On its founding, The Order of Bards, Ovates & Druids continued the tradition, started by the group out of which it emerged, The Ancient Druid Order, of having an honorary position, known as 'Presider' which represented the Order's links with the literary and artistic world.

Lewis Spence, the author of The Mysteries of Britain and Charles Cammell, the editor of Connoisseur magazine, had both been Presiders of the ADO. In OBOD, the first Presider was Robert Armstrong, President of The Poetry Society. Then in 1988 John & Caitlin Matthews, the popular writers on Celtic spirituality, held the position jointly, later handing it on to John Michell, author of The View over Atlantis. Later, an old member of OBOD, Melitta Denning, the author of many esoteric books, took over the position.

In 1998 we changed the position to that of Honorary Chief Bard - in recognition of the contributions poets, musicians and story-tellers are now making to the contemporary cultural scene.

Here is a list of Bards we have honoured so far.

Robin Williamson

Mara Freeman

Myrddhin

Damh the Bard

Jim Faupel

ZZ Birmingham

Eric Maddern

Liv Torc

Esme Vincent

Steve Gladwin