, others insisted megaliths pre‑dated Druids, and many dismissed Druids as 'horrid' savages.
Key Facts
- The Welsh adopted megaliths and Druids as central to their newly recreated cultural identity
- Welsh claimed to be most direct heirs of ancient Britons in blood and language
- Welsh promoters claimed Druids practiced the true original religion of early humanity
- This was linked to the myth that Christianity was brought directly to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea at Glastonbury
- English response was divided: some followed Welsh view, others claimed megaliths were built after Romans, most decided Druids were 'horrid'
- The English began adopting the Irish view of Druids as priests of a gloomy, bloodthirsty religion
Source: Prof. Ronald Hutton | A History of Megaliths | Megalithomania Conference 2007 | Audio by MegalithomaniaUK