"There has been riot and commotion in England, Scotland and Ireland, because those countries, neither feared God nor honoured the King.but our nation {Wales} remained wonderfully faithful to the Government in all troubles." ("Drych yr Amseroedd" : Robert Jones 1820.).....1793: Several hundred copper workers and colliers marched on Swansea protesting the high prices of grain, cheese and butter, and demanding higher wages. 1801. Three Merthyr men were sentenced to death for rioting. 1816 and 1822. Major Strikes and then INSURRECTION 1831 - The Workers and People of Hirwaun, Aberdare and Merthyr rise up in revolt for Natural Justice, Trade Union Rights and Political Liberty. The quote above is not unique, in an expression of 'Welsh Establishment' views on being loyal to the English Crown and advancing the notion as to the ''pacifity'' of the Welsh, this had become a Welsh preoccupation since advent of the Tudor Monarchy upon the throne of England. Such notions became solidified in the ''Welsh Mind'' with the the later ''Jacobite Troubles'', which caused the rising ''Welsh Petite Bourgeouise'', even those of religious dissident persuasion as Howel Harris et al to all come within the fold, of what I call 'WELSH ANGLO - SAXON PROTESTANTISM' (a matter I have much written on else where). Such dual ''loyalty to the English Crown'' and ''pacifity'' became in time, a central feature of later ''Welsh Political Radicalism'' (see late Liberalism and Plaid Cymru in early years of 2oth century) and even the more urban - Industrial 'Anglo - Welsh' Socialist tradition. The residue of such in various form lingers on today, within ''Cultural Nationalism'' and within what may be called a ''Welsh Left''. Best seen within the ''Pacifist/Feminist Ranks'' of Plaid (Cymru?). However, it has also contributed to confusions regards our history within the minds of ''Alternative Welsh Nationalism'' and so called ''Welsh Republicanism'' in our own contemporary times. All of this may be shown as contributing to the ''Cult of Dic Penderyn'' which has also proved, not only condusive to advance still in our own times, of elements of ''WASP-ism'' but of course has been used to advance the cause of the ''Labour Movement'' in Wales. Nothing perhaps better illuminates much here than in the ''Remembering of Dic Penderyn'' whilst not being, perhaps more mindful in remembering the full history of the 1831 Insurrection. not just it's consequence regards later politics, as may suit left, right or centre ''establishment politics'' in Wales.
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The chief event of the Insurrection 1831 occurred about mid day on the 3 Mehefin 1831 was the massacre of 28 workers and people, in and aound the Castle Inn. You might be forgiven for not knowing where in Merthyr Tudful is the site of this most infamous massacre * in the history of modern Wales, post 1536 'Act of Annexation'. Even the plaque placed on Merthyr Library, not only fails to mention the 'Massacre' but even fails to even point out where exactly the 'Massacre' took place. But if you stand with your back to this plaque and look to your right, just up from the Dic Penderyn Pub, is a building that used to be Merthyr's Castle Cinema. Now a dance club, where sometimes wrestling and other activities take place, it is this building which stands on site of the Castle Inn where the massacre of 'Bloody Friday ' took place on 3 Mehefin 1831. (* See massacre of Irfon Bridge http://brwydr.blogspot.com )
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.For further regards above see item: Martys and Militants in following blog: MerthyrRising : Merthyr Rising 1831 - the beginning There can be no doubt that the following seven days in June changed Welsh history immensely and of course in these terms the commemoration of 1831–2006 ...merthyrrising.blogspirit.com/archive/2006/01/05/merthyr-rising-1831-the-beginning.html - 21k - Cached - Similar pages
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"Seizing the Time'' - Reclaiming Our History.
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Introduction: It is illuminating and perhaps instructive to note that ''Welsh Nationalists'' have in the past often condemned an English Educational System for denying the Welsh access to their history. however, whilst not surprising to me it may be surprising to you, that in the Bwrdd yr Iaith Cymraeg website/calendar of Welsh Festivals (Dathlu Cymru) there is represented: Santes Dwynwyn, Dewi Sant, Rugby, Calan May, Gwyl Ifan, The Royal Welsh, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Owain Glyndwr, Calan Gaeaf, Gwyl Beca ? and Llywelyn ap Gruffydd . Other than perhaps Rugby there is nothing that is specifically rooted to the Urban Industrial South and certainly no mention of 'Insurrection 1831 Merthyr Rising' and Lewis Lewis. I ask you no note Gwyl Beca because I find it odd that they place ''Beca'' in Tachwedd when of course ''Beca'' is more associated with 13 May 1839, perhaps more appropriate would have been the Newport Rising of 4 Tachwedd 1839. I have written letter to 'Bwrdd yr Iaith Cymraeg' - I AWAIT REPLY.
