1831 Insurrection: Aftermath 1831 - 39.

In Dev:

Parc Castell Cyfarthfa: 1831 Festival - Potentials & Proposals.

This picture shows one ot the two entrances to Parc Cyfarthfa, so no problem getting into the park but in 1831 opposite this entrance was a farm in which dragoons had been stationed to guard the Castle from attack by the workers. I picked this gem of information up, off ae web genealogy site, a descendant (now living in America) of the owners of the farm in 1831 had been handed down this piece of family history. History is never far away from us, and that includes myself, I was born in Merthyr Tudful and brought up in Adam and Eves Court, Pondside, in the small district of Caedraw. It is very much in and around this district that people begin to assemble in the early hours of the morning of the 3 Mehefin 1831. to later march to Cefn Coed y Cymmer to ''greet'' the Scottish Soldiers being sent from Brecon, the people then followed the Soldiers into Merthyr Tudful , where they were stationed in the Castle Inn to protect the towns establishment. The people surround the Inn and the rest is history, after failed negotiations, the people sought to enter the Inn and the troops open fired. Over 28 people were killed, and this day 3 June 1831 became known as ''BLOODY FRIDAY''.

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Photos here are of myself and grandfather, in Caedraw, other photo is taken from close by his grave outside Cefn Coed y Cymmer. The view in the photo is of the Cefn ridge where the ''Workers Army'' set up positions to resist further troops being sent from Brecon, which they successfully did by halting delivery of munitions to the Soldiers stationed at the Castle Inn. Dragoons later had to rescue the munition waggons.

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I have started off, this post in this personal way so as to emphasise the connections that people and communities have with their local history. It was whilst on an outing to Merthyr last summer we had opportunity to talk with young local people in a pub we had called at, we were pleasantly suprised just how aware and proud they were of the 1831 Insurrection and struggle of the opressed against exploitation. My mam, herself born and bred in Merthyr first told me of the ''Merthyr Riots'' but it was then reading Alexander Cordells books in the 60's which revived my interest in this 1831 Insurrection. There is another reason why I emphasize in this introduction the ''people connection'', and that is because the festival I talk of should be one, I hope very much about the ''Life and Times'' of working people, often just referred to as the ''mob'' or ''Riotous Rabble''. Such a festival would record history, in it's lasting connections; political and otherwise but hopefully dwell a great deal on people, not particularly just the often referred to ''Great and Good'' of history. Photo above is my brother and I with mam, following our summer outing to Merthyr Tudful, here we are having a break in Parc Cyfarthfa, where mam played as a small girl. Now well into mid eighties, physically weak and with memory diming, she nevertheless enjoyed her own journey back into her past. This personal introduction, is also my personal tribute to my mam and her parents, with a big thank you, for making of me Merthyr born, if not Merthyr bred. Can think of no better town to be born in, in historical terms, the town that rose up in revolt, that is the WELSH INSURRECTION 1831. So, let's really commemorate it big time......

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Here, first off, I must mention work of the local Dic Penderyn Society who over the years have annually organised commemorative activities, including an excellent 1831 Exhibition at Merthyr Town Library. However, in this post, I particularly want to mention the previous 1831 Festival held in Parc Cyfarthfa, organised by local Labour Party and Trade Unions. This it seems was a ''One Off'' but having read information on this Parc Cyfarthfa 1831 Festival, I consider this worthy of a revival, or template for a new 1831 'Life & Times' Festival in Cyfarthfa Parc, so the foundations have been built, now I suggest we continue to make it a platform for greater things. Such I cannot pro-activelly get involved with, and anyway it is an 1831 Initiative, that needs to come out of Merthyr Tudful itself, with full envolvement of 1831 history enthusiasts in Merthyr Tudful and surrounding districts. I can however, offer other aid and general assistance in a verity of ways, which may be seen in this 'Red Remembrancer Blog' . If interested to make contact via lewsyn.yrheliwr@ntlworld.com

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Whilst waiting on such 1831 festival, which may be a long way down the road? why not on or around 3 June, annually vist Parc Cyfarthfa, there is a wonderful museum in the ''Castle'' and a restauraunt, plus.......................

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Excellent gounds, with playing areas for the children, band boxes and a parc cafe (see pic of green wooden hut), plus plenty of picnicing places..........




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For a 1831 RED PICNIC.


This post is in continuous development also see previous 1831 Postings plus see future post on :

Antur 1831 Alive!

Also see:

Theatr y Faner Goch.

and 'Riotous Rabble'.

Living History Initiative and outdoor theatre interpretations of the ''Life and Times'' associated with Insurrection 1831.

Fin for now.

Bloody Friday 3 June 1831

The Merthyr Rising 1831.

Insurrection 1831 Information.

31 May 1831, Hirwaun Common, Rising Red Flag.

31 May 1831.

Marking an Important Anniversary.

Why Not Symbolically Rise up the Red Flag Annually?

I Did it last year, who will do it this year?

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Photos below: Hiwaun in distance, photo taken from Blaen Cadlan (home to Lewis Lewis) , other photo is of the Hirwaun Football Club, on site of previous Castle Hotel, where ''Radical'' would assemble and hold meetings in earlier times.
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Our First Outing To Hirwaun Common and a Gate barred Our Way.

