A COPPER GILT MEDAL OF THE DRUIDICAL SOCIETY OF ANGLESEY

A COPPER GILT MEDAL OF THE DRUIDICAL SOCIETY OF ANGLESEY, C1773 Type I, attributed Thomas Pingo, obverse Druid's head, reverse a fruiting oak bough and NIS GWYR NAMYN DIWYD DDERWYDDON ( Only faithful Druids know), 28 x 36mm excluding loopThe Anglesey Druidical Society (1772-1844) was established by a group of gentlemen to make benefactions and rewards for life saving around the dangerous coast and busy port of Holyhead, the improvement of agriculture and other worthy aims. Its convivial monthly meetings were held at a Beaumaris inn when members were obliged to wear the Society's uniform and medal, or be fined. The design of the Druid's head is taken from an engraving of 'The Chief Druid, in the 1766 edition of Henry Rowlands' Mona Antiqua Restaurata.