Introduction: It is illuminating and perhaps instructive to note that ''Welsh Nationalists'' have in the past often condemned an English Educational System for denying the Welsh access to their history. however, whilst not surprising to me it may be surprising to you, that in the Bwrdd yr Iaith Cymraeg website/calendar of Welsh Festivals (Dathlu Cymru) there is represented: Santes Dwynwyn, Dewi Sant, Rugby, Calan May, Gwyl Ifan, The Royal Welsh, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, Owain Glyndwr, Calan Gaeaf, Gwyl Beca ? and Llywelyn ap Gruffydd . Other than perhaps Rugby there is nothing that is specifically rooted to the Urban Industrial South and certainly no mention of 'Insurrection 1831 Merthyr Rising' and Lewis Lewis. I ask you no note Gwyl Beca because I find it odd that they place ''Beca'' in Tachwedd when of course ''Beca'' is more associated with 13 May 1839, perhaps more appropriate would have been the Newport Rising of 4 Tachwedd 1839. I have written letter to 'Bwrdd yr Iaith Cymraeg' - I AWAIT REPLY.
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.Flames of Revolt.
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There is no doubt that one cannot just talk of a Merthyr Rising 1831 without considering the participation of the people of pentre Penderyn, Hirwaun and Aberdare, their contribution to events of this time is immense. One may consider their participation was motivated by radical leaders as Lewis Lewis and others who for some time may have been plotting and planning a ''revolt'' or more likely a major ''Natural Justice Popular Rebellion''. Such possibly being planned would take form of the activates that did occur over 1 - 2 June in Merthyr Tudful with reseizing of goods that had been taken by the bailiffs of the Courts of Request. However, exactly how far many were willing to take such protest action toward Insurrection is matter of conjecture. Nevertheless, the gathering of radicals on Hirwaun Common and the rising of a red flag, then the march on Aberdare to take back Lewis's trunk upon which he jumped to make a speech signalled the beginnings of insurrection. The throwing of ''fire balls'' into the home of Joseph Coffin president of the court of requests was then to set alight flames of a revolt that was to last seven days. On morning of 1st June the Penderyn, Hirwaun and Aberdare workers had marched to join the Merthyr workers at Cefn and over the coming two days the course of events would perhaps be inevitable and as consequence the great tragedy of 3 June 1831 would unfold with the slaughter of 28 people in an around the Castle Inn and so turn protest or ''popular rebellion'' into an ''Armed Insurrection'', what has been called the Merthyr Rising of 1831. Although now I personally refer to it as Insurrection 1831 so at least within this the events that also took place in Penderyn, Hirwaun on it's great long common, plus workers ''armed'' activities around the ''Barrio'' of Cefn Coed y Cymmer over those same days are not totally excluded in telling of the story. Neither forgotten hopefully are Aberdare, Caerdydd, Pyle and Port Talbot/Aberafan all with 1831 Insurrection associations.
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There is no doubt that one cannot just talk of a Merthyr Rising 1831 without considering the participation of the people of pentre Penderyn, Hirwaun and Aberdare, their contribution to events of this time is immense. One may consider their participation was motivated by radical leaders as Lewis Lewis and others who for some time may have been plotting and planning a ''revolt'' or more likely a major ''Natural Justice Popular Rebellion''. Such possibly being planned would take form of the activates that did occur over 1 - 2 June in Merthyr Tudful with reseizing of goods that had been taken by the bailiffs of the Courts of Request. However, exactly how far many were willing to take such protest action toward Insurrection is matter of conjecture. Nevertheless, the gathering of radicals on Hirwaun Common and the rising of a red flag, then the march on Aberdare to take back Lewis's trunk upon which he jumped to make a speech signalled the beginnings of insurrection. The throwing of ''fire balls'' into the home of Joseph Coffin president of the court of requests was then to set alight flames of a revolt that was to last seven days. On morning of 1st June the Penderyn, Hirwaun and Aberdare workers had marched to join the Merthyr workers at Cefn and over the coming two days the course of events would perhaps be inevitable and as consequence the great tragedy of 3 June 1831 would unfold with the slaughter of 28 people in an around the Castle Inn and so turn protest or ''popular rebellion'' into an ''Armed Insurrection'', what has been called the Merthyr Rising of 1831. Although now I personally refer to it as Insurrection 1831 so at least within this the events that also took place in Penderyn, Hirwaun on it's great long common, plus workers ''armed'' activities around the ''Barrio'' of Cefn Coed y Cymmer over those same days are not totally excluded in telling of the story. Neither forgotten hopefully are Aberdare, Caerdydd, Pyle and Port Talbot/Aberafan all with 1831 Insurrection associations.
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A WELSH WORKERS INSURRECTION 1831.
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Picture below is of aforementioned present day building on site of the Castle Inn, not even a plaque has been set up there to record the Massacre. A memorial of sculptered figures , see such in Newport to commemorate 1839 Rising there, Newport also has an excellent mural depicting that 'Workers Insurrection'. A Merthyr 1831 Mural would be a great tribute to that town's 'Workers Insurrection', Even Llantrisant has a statue of the radical Dr William Price, surely Merthyr Tudful should set up similar statues to represent the people of that town who during the first week of June rose up in struggle against oppression and exploitation. Certainly, the location around the site may at least be recognised as PLAS 3 MEHEFIN 1831, as declared by those who commemorated the 175th anniversary 1831 - 2006.