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It is here on the 31 May 1831 that the Red Flag is raised as a political banner, and at not at the Paris Commune of 1871. Is there a Statue, a sculpture or even a plaque in Hirwaun to record this historic event? No! Why not? If Llantrisant has an excellent statue for Dr Price, why no statue for Lewis Lewis aka Lewsyn yr Heliwr, the ''Heroic Leader'' of the workers struggle, and of the peoples insurrection of 1831. INDEED WHY NOT? If anyone in Penderyn/Hirwaun Area, is interested in such memorialising Initiative then do get in touch please, as this should become a popular priority. Below two visual interpretations of the 'Rrising of the Red Flag on Hirwaun Common', on which possibly memorial sculptures could be based. Such project might take many years to become reality, but in the mean time, why not at least a plaque and mural? Surely, there are artists in area of Penderyn/Hirwaun who could work with the community on such memorail scheme, not least children/schools could be involved in the mural work. There, that's something to involve both teachers and perents within these communities, and do remember stacks of grants etc available for this sort of community heritage initiative and artistic endeavours. I will aid and assist where and when possible, in main with provision of all kinds of useful information.

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1: Contemporary Visual Interpretation (Unfortunatly Artist Unknown).

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2: Visual Interpretation printed in the London Times in days following the Insurrection.

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There are a number of public footpaths on to Hirwaun Common, and in recent years I have campaigned for them to be more clearly marked. I have been informed this is work in progress, for further details contact R.C.T. Council, they can provide information regards provision of maps also contact local Ramblers groups for details of walks on the common, plus of course do a web map search and print out. A WARNING, if you are planning a walk, to note that the Common can be very wet and marshy, so plan your walks in the Summer or after a long period of good weather. See three photos below of an easy access to the common direct from Hirwaun itself via local Sports Club and playing fields, this is also best route for those who wish to organise an ANNUAL 31 May 1831 COMMEMORATION. This route allows possibility of holding march - pageant 'life & times' parade from Hirwaun to the Common with various social events and activities being held for families/children in the playing fields plus more youth and adult events being held in the Sports Club in evening. Something largelly for the local communities of Penderyn & Hirwaun to consider?

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For those who want to hold something more political, why not an annual 31 May 1831 RED FLAG RALLY on the common, above route will also take you to a good location for such with parking space for your transport close by. Plenty of Pubs in Hirwaun for you to later Socialise in, or in time organise entertainments in, I believe the local Menter Iaith uses the Football Club, see above photo. I am sorry but it is not possible for myself to be pro-active in organisation of anything but will help as possible. Do get in touch if you want such help in such usefully political initiative to advance the cause and struggle of Welsh Socialism.

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A political poster silk screen printed in the 1970's, obviously inspired by 31 May 1831.

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To annually mark anniversaries of Insurrection 1831, why not publically fly a Red Flag as from 31 May to the 6th June. You can do it personally but why not also propose your local authority does so, and why not request the Welsh Assembly to do so as well. The Welsh Assembly flies 'Baner Glyndwr' on 16 Medi annually, so why not the Red Flag on the 31 May annually, I see no reason why they should refuse, after all this date is as historic as 'Dydd Glyndwr'. Please send in photos to me of Red Flags flying in this period with details of where or whetever, such will encourage this campaign to spread. Further, do not forget in same period wear the Castle Inn, Merthyr Tudful ''Bloody Friday'' 3 June 1831 ''Massacre'' Remembrance Ribbon.

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PS: You got to make it yourself ok! I did, so can you?

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Now, onward, lets take the Red Flag to Merthyr Tudful, but via Cefn Coed y Cymmer first, see next posting...

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Lotta Continua!

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Gethin Gruffydd.

1831 Insurrection: Plotters Prologue

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Reform or Revolution? What has been called and gone down in history as the Merthyr Rising of 1831, was to a great degree a revolt of the Iron Workers of the 'Head of the Valleys' region of north Glamorgan and to a smalle degree of northern Gwent. So much has been focused on the actual rising in Merthyr's ''Red Week'', that the fact that Hirwaun was the main centre of the, if not of ''Revolutionaries'', then certainly of ''Primitive Rebels''. Further forgotten is fact of ''insurrectionary activity'' being also centred on Aberdar (last Scotch Cattle activity was reported here during a strike in the 1850's) also in Cefn Coed y Cymmer, the ''barrio'' of a ''Welsh Workers Army'' during the seven days of the greatest Welsh Insurrection since that of Owain Glyndwr in the 15th century (see Embassy Glyndwr, Owain Glyndwr Communicates and Cenedl Glyndwr Web Sites and Blogs on the Web). Like wise much has been forgotten, lost or even hidden regards the ''heroic Leader'' of the 1831 Insurrection Lewis Lewis aka 'Lewsyn yr Heliwr', later to be transported to Austrailia for the part he played in leading this workers revolt. A lost history not only in Welsh History but also in World history. Something we just got to do something about. If your interested in helping to do this, then read on and then possibly contact us, at lewsyn.yrheliwr@ntlworld.com

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The Pentre Penderyn - 'Plotters Prologue'

A Introduction To The Hirwaun/Merthyr Insurrection 1831.

The of 30th and 31st May 1831, at respectively Twyn y Waun and Hirwaun Common may be fully informed of if you read my '1831 Primer' (to be published in this blog in due course), suffice to say with Thomas Llywelyn’s later rally on Hirwaun Common, followed by his march on Aberdar. Lewis Lewis and other radicals ''Siezed the Time'' to march on the court of request, we then witness discontent brewing into wide spread disturbances that would by 1 June 1831 burst fourth as the first major Welsh Insurrection since time of Owain Glyndwr. It is common amongst Welsh historians who have inherited the Victorian historians ''respectable crachach mantle'' to be almost apologetic for the Welsh ''having a rush of blood to the head'', as the English chroniclers often accused us of having in medieval times.

