0:00:00 > 0:00:02- 888
0:00:03 > 0:00:06- Some say that Gwynfor Evans - was the greatest Welsh patriot...
0:00:06 > 0:00:08- ..of the 20th Century.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11- He was meant to be Wales' saviour.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- He more or less gave - his entire life to that cause.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- He wanted to be the one - who did that job.
0:00:22 > 0:00:24- He was a man of many dimensions.
0:00:24 > 0:00:29- There was the nationalist figure - but to us he was Daddy.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- For many, he was nothing short - of the Messiah.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39- His enemies saw him as an extremist.
0:00:39 > 0:00:41- But what kind of man was Gwynfor?
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- It's been six years - since the National Assembly...
0:00:55 > 0:00:58- ..started its work in Cardiff Bay.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- It's the latest example of a - new found confidence for the Welsh.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- It started just as the life - of one of Wales'...
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- ..most prominent figures - drew to a close.
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- But before he died...
0:01:10 > 0:01:13- ..Gwynfor Evans could look at Wales' - most important establishment...
0:01:13 > 0:01:17- ..knowing that some of his hard - labour had borne fruit.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25- No other person gave such - single-minded dedication...
0:01:26 > 0:01:32- ..to the nationalist movement - over such a long period of time.
0:01:32 > 0:01:38- It's hard to imagine whether we'd - have reached where we are today...
0:01:38 > 0:01:41- ..without Gwynfor's contribution.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- I think Gwynfor - has made a huge contribution.
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- But I think it can be - over-emphasised.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- I don't think he'd contributed - in making the party...
0:01:53 > 0:01:54- ..politically effective.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58- I don't think he appealed - to the nation as a whole.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02- If we had to argue - how monumentally influential...
0:02:03 > 0:02:07- ..Plaid Cymru's first MP was, - it's clear that today's Wales...
0:02:07 > 0:02:11- ..is totally different from the one - Gwynfor was born into...
0:02:12 > 0:02:14- ..90 years ago in Barry.
0:02:14 > 0:02:19- He has a definite part to play - in that extraordinary story.
0:02:19 > 0:02:24- In 1912, he was born into a town - that had developed quickly...
0:02:24 > 0:02:28- ..into an economic powerhouse.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31- Shops are needed - when a new town is built.
0:02:31 > 0:02:36- Dan Evans saw his chance. He was - without doubt, an entrepreneur.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- By the time Gwynfor had grown up...
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- ..the family business was central - to Barry's prosperity.
0:02:45 > 0:02:48- He was raised in a house - on Somerset Road.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- The language of the neighbourhood - was English.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53- English was also spoken - in this home...
0:02:54 > 0:02:56- ..by the time the eldest son - turned six.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- The author of a new biography - on him argues...
0:02:59 > 0:03:02- ..that the home's location - is significant.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05- It's one of the biggest ironies - in Welsh history...
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- ..that Wales's greatest - nationalist of the 20th Century...
0:03:09 > 0:03:12- ..saw more of England than of Wales.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15- That created a crisis of identity.
0:03:15 > 0:03:19- He wasn't sure who he was. - Was he a Welshman or an Englishman?
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- Gwynfor's nationalism flourished - and strengthened...
0:03:24 > 0:03:26- ..in that environment.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31- But the First World War threw a - shadow over his early childhood.
0:03:32 > 0:03:36- A high percentage of young men - from Barry went to war.
0:03:36 > 0:03:38- Gwynfor was obviously - a young child.
0:03:38 > 0:03:41- He was six years old by 1918.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43- He said himself...
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- ..that he remembers soldiers - being forced to go to war.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51- That made a huge impression on him.
0:03:52 > 0:03:56- One of Gwynfor's greatest beliefs, - if not his greatest belief...
0:03:56 > 0:04:00- ..was his pacifism. That was - as a result of the First World War.
0:04:07 > 0:04:08- HYMN SINGING
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- If the Evans' home - was in Somerset Road...
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- ..their spiritual home was the - Tabernacl Congregational chapel.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21- Gwynfor's grandfather was - a minister here for 17 years.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Ben Evans was a pacifist, - a nationalist, an abstainer...
0:04:25 > 0:04:27- ..and a local councillor.
0:04:27 > 0:04:31- Gwynfor was born - into a very prominent family.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- I believe that the chapel...
0:04:34 > 0:04:40- ..was a microcosm of Welshness, - for the young Gwynfor...
0:04:40 > 0:04:44- ..just as it was for other - Welsh youngsters.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- It was especially so in the towns...
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- ..where the chance to converse - naturally in Welsh...
0:04:51 > 0:04:54- ..outside the chapel - was very limited.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58- That was the sanctuary - of Welshness.
0:04:58 > 0:05:02- After English became - his home's main language...
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- ..using Welsh pained Gwynfor, - especially in his teens.
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- He wasn't so different from many - others of the same generation.
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- But Gwynfor suggested that - the chapel should become English.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17- The young man's proposal - was rejected.
0:05:17 > 0:05:21- Within a few months, his attitude - towards Wales and the language...
0:05:22 > 0:05:23- ..was transformed.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- As his time at the county school - came to an end...
0:05:27 > 0:05:31- ..he experienced a thrill at how - important Wales would be to him.
0:05:31 > 0:05:36- He admitted that in the sixth form, - he'd had some kind of conversion.
0:05:36 > 0:05:40- It's quite normal for young people - to have visions...
0:05:40 > 0:05:44- ..especially visions - of their own futures.
0:05:44 > 0:05:46- He experienced something like that.
0:05:47 > 0:05:48- That was his fate.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50- He felt that early on.
