A UNIVERSITY lecturer who studied 15th century poems dedicated to Oswestry has been unveiled as a Welsh town’s new bard.

Eurig Salisbury, who is a lecturer in creative writing, was appointed as the seaside town’s first-ever bard at a council ceremony in May.

The appointment was made by new Aberystwyth mayor Councillor Kerry Ferguson, at the suggestion of her fellow councillor and mayoral consort Cllr Emlyn Jones.

On his appointment, where he received his bardic staff and certificate, Mr Salisbury said that his studies have shown that there is a precedent for composing poetry for towns.

“I feel honoured to have been appointed Aberystwyth’s first-ever Town Bard and am looking forward to a year of poetry ahead,” he said.

“This new initiative is a wonderful demonstration of the continuing importance of poetry of a strong public, community-based nature here in Wales.

“While the traditional image of Welsh-language poetry locates it mainly in rural areas, we also in fact have a long, albeit less well-known, history of urban poetry.

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“While completing my MPhil at Aberystwyth University I studied the work of 15th century poet Guto'r Glyn.

“His celebrated poem of praise to the town of Oswestry heralded the beginning of a centuries-long tradition of composing poetry for and in the town of Oswestry.

“And Welsh poetry was present in other towns in Wales and the Marches too, so the idea of having a Town Bard has its precedents.”

Mr Salisbury has been lecturing at Aberystwyth University since 2015 and was formerly the Welsh Children’s Laureate from 2011-13, and is also a published author.

Cllr Jones added: “Aberystwyth is a very literary and artistic town, and I am very proud that we have agreed to establish a Town Bard.

“This is a reflection of the area's poetic wealth, with a look back to the Welsh poetic tradition of having a 'court' poet.

“But mainly looking forward to celebrating modern Welsh poets and poems that flourish here in Aberystwyth.

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“I can think of no one better than Eurig to be the first bard in this new tradition.”

Cllr Ferguson said: “It's a great feeling of pride to see Aberystwyth Town Council taking such an innovative step.

“It is quite possible that more Town Bards will appear across Wales and on the continent before long.”