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The same case is made for Owain Glyndŵr as it is for the 1831 Insurrectionists, say nothing that promotes idea it may have been ''Plotted and Planned'' in advance. Having spent many years of studying the Owain Glyndwr Insurrection I can assure the reader that ''revolt'' it was very much planned and possibly for at least two years in advance. After but limited renewed study of the Insurrection 1831 I am slowly coming to the opinion that this too, was very much ''Plotted and Planned'' in advance. I am not going to make a case for this now, as I have myself more studies to take aboard but I want you to read and study, discuss and debate, to come to your own opinions – I am as often as not perhaps being a ''Devils advocate'' and thus also draw your attention as much to Lewis Lewis as toward Dic Penderyn. So on with the ''Red Revolution'' or at least the Insurrection that is the Hirwaun/Aberdar/Merthyr Rising of 1831 but first a visit into the world of the 'Plotters Prologue'.

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For Further Information on Insurrection 1831 History, request material from lewsyn at email addresses below. The Web is of course also good for all information mentioned in this document.

1831 ALIVE! A ''Plotters Prologue'' Proposed Annual Commemorative Festival for Penderyn and Hirwaun running into MERTHYR RISING 1831 RED WEEK - RED COMMUNE FESTIVAL. The propsed Penderyn and Hirwaun (inc Aberdar?) taking place annually over the May Spring Bank Holiday whilst Merthyr Rising 1831 Commemoration would take place annually from 1 - 7 June.

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Is our attempt to establish a '1831 Life and Times Living History Initiative', as an Educational and Leisure Experience. Optimistically we appeal to any one who may want to be involved in a proposed ''Plotters Prologue'' event, and is into Cymric traditional music and folk dancing, and who would like to ''show case for free'', then please do, at least for time being informerly. Noting that the 'Beer Gardens' of both the Red Lion Inn and Lamb Inn are ideal venues for some ''autonomous impromtu cultural activity'' , this event at moment being in main little more than an informal Spring BH gathering of 1831 History Enthusiasts. However, note for reasons of safty (The two roads to Red Lion Inn are very narrow) , I would suggest that the Red Lion Inn (no photo available) and area, be an afternoon venue, see photo below of Saint Cynog's Church, which is on hill overlooking Pentre Penderyn, the Red Lion Inn is directly opposite.

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The Lamb Inn location in Pentre Penderyn is more suitable as an evening venue at any time over any annual May Spring Bank Holiday weekend. See pic Below:

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1831 MEMORIAL INSURRECTION MEMORIAL WALK - PENDERYN TO HIRWAUN. Photos below are of myself pioneering this walk on Spring BH Monday 2006, to mark 175th anniversary of the 1831 Insurrection - 2006. (Watch out for the ''kid bikers'').

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Part of the former Penderyn Mineral Railway, the 2.6km section runs from Pontpren to Penyard road on the National Park border in Hirwaun. The former railway line follows the old packhorse route between Penderyn and Hirwaun, along which the quarry company built their tramway to carry limestone to ironworks in the Valleys. This was originally drawn by horses, and later by steam locomotives. Since the railway closed the route suffered years of neglect and has been returned to its former glory by the BBNPA. Part of the former Penderyn Mineral Railway, the 2.6km section runs from Pontpren to Penyard road on the National Park border in Hirwaun. The former railway line follows the old packhorse route between Penderyn and Hirwaun, along which the quarry company built their tramway to carry limestone to ironworks in the Valleys. This was originally drawn by horses, and later by steam locomotives. Since the railway closed the route suffered years of neglect and has been returned to its former glory by the BBNPA. Further and full details can be obtained via the web from Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. They do indeed have a leaflet on the pathway between Penderyn and Hirwaun. If you would like to contact them on (01874) 623366, or by email at mountain.centre@Brecon.org, giving postal address, they would be happy to send one to you by post.

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Ways You Can Help Us:

Notice we have not asked you for money, we are quite happy to volunteer up our own time and money but we would appreciate you doing what you can to aid and assist us in this 1831 Initiative, as follows: 1: Any one who wants to get involved in organising anything to contribute to above as basis of an annual 1831 'Life and Times' Pentre Penderyn Spring May BH Festival, do make contact with any offers of help or advice. 2: Ccould you put basic info on to web sites, on 'Blogs' and into forums etc? Plus of course inform others of this blog, or make a link to it. 3: The 1831 Memorial walk could be organised for groups tp participate in if wished. 4: Next stop for 1831 Insurrection Commemoration will be at Hirwaun on and about 31 May annually, chiefly a RED FLAG RISING ''Symbolic Ceremony'', maybe? 5: Merthyr Rising 1831 has it's own annual commemoration, mainly held on the Sunday, which we support but other wise we are making our own contribution with promotion of visits to Cefn Coed y Cymmer, and wreath laying ceremony in memory of 'Bloody Friday' 3 June 1831 at 'Plas 3 Mehefin 1831', by site of the Castle Inn, where the massacre took place. 6: and then a 'RED '1831 Alive! Life and Times' RED PIC NIC at Parc Cyfarthfa, following visit to Cyfarthfa Museum. In time we hope this could become a major festival, it's been done before, organised by WLP and WTUC, why not again?

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If you can make contribution of any kind to advance of above, let us know how ok!

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Lotta Continua!

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G.Gruffydd lewsyn.yrheliwr@ntlworld.com

Insurrection 1831 Initiative Motivator.

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1831 Revolts and Rebellions in World History.

During 1831 there were a good number of Insurrections; Workers and Slave Revolts and also a number of Nationalist Rebellions. These took place all over the world, the European Workers revolts will be of particular interest in the Merthyr 1831 Insurrection connection, particularly note the Bristol Riots and the Lyon Silk Workers Uprising, both of signifigance in a comparative study with the Workers Revolt in Merthyr Tudful. However, do'nt ignore reading up on the other Revolts and Rebellions below, also search Google for information on other Insurrections 1831 as in Belguim and Bosnia and in the Papal States of Italy. Further, of interest will be the beginnings of the Texas War of Independence, with of course it's connection to the Chartist Rising in Newport 1839.

