Rowland Hugh Prichard

Rowland Hugh Prichard (1811–1887), whose surname is also spelled Pritchard, was a Welsh textile worker, singer, precentor, and amateur composer. Born at Graienyn near Bala in Merionethshire, he earned his living outside professional music while taking an active part in Welsh congregational singing. Hymnological sources record that he had a strong singing voice, served as a precentor, and published tunes in Welsh periodicals.

Prichard is remembered above all for HYFRYDOL, composed in 1830 when he was still a young man and later published in his collection Cyfaill y Cantorion. The tune became one of the most widely circulated Welsh melodies in English-language hymnals and has been paired with many texts. Methodist hymnals also used HYFRYDOL with “Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus,” making Prichard one of the documented alternate-tune composers associated with the hymn.