The Gorsedd window, situated in the ‘Y Teras’ Lounge area, is commonly referred to as the ‘Proverb Window.’ This artwork was established in 1974 as a contribution from the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel to the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales, which took place in Carmarthen in August of that year. It also serves as a remembrance of the hotel’s historical ties to the festival, as it was on this site that Iolo Morganwg established the first Gorsedd Circle of Bards in Wales in 1819. The window was designed and crafted by John Petts, an artist of international acclaim, and its creation spanned four months, culminating in its unveiling by Lord Chalfont on August 6, 1974.

The Gorsedd, meaning “throne,” was first convened in London in 1792 by Edward Williams, who is more widely recognized by his bardic name, Iolo Morgannwg. A poet and political radical, Morgannwg fabricated documents to assert that his imaginative creations, including the Gorsedd, were rooted in the ancient history of Celtic druids.

The Eisteddfod has a rich tradition that dates back centuries, originally serving as a gathering for bards to formalize poetic standards and elevate literary quality. The provincial eisteddfod was initiated by Thomas Burgess, Bishop of St Davids, and took place at the Ivy Bush Hotel in 1819. Within the hotel grounds, Iolo Morganwg arranged a small druidic stone circle and conducted a Gorsedd ceremony, where participants donned armbands of various colours.

In the Victorian era, various organizations convened at the Royal Ivy Bush, as it was then called, including the Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire Otter Hounds and the Carmarthenshire Conservative Association.

In April 1909, the monthly session of the Carmarthen County Court took place at this venue. The primary case involved Thomas Morley from Llandybie, who alleged that his “motor bus” had sustained damage from a horse and cart owned by Samuel Jones, a butcher from Llanarthney.

From 1794, the Ivy Bush was managed by Charles Nott which was then situated on King’s street. His son, General Sir William Nott, had a notable military career within the British Empire and is honored with a statue located in Nott Square, Carmarthen. In 1806, Mrs. Nott, associated with the Ivy Bush, placed an advertisement seeking a “middle-aged woman” to serve as her housekeeper and lady’s maid. By 1809, Mr. Nott was in search of a “handsome modern-built post-chaise with a barouche box,” which refers to a four-wheeled carriage.

During the mid-19th century, the establishment was owned by Valentine and Letitia Rees. Their grandsons, who were raised in Tenby, achieved victory in the Grand National in both 1921 and 1922.