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© The Lyon Uprising of 1834
Why had it happened again so soon after the rebellion of November 1831? ... For, as one eyewitness reported: "The workers of Lyon did not revolt

as ...web.bham.ac.uk/1848/document/lyonupri.htm - 74k - Cached - Similar pages
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AfricanAmericans.com - The Nat Turner Slave Revolt of 1831
AfricanAmericans.com - The Nat Turner Slave Revolt of 1831 Nat Turner was born into slavery in 1800. He was thirty-one years old when he led a small army on ...www.africanamericans.com/NatTurnerRevolt.htm - 18k - Cached - Similar pages
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Samuel Sharpe
Sam Sharpe gave himself up and was charged with rebellion as the Government and the estate owners believed he was a rebel. He was taken to court, ...www.moec.gov.jm/heroes/sharpe.htm - 13k - Cached - Similar pages
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Lithuania's Struggle for National Survival 1795-1917
In reprisal against the 1831 revolt, the Russians on May 1, 1832 closed the University of Vilnius, established in 1579, the only institution of higher ...www.lituanus.org/1984_4/84_4_01.htm - 47k - Cached - Similar pages
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Italy :: The rebellions of 1831 and their aftermath ...
The July Revolution of 1830 in Paris set in motion an Italian conspiratorial movement in Modena and in other Emilian towns. Two Carbonari, Enrico Misley and ...www.britannica.com/eb/article-27735/Italy - 189k - Cached - Similar pages
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The Polish Revolt of 1830-1831
The Polish Revolt of 1830-1831 · Foreign Policy of Russia in the 2nd half of XIX Century. The State-Political Development of Russia in the 2nd half of the ...russia.rin.ru/guides_e/7009.html - 20k - Cached - Similar pages
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Nat Turner's slave rebellion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Richmond Enquirer, November 8, 1831, quoted in Aptheker, American Negro Slave Revolts, p. 299. Aptheker notes that the Enquirer was "hostile to the cause ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nat_Turner's_slave_rebellion - 45k - Cached - Similar pages
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Working Paper 113 - Lessons from Italian Monetary Unification
File Format: PDF/Adobe AcrobatA decade later 1831 revolts in Modena and Parma were put down by Austria and. another in the Papal States was defeated by Papal troops. ...www.oenb.at/de/img/wp113_tcm14-38082.pdf - Similar pages
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Enslave African Resistance and Revolts
The violence and bloodshed started on the 27th of December, 1831. It began in the Salt Spring estate, 50000 enslaved Africans broke out in revolt in the ...www.swagga.com/revolts.htm - 39k - Cached - Similar pages

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Such as above would make good source of themes for discussion at an 1831 Insurrection History Day/Weekend School, that may be organised in association with the proposed 1831 RED COMMUNE COLLEGE, another idea for development in association with the proposed Annual 1831 Insurrection Commemoration. Anyone with interest in this area, please make contact.

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Insurrection 1831: Annual Commemoration?

The picture below is of an '1831 Commemorative installation' a few of us set up on 3 June 2006, to mark 175th anniversary of the 1831 Insurrection, particularly to mark the anniversary of ''Bloody Friday'' when soldiers stationed in the Castle Inn, Merthyr Tudful fired on people, killing over 28 in number. This ''1831 Commemorative Installation'' represents the Red Flag carried by the radicals, on which atop of the flag pole, a loaf of bread had been stuck. This ''1831 Commemoration installation'' was placed close to site of where the Castle Inn once stood, site of where the ''Massacre'' took place about mid day of 3 June 1831 - ''Bloody Friday''. I returned a week later and it was still there, although the loaf had gone? and the flowers were wilting. our purpose for placing this there on this anniversary was for a number of reasons, we hope this now will become an annual event in remembrance of ''Bloody Friday'', as well as contributing to the annual 1831 Commemoration in the town of the Merthyr Rising. Hopefully such in time will encourage the setting up of a more permanent memorial to remember the dead of the '1831 Bloody Friday Massacre'. At the very least, as something which could be done very quickly, would be to paint a mural on the wall, behind the ''installation'' in the Photo above, standing now on site of the Castle Inn, is a dance hall. Yes! kind of difficult what to make of that? but before, this presentuse, it had been Merthyr's Castle Cinema. NB: There are plenty of bollards around this place, so if you wish and have the mind to do so, you could as I tape flowers to them in your own personal annual rememberance of the men and women who gave their lives for your liberty from tyrrany and oppression in an heroic struggle against exploitation. For details of Commemoration events and activities, see at end of this posting.
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A Plaque exists on the Library at Merthyr Tudful which unfortunatly commemorates more Dic Penderyn than the 1831 Insurrection, nor does it mention those who were killed by the soldiers on the 3 June 1831 - 'Bloody Friday'. It is also unfortunate that Dic Penderyn alone is mostly remembered whilst the radical leader of the workers and people in this insurrection of 1831 was Lewis Lewis, Lewsyn yr Heliwr who is most deserving of memorialising as well. Please consider this injustice.

Remember Insurrection 1831.

