How Powys woman inspired Kellogg's Corn Flakes cockerel

The world-famous cereal company says the inspiration for the iconic rooster, named Cornelius, on the front of corn flakes was inspired by one Powys woman.

It has long been a legend that the famous harpist Nansi Richards, from Pen-y-Bont-Fawr had given the idea for the famous bird which appeared on boxes in 1957.

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Nansi was a phenomenally talented musician who National Eisteddfod harp competition three times in succession.

She was appointed Royal Harpist to the Prince of Wales in 1911, a title she held for over 60 years until her death in 1979.

There has long been an apocryphal tale that she had given the inspiration for the famous bird whilst on tour in America which has now been confirmed by the company.

But after being approached by the County Times, a Kellogg’s spokesman said: “In 1957, the famous rooster, named Cornelius, was put on every box. This was down to Welsh harpist Nansi Richards, who met John Kellogg whilst on tour.

“Richards pointed out that the Welsh translation of rooster was 'ceiliog' which has a similar pronunciation to Kellogg. The Kellogg's founder ran with the connection and the iconic rooster was born.”

The company was unable to confirm whether the red, green and white colours were an homage to the Welsh flag which some have thought.

The company has said that Cornelius has aside from having this connection was “used as a symbol for the start of the day, back before alarm clocks therefore it made sense to connect this image with this iconic breakfast cereal.”