"The Bells of Aberdyfi" (in Welsh "Clychau Aberdyfi"), also known as "Bells of Aberdovey" is a Welsh air. The tune is known today as a famous Welsh folk-song, although its origins were in the English stage. The tune has been incorporated into Welsh tradition, the song was composed (in broken Welsh) by Charles Dibdin (1745-1814) for his opera Liberty Hall in 1786. There is no evidence to show that Dibdin used an existing tune and no copy can be found except Dibdin's of a date prior to 1844. Dibdin's song with music was published in an oblong folio in London by John Preston in 1785 or 1786. Irish harper Arthur O'Neill (1734-1818) mentions Dibdin in his memoirs but did not have a high opinion of his work, considering him a threat to tradition. It was recorded by Robin Huw Bowen on Telyn Berseiniol Fy Bgwlad/The Sweet Harp of My Land (1996). Bowen's setting imitates the bells of the drowned cities and towns of Cantre'r Gwaelod, also known as Cantref y Gwaelod, a legendary ancient sunken kingdom said to have occupied a tract of fertile land lying in what is now Cardigan Bay to the west of Wales. It has been described as a "Welsh Atlantis" and has featured in folklore, literature and song. I arranged this for bell choir several years ago.