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2006 marked the 175th anniversary of the Hirwaun/Merthyr Rising 1831, 7 days which changed Welsh History. I attempted last year to organise a major commemoration of the 175th anniversary but only met with limited success. I had proposed this 2006 commemoration become basis of an annual event, bigger in scale than the present limited annual 'Dic Penderyn Commemoration' held by a local group of enthusiasts. However, my attempts in this direction failed for a verity of reasons but I am not daunted and will continue to promote and advance ideas in such 1831 commemoration Initiative in this blog. I will not again attempt to organise a major festival, this I will leave to others who may become enthused by this promotional primer. In 2006, I attempted to advance this initiative accross a broad left spectrum, from radical Welsh Republicans to those of more Radical Socialist mind and action within ranks of Left Nationalists, Labour and Anarchists. My attempts made little impression on a much ''fractured left'', nor was ''Radical Welsh Republicanism'' able to commit to such commemoration. Welsh Labour Movement seems more interested in commemorating the Tolpuddle Martyrs than the Welsh Insurrectionists of 1831, but that is not quite true as Merthyr Labour has in past organised major commemoration of 1831 in Cyfarthfa Park but have no great interest to continue such at present, niether do 'Welsh Trade Unions'. The locally based Dic Penderyn Society remained aloof, and continued independantly to organise their Dic Penderyn Commemoration at the Dic Penderyn Plaque outside the Town's Libray. They also organise an 1831 Exhibition at the Town Library plus talks in the town on subjects related to 1831. These are worth supporting with your attendence, as and when possible.

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Having via Cofiwn been responsible for advancing idea of organising the first Merthyr 1831 Commemoration, I find it sad that the existing 1831 enthusiasts in the town could not support the idea and initiative of a major commemoration but perhaps understandable, as since my earlier days of 1831 Commemoration, I have moved on from the traditionally accepted historical and political appraisal and appreciation of the 1831 Insurrection. In simplicity, suffice to say this is best exemplified by those who follow behind Thomas Llywelyn and the Reformist Road from Twyn y Waun Common, that eventually leads to ''British Chartism'' and the ''British Labour Movement''. Alternativelly, I now and encourage others to follow the Lewis Lewis Radical Road from Hirwaun Common that took the form of a 'Natural Justice Rebellion', which still to this day would inspire and motivate radical action by people rather than political reformism that always leads to betrayal. These themes I develope on and advance below, also will continue to do so, in future postings to this RED REMEMBRANCER BLOG.

Here, I republish the 1831 Primer I used in 2006 regards prompting and promoting 175th anniversary commemorating the Hirwaun/ Merthyr Rising of 1831. It will, I hope still be of some use.

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Introduction: ''Seizing the Time'' and yes that time is now! This document has been produced to act as a primer that is preparing people with background information on the 1831 Insurrection. Thence hopefully will help to motivate and prompt as many people, organisations and Institutions as possible to be involved in working towards a major commemoration. This most important historic event, seven days of an Insurrection that would have profound repercussions on Welsh History is deserving of our special attention. It is a fact that I having been born in Merthyr with coal dust between my toes, I have spent most of my adult life via Cofiwn and Embassy Glyndwr ''treading the grass'' of medieval Wales promoting Welsh Princes as Llywelyn III and Owain Glyndwr. However, my research and studies of Owain Glyndwr period had began to re – radicalise me and turn my mind to more a peoples history in aftermath of the last great war of Independence 1400 – 16 – 21. This was given a good hard push forward after having had a meeting with Bwrdd yr Iaith Cymraeg to discuss with them their Dathlu Cymru / Celebrate Wales Initiative, in the main a web site and calendar (2004).
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Later when given their prospectus and calendar , I noted that they had managed to ignore 200 years of Southern Welsh Workers history. Their initiative was largely about festivals and thus traditional Celtic Festivals and contemporary celebrations of Dydd Glyndwr and commemoration of Dydd Llywelyn III also Rebecca Movement were noted but nothing of comparable connection to the South. There was recognition of the annual ‘International Rugby Season’ as main interest to ''Hwntws''. I immediately realised this was as much the usual but hopefully not typical view of those with ‘Grass between their toes’’ (non – Hwntws?) and of a certain school of Welsh Nationalism, usually cultural that considered Remembering Cilmeri 1282 more important perhaps than remembering Hirwaun Common 1831. I of course in part admit my guilt in this matter but now I am prompted to make amends. It will be one of the questions posed is why is there this ''Cultural Separatism'' in historical consciousness and appreciation of our history. Above I have castigated those with ''Grass between their toes'' but those with ''Coal between their toes'' can be equally myopic and tunnel visioned. To some how counter both these myopic views I have written much on Welsh history which attempts to creativelly interweave that history in both time and place – uniting our history as one, as I would wish our people and nation to so view. Thus chiefly when I say let us ''Seize the time'' I am in the main saying it is time we viewed, taught and informed on all our history but for me the emphasis hence shall be on Insurrection 1831 at Hirwaun, Aberdar as well as Merthyr Tudful.

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1966 marked also the 40th anniversary of the founding of the annual Cilmeri Commemoration by a 'Patriotic Front' of Radical Alternative Nationalists (Some ironically so called ''Republicans''). So what is the connection with Merthyr Rising 1831, well it is a rather convoluting and tenuous connection via myself being born in Merthyr and thence one of the founders of aforementioned Cilmeri Commemoration. However, it is not so much that but more to do with other more contemporary historical political connections regards in main the history of ''Alternative Nationalism Movement and Struggle in Wales 1946 to present day. (http://awnms.blogspot.com) The inspiration for a Cilmeri commemorative rally was provided by Emrys Roberts and Harri Web who in 1965 formed a ''Ginger Group'' within Plaid Cymru and also published a journal called 'Cilmeri Centre point' this they launched at Cilmeri as a ''Media opportunity'' event. In the following year was born the Cilmeri rally which has I have stated in 1966 celebrates its 40th year. So what you may ask? Well the important connection here is Harri Web, then a Librarian living and working in Merthyr, Harri was a ''Republican Remembrancer'' of the 1831 Merthyr Rising long before Alexander Cordell and Gwyn Alf Williams were ''Peoples Remembrancers''. 2006 also marks 50th anniversary of the beginnings of the first 'Welsh Republican Movement' of which Harri Web along with Ivor Wilkes were the ''main men'' in promoting a ''radicalised'' Welsh history largely inspired by the popular protests of the 18th and 19th centuries. Ivor Wilkes wrote the solid Social history and Harri did the ''Romantic Republicanism'' to prompt into existence a radical ''historical consciousness'' to motivate their brand of ‘’Radical Welsh Republicanism’’.