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Picture below is of aforementioned present day building on site of the Castle Inn, not even a plaque has been set up there to record the Massacre. A memorial of sculptered figures , see such in Newport to commemorate 1839 Rising there, Newport also has an excellent mural depicting that 'Workers Insurrection'. A Merthyr 1831 Mural would be a great tribute to that town's 'Workers Insurrection', Even Llantrisant has a statue of the radical Dr William Price, surely Merthyr Tudful should set up similar statues to represent the people of that town who during the first week of June rose up in struggle against oppression and exploitation. Certainly, the location around the site may at least be recognised as PLAS 3 MEHEFIN 1831, as declared by those who commemorated the 175th anniversary 1831 - 2006.
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Time Line of Insurrection 1831:
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HIRWAUN: On Tuesday 31 May 1831 Thomas Llywelyn following on a massive rally at Twyn y Wuan on Merthyr Common on the previous day holds meeting with Hirwaun Workers on Hirwaun Common, after he leaves Lewis Lewis and radicals ''seize the time'' andrise up a Red Flag of Rvolt. ABERDARE: On Wednesday 1 June 1831 Thomas Llywelyn goes to the Fothergill Iron works to negotiate on behalf of workers and then returns to Merthyr. The Penderyn/Hirwaun workers are marching on Aberdare to Court of Requests to get Lewis's trunk. This they do and Lewis makes speech, and it is about this time a crowd gathers at home of magistrate and fire balls are thrown and set property alight. Penderyn/Hirwaun/Aberdare workers march to Cefn and assemble there with Merthyr Workers, to form a ''Workers Army''.
HIRWAUN: On Tuesday 31 May 1831 Thomas Llywelyn following on a massive rally at Twyn y Wuan on Merthyr Common on the previous day holds meeting with Hirwaun Workers on Hirwaun Common, after he leaves Lewis Lewis and radicals ''seize the time'' andrise up a Red Flag of Rvolt. ABERDARE: On Wednesday 1 June 1831 Thomas Llywelyn goes to the Fothergill Iron works to negotiate on behalf of workers and then returns to Merthyr. The Penderyn/Hirwaun workers are marching on Aberdare to Court of Requests to get Lewis's trunk. This they do and Lewis makes speech, and it is about this time a crowd gathers at home of magistrate and fire balls are thrown and set property alight. Penderyn/Hirwaun/Aberdare workers march to Cefn and assemble there with Merthyr Workers, to form a ''Workers Army''.
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Castle Inn, Merthyr Tudful.
3 Mehefin 1831
'Bloody Friday'.
Soldiers Massacre 28 Workers and People.
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MERTHYR TUDFUL: 5: 30 am. Crowds start to gather at market area of Merthyr. 7: 00 am Crowd begins to move in ''massive demonstration'' around the town. 10: 00 am The Crowd moves up the Brecon road at about same time via Cefn the Scots Soldiers are entering the Town and are greeted at Cyfarthfa Castle by Crawshay. They are also met at the Pandy by magistrates Bruce and Hill. Meanwhile the Crowd had moved into Foreman's Field near Penydarren Mansion to watch the Scots Soldiers go by? The Crowd follows the Soldiers into town to the Castle Inn, hurling abuse at them. 10: 40 am At Castle Inn Richard Hoare Jenkins, High Sheriff of Glamorgan gets up on a chair and reads the riot act in English, followed by magistrate Bruce who reads it in 'Cymraeg'. There is a roar of defiance from the crowd and a forest of clubs is raised. 11 - 12: Noon Disturbances in and around the castle Inn, we may if we wish assume the shooting took place by 12: noon the latest?
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Plas 3 Mehefin 1831.
Picture shows, a temporary ''1831 Commemorative Installation'' set up on 3 Mehefin 2006, to mark 175th anniversary of 3 Mehefin 1831 'Bloody Friday'. The ''installation'' consisted of a pole with Red Flag attached, topped by a loaf of bread as in 1831. I am told that this ''installation'' remained in place for over a week, I have a photo of it there a week later. But what is needed is something more permanant, as a plaque or mural on side of the building that now stands on site of the Castle Inn. What would look really good however would be a sculptered group of figures, similar to those in Newport to memorialize the Newport Insurrection 1839, I suggest you also go on the web and see sculptures memorialising SHARPES REBELLION in Jamaica which also took place in 1831. If in Merthyr Tudful on or about 3 Mehefin (annually), please place floral tributes in this location in memory of those who were killed in this location during the 'MASSACRE OF BLOODY FRIDAY 3 JUNE 1831, the least anyone can do, to remember those who died for your liberties and freedom from oppression and exploitation.
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If you cannot attend any 1831 Insurrection Commemorative Events and activities , then at least from 31 May to 6 Mehefin, annually wear the ''Bloody Friday'' 1831 Insurrection 'Rememberance Ribbon' (You will have to make it yourself, not difficult, just buy red and black ribbon and cut to suit as in picture here, but bit bigger). For full and further details of Insurrection 1831, and all associated, including news of commemorative work, visit RED REMEMBRANCER Blog http://redremembrancer.blogspot.com
G.Gruffydd.