In 1956/7? this 'Welsh Republican Movement' eventually demised, ironically in the year in which the ‘Cilmeri Cenotaph’ was erected and unveiled. 2006/7? marked/marks the 50th anniversary of this and the 725th anniversary of the death of Llywelyn at Cefn y Bedd near Cilmeri (now thought to be Aberedw) and of course 2007 marks 25th anniversary of the great Cofiwn 1282 Cilmeri commemoration, which I had an hand in the organisation of. To me the importance I attach to this piece of ‘Alternative Nationalist History’ is that as a young man my interest in Welsh history matured via the writings of Wilkes and Web, strongest influence then was Harri, for in the 60’s Ivor Wilkes had departed for Africa. So when Harri the ex ''Radical Republican'' pointed to Cilmeri our generation of ‘’Radical Nationalists’’ took that path to Cilmeri 1282 and not to Hirwaun common 1831.

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Hirwaun/Merthyr Rising 1831 Beginnings:

The Reformist Road to Twyn y Waun 30 May 1831, or the Radical Road to Hirwaun Common 31st May 1831. There are two traditional views of the Merthyr Rising of 1831, they are not necessary totally separate views re the history and conditions that caused this workers revolt to break out into an armed up rising. Such has common roots, causes and conditions. Suffice to say for a very simple over view just read the account headed Merthyr Rising p396 of the Oxford Companion to the Literature of Wales, Ed Meic Stephens. Oxford University Press. You will of course not leave it at that but go on to books that will deal with the subject in greater depth, some of which I will mention below. What I wish to pick up and focus on is those two separate views which point out the two separate paths that converged on Merthyr 1831 and at the end of May beginning of June causing the most major of Welsh insurrections since time of Owain Glyndwr. Ivor Wilkes actually draws attention to one radical of the times drawing attention to Owain Glyndwr * as an example to follow, but very much in passing as there is no clear and identifiable definite nationalist idealism or political principle we see in the revolt as comparable say to that of the near enough contemporary 'United Irishmen Movement' and in Ireland's Wolfe Tone and later Robert Emmets revolts. (see Historian David Jones). * An Owain Glyndwr Inn existed in Merthyr 1848, was it there in 1831, anyone know?
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However, having said that, whilst accepting the usual identification of the Merthyr Rising of 1831 being in many ways part of the general British struggle for Political reform that would be the basis of a later much stronger Chartist Movement, part of the struggle to establish Trade Unionism However, there is another aspect of the Revolt that may be seen to have more ''National Welsh Connotations'' and that is in the more radical nature and form the Merthyr Rising took as a particularly ''Welsh Insurrection''. Such ''Radical Welsh Roots and Route’’ is the one presented by Welsh Republicans in sound historical interpretation by historian Ivor Wilkes and more romantically by Harri Web in his ''Republican writings'' and poetry. This is presented as a ‘natural justice’ protest that began on Hirwaun common, that radically overtook reformism. Such radicalism prior and since is represented by a long history of traditional Welsh political radicalism, often seen as militant workers in revolt as at Tonypandy 1910 and Llanelli 1911, even perhaps there are histories echoes from 1831 and 1839, in the Nationalist 'Adfywiad Gwladgarol 1962 - 69'. (Also see writings on this by professor Gwyn Alf Williams).
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Merthyr Tudful had been in discontent for a long time, particularly since the depression of 1829 subsequent reform agitation following not least in early months of 1831 had the town in a ferment of discontent. These political disturbances calumniating in a great Reform Rally at Twyn y Waun on same day as Waun Fair 30 May 1831 . This Reform Rally was a political affair led by dissident radicals such as Cyfartha Coal Miner Thomas Llywelyn and issues raised at this rally were in nature of Reform and Trade Union rights under. The ''reformers' banners by the way declared 'Reform in Parliament' and oh yes 'God Save William IV'. It seems the following day 31 May 1831 Thomas Llywelyn attempted to hold another reform rally on Hirwaun Common, here however ‘Reformism’ met with the more militant men of Hirwaun who seemed ''hell bent'' on more Radical means and measures to secure their purpose. Their purpose being much to do with a long tradition of struggle for 'natural justice' and thus whilst Thomas Llywelyn led his Trade Unionists off on a march to Aberdar to seek workers justice in term of labour rights; improved conditions and wages. Back on Hirwaun Common other more militant matters were being considered which would come to an head and determine that over the following days of June 1831 in Merthyr Tudful would take place a fiercely fought ''Welsh Insurrection'', and not just the usual reform demonstration that Merthyr had been used to since the previous year.

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I do not want to dwell much more on repeating the history of the Merthyr Rising as there are a number of books you should read on the subject which will more than inform you of the history. These books wil reflect all the differing views as to the revolts nature, form and purpose. Suffice for me conclude that after the ''Reformists'' had left Hirwaun Common a ''Natural Justice Rebellion'' was to break out. The Hirwaun 'Radicals' or rather perhaps ''Primitive Rebels'' killed a calf and dipped in it’s blood in a white cloth (perhaps a reform Banner, left behind by Thomas Llywelyn), this they rose up on a pole as possibly the first ever Red Flag of Popular Rebellion along with another banner that stated ‘Bara neu Waed’. I have no doubt that it was the people marching under the Red Flag, possibly their ''radical roots'' firmly set in a native Welsh tradition of popular protest that would in seeking ''Natural Justice'' be cause of the Merthyr’ Rising 1831. However, what ever your view there can be in no doubt that the following 7 days in June changed Welsh History immensely. This of course needs to be discussed and debated during course of any commemoration of 1831, but let be also an entertaining leisure experience as well as informative and of educational purpose to remind we, who we are and where we come from in a broad historical sense but also to tell the World this story too.

The Hirwaun/Merthyr Rising 1831 Time line events.
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Prologue: Events of 30th and 31st May 1831 at respectively Twyn y Waun and Hirwaun Common I have already dealt with, suffice to say with Thomas Llywelyn’s march on Aberdar And Lewis’s march on the court of request we witness discontent brewing into wide spread disturbances that would by 1 June 1831 burst fourth as the as first major Welsh Insurrection since time of Owain Glyndwr. It is common amongst Welsh historians who have inherited the Victorian historians mantle to be almost apologetic for the Welsh ''having a rush of blood to the head'', as the English chroniclers often accused us of having. The same case is made for Owain Glyndwr as it is for the Merthyr Insurrectionists, say nothing that promotes the idea it may have been planned in advance. Having spent many years of studying the Owain Glyndwr insurrection I can assure the reader that it was very much planned and possibly for at least two years in advance. After but limited renewed study of the Merthyr Rising I am slowly coming to the oppinion that this too, was very much planned in advance. I am not going to make a case for this now. I have myself more studies to take aboard but I want you to read and study, discuss and debate, coming to your own opinions – I am as often as not perhaps being a ''Devils advocate'' and thus also draw your attention as much to Lewis Lewis as Dic Penderyn. So on with the''Revolution'' or at least commemoration of the 1831 Insurrection, see the time line below:

* 1st June 1831. Workers ''Occupy Cefn Coed and begin to organise a ''Workers Army'', they set up ''Defensive Positions'' on roads leading into Cefn and Merthyr. That night they and their followers march on Merthyr Tudful.

* 2nd June 1831. The Town is seized by Workers, riot act is read and troops sent for, from Brecon, Swansea, Cardiff and further afield.

* 3rd June 1831. ''The Battle of Castle Inn'' aka ''Bloody Friday Massacre'' takes place and 28 “Rioters” are killed by the soldiers.

* 4th June 1831. Troops arrive but one column is ambushed and disarmed by workers, prior to this the ''Workers Army'' had stopped an Amunition from Brecon reaching Soldiers in the Town, a calvary detachment 100 strong sent to retrieve the amunition cart was beaten into retreat.

* 5th June 1831. Gwent Workers rise and march to support Merthyr Workers.

* 6th June 1831. Great workers Gathering at Twyn y Waun, troops arrive, riot act raid three times, Soldiers level their guns. Crowds nerves fail and they flee back to Merthyr Tudful.

* 7th June 1831. By now 1000's of troops are flooding into Southern Wales, and 100's of Troops occupy and gradually regain control of Merthyr, mass arrests and imprisonment follow. Hirwaun is singled out for special attention in ''Mopping up Operations'' by bodies of Militia and Cavalery detachments.

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Epilogue: During the days that followed the troops searched particularly for those seen as leaders of the revolt, many were arrested and imprisoned amongst them Dic Penderyn and shortly after Lewis Lewis was captured. All were put on trial, found guilty and sentence to death or transportation to Australia. Some see as mysterious that Lewis Lewis was reprieved but Dic Penderyn was executed on 13 August 1831, thus was created a “Welsh Working Class Martyr” long remembered as a popular 'Hero of Welsh History'. Lewis Lewis - Lewsyn yr Heliwr no doubt instigator and leader of the revolt has been largely forgotten. Same the Merthyr Rising 1831, for whilst it remained''Politically'' or ''culturally correct'' to remember Dic Penderyn later ''respectable Victorian Wales'' chose to forget the Merthyr Rising 1831. So too Welsh Labour – Unionist Tradition which came to remember more about the Tolpuddle martyrs and English Labour history rather than their own Welsh Labour History. Ironically the resurrection and restoration of a ''Welsh Labour History''was left to be more popularised by a Welsh Republican Movement 1946 – 57 via the writings of republican historian Ivor Wilkes & republican bard Harri Web.

Hist Note: Twyn y waun had been location of the Waun fair since the middles ages and possibly further back it may have been a traditional ancient gathering point for people. During the 16th century Waun Fair was recorded in official records as being associated with outlaws and thieves particularly Horse stealers and cattle rustlers who brought their four legged stolen goods to dispose of at Waun fair. So well known was this that even suppliers of the English army came to Waun fair to buy cattle on the cheap and of course make huge profits. Twyn y Wuan and Hirwaun Common are situated in an area of ‘Blaenau Morgannwg’ which was heartland of ‘’Free Welsh’’ resistance to Anglo – Norman Conquest and colonisation, this tradition of resistance and rebellion goes way back to times of the Celtic Silurian tribes 70 year bitter opposition to Roman Rule.

Other historical facts of connected Interest:

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Hirwaun Common. It was in this area that the ''Welsh Rebels'' of 1294 lay down their arms. · Ystrad Felte. In this area Lewis Lewis was caught in 1831, here also Llywelyn Bren surrendered 1316.
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Reading Matter for you yourselves to determine much. For introduction, read up on following subjects matter (full details & literature via web search). * Any material on making of modern Wales post act of union 1536. * 18th Century Welsh Cultural Renaissance, Religious Revival & Political dissent. * 18th century popular protest, disturbances and discontent, focus 1798 – 1831. * The Merthyr Rising 1831 and all appertaining to it. * Post 1831 Scotch Cattle and the Newport Insurrection 1839. * The 1839 – Rebecca Rebellion of the Western Counties. * 1848 the Year of European Revolutions and in Wales the Blue Books. * 1848 – 1880’s Rise of Liberal Wales to Cymru Rydd and beyond. * Rise of Welsh Labour Party and Trade Unionism in Wales. * Welsh Nationalism Inc anything on 'Alternative Nationalism and Republicanism'.

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For the chief reading material regards much of above & Merthyr 1831 plus it’s aftermath to 1831 & beyond you may focus on three particular historians: * D. J. V. Jones: Before Rebecca Popular Protest in Wales 1793 – 1835. * David Smith: For Traditional “Unionist British Labour history’’. * Gwyn A. Williams: Protagonist of a Communist & later day radical nationalist tradition. * Ivor Wilkes: Protagonist of a “Welsh Republican” view. * Further to above there are a great number of other books & essays in a number of journals, as ‘Llafur’ all of which may be searched out via the web & bibliographies. I also have two essays that touch on the above, which you may request copies of via email only; they are:

* Aftermath. A radical interpretation of Welsh History from conclusion of Glyndwr war to the Merthyr Rising of 1831. * Dic Penderyn. An interpretation of the Welsh Martyr Complex and why”.
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Also last but not least all the books by Alexander Cordell regards these epic years in the history of Wales, they are fictional works but not with out much ground breaking research that gives them a clear ring of authenticity with a terrifically readable creative flow that grips the reader in the authors inspired imagination. These works are:

· Hosts of Rebecca.
· Rape of the Fair Country.
· Song of the Earth.
· The Fire People.
· Proud & Savage Land.
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I cannot depart with out saying that in the 60’s Alexander Cordell’s books inspired me as they did many others, and then in those times we are starved off history books and creative historical fiction. Fortunately for us the aforementioned books are now republished by Blorenge Press. So do buy and read ok! (publishers address via Web). One last matter 2007 marks the 10th anniversary of Alexander Cordell’s death in 1957, surely time that he was honoured by the academic and arts establishment of Wales. Why Not?

The Insurrection 1831 Annual Commemoration.
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I would suggest is annually held over the May B.H. Weekend in area of Pentre Penderyn and Hirwaun, with possibilties of visiting locations associate with Lewis Lewys - Lewsyn yr Heliwr as the Lamb Inn where he was ''imprisioned'' after his capture. There is a path - walk from Penderyn to Hirwaun along the old tram way, last but not least note there are a number of public paths onto Hirwaun Common where the radical workers raised their Red Flag on 31 May 1831.

Commemorate the Merthyr 'Red Commune' 1831: In time it would be great to see a ''Red Week'' long Radical 1831 Commemorative Festival being held in Merthyr Tudful during the first week of June, but until then why not at least visit Cefn Coed, see photo below of Cafe - Bar there, ideal place to meet from where to take a walk around Cefn, the ''Barrio'' of the 'Workers Army of 1831'. Following visit Merthyr Tudful and place your 'Bloody Friday' floral tributes close to site of the 'Massacre of 3 Mehefin 1831', I renamed the location 'Plas 3 Mehefin 1831'. Then go on to visit the museum at Cyfarthfa Castle and if time and weather is good, have yourself a picnic in the buetifull grounds of Parc Cyfarthfa.

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1831 Commemorations: Other matters.
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For a number of years there have been held small commemorations of these events and in memory of Dic Penderyn at Merthyr, Caerdydd and at grave side of Dic Penderyn. St Mary’s Church, Port Talbot. Further, I did see in Western Mail an item regards intention to set up a statue of Dic Penderyn in Part Talbot but have heard no more on this. Further ITV Wales were considering a drama based on the Merthyr Rising and Dic Penderyn, I do not know what has become of this either but hopefully in years to come, we shall see movement on these two projects and much more in way of memorials and why not a feature film? In mean time, if I learn of any specific 1831 Insurrection Commemoration events and activities, I will post them to this blog ok! Also note: Dydd Dic Penderyn Commemoration 13 August is annually held in Caerdydd and Port Talbot. Dic Penderyn was executed 13 Awst 1831: Outside the market on St Mary Street, Cardiff near the spot where he was executed, you will find a plaque in commemoration of his execution. To the last he protested his innocence, and his final words in Welsh were an anguished cry at injustice. "O Arglwydd, dyma gamwedd" "O Lord what an iniquity" he shouted, as the hangman's noose was tightened. Dic Penderyn’s coffin was then carried by cart to Port Talbot, where he was buried in cemetery of St Mary’s Church, where there is also held an annual commemoration.

Following the 1831 Insurrection, the workers sustained resistance to oppression and exploitation by organisation of a ''Secret Society'' known has the 'Scotch Cattle'. This workers underground movement were based mainly in Gwent where they continued their struggle up 1839, no doubt playing an huge part in the Newport Rising of 1831. After which not much is heard of the 'Scotch Cattle' until 1850, this time, it seems they have arisen again to be involved in a workers strike. It was during this strike that they threw a bomb into the house of a ''Black Leg'' (first bomb attack in Welsh History?). In passing, it is interesting to note, that in the police records of a famouse Murder trial in the Merthyr Area, it is mentioned during the course of the trial that two of the witnesses had fierce reputation as ''Scotch Cattle Men''. How much more of this history has been hidden or lost, perhaps now we will never know?

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Gethin ap Gruffydd.