0:05:50 > 0:05:55- He stuck with that - throughout his life.
0:05:55 > 0:06:00- Gwynfor's next journey would - take him to the Law Department...
0:06:00 > 0:06:02- ..at University College, - Aberystwyth.
0:06:02 > 0:06:05- On the journey to Aberystwyth, - past Carmarthen...
0:06:05 > 0:06:08- ..in the days before - Dr Beeching's cuts...
0:06:08 > 0:06:12- ..Gwynfor was more than happy - to leave Barry behind him.
0:06:13 > 0:06:17- He would later say, there had never - been such a non-traditional place.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- At 19 years of age, - he saw his home town...
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- ..as part of the industrial - south east where the communities...
0:06:24 > 0:06:27- ..were rootless - and lacked direction.
0:06:27 > 0:06:30- The modern age didn't appeal to him.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34- His journey westward - took him further away...
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- ..from that era's most - significant characteristics.
0:06:37 > 0:06:42- These were the growing unemployment - levels and the unending poverty...
0:06:42 > 0:06:46- ..that scarred the valleys - and endangered civilised society.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Like Saunders Lewis before him, - Gwynfor believed...
0:06:55 > 0:06:58- ..that a better Wales - was both possible and within reach.
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- This was the rural, cultured Wales - that he was familiar with...
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- ..after many family holidays - in Carmarthenshire.
0:07:10 > 0:07:16- He tended to be idealistic, - almost in an Edwardian manner.
0:07:16 > 0:07:18- This is where - the ordinary people were.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22- They weren't the valleys - working class people...
0:07:22 > 0:07:24- ..but O M Edwards's - ordinary people.
0:07:24 > 0:07:29- There was an element of similarity - between the Welsh middle classes...
0:07:29 > 0:07:33- ..that he belonged to, - and the loyal ordinary people...
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- ..in the rural areas.
0:07:35 > 0:07:38- That excluded - most of the Welsh population.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- While studying Law in Aberystwyth, - Gwynfor was also determined...
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- ..to deepen his Welshness - and to promote the language.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53- He had three years - to throw himself completely...
0:07:53 > 0:07:56- ..into the Welsh speaking - Christian life.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00- But he was uninspired - by his time in the university.
0:08:00 > 0:08:03- The indifferent attitude - of Aber's students...
0:08:03 > 0:08:07- ..didn't lie comfortably with the - future politician from Barry.
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- When you see photos of him, - he looks like a serious boy.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- You get the impression - that he was exactly like that.
0:08:15 > 0:08:20- There was something almost priggish - and too serious about him...
0:08:20 > 0:08:23- ..for us today.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26- He started looking - for a political haven...
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- ..and his attention turned - more and more to Plaid Cymru.
0:08:32 > 0:08:35- In the '30s, there were - no election foundations...
0:08:36 > 0:08:39- ..or election possibilities - for the party.
0:08:39 > 0:08:42- The party was a group - of intellectuals...
0:08:42 > 0:08:46- ..who had interests in art and - history, and who romanticised.
0:08:46 > 0:08:52- Plaid Cymru had attracted the - Welsh speaking intelligentsia.
0:08:52 > 0:08:57- There was something there for - someone of Gwynfor Evans's nature.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02- He was obviously a grave person - who took the world seriously.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- Despite being a small party, - it attracted people like that.
0:09:06 > 0:09:09- In a way, its size - was also an attraction...
0:09:09 > 0:09:12- ..because he could make - his mark quite quickly.
0:09:12 > 0:09:14- He did just that.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- He went on to spend two years - at Oxford.
0:09:18 > 0:09:20- Ironically, in such - an English institution...
0:09:20 > 0:09:22- ..he was much happier here.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- He had the chance - to sharpen his politics...
0:09:26 > 0:09:30- ..and to improve his Welsh within - a small group of nationalists.
0:09:30 > 0:09:34- At the end of his period in Oxford, - Gwynfor travelled overnight...
0:09:34 > 0:09:37- ..back to Barry - along with his brother, Alcwyn.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- After arriving in Wales, - they both decided...
0:09:41 > 0:09:45- ..to walk up the Sugarloaf Mountain, - between Abergavenny and Crickhowell.
0:09:45 > 0:09:48- It was a chance - to put the world to rights.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- In June 1936, that world - was extremely troubled.
0:09:52 > 0:09:55- Hitler had just occupied - the Rhineland...
0:09:55 > 0:09:57- ..and war was getting ever closer.
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- He started to believe that - he was the one to save Wales.
0:10:12 > 0:10:18- His future would be one - of working for and saving Wales.
0:10:19 > 0:10:23- He once told me that - during that time in the '30s...
0:10:24 > 0:10:26- ..he suddenly felt afraid.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29- What if someone else - saved Wales first?
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- What if he was too late?
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- He wanted to be that saviour.
0:10:35 > 0:10:39- He had given his entire life - to that cause.
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- On the mountain top, Gwynfor saw - dawn breaking over Wales.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58- But it was a significant time - for Gwynfor as well.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- After two years in exile, - he could see a clearer future...
0:11:02 > 0:11:04- ..for himself and his nation.
0:11:04 > 0:11:09- He was determined that the language - was the basis of Welsh identity.
0:11:10 > 0:11:14- He would have to be the pacifist, - the nationalist and the Christian.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- That would be the basis - of his 60 year mission.
0:11:26 > 0:11:28- 888
0:11:35 > 0:11:40- September 8th 1936 was a momentous - day in the history of Plaid Cymru.
0:11:44 > 0:11:48- At 1.30am, the bombing school - in Penyberth was set alight...
0:11:48 > 0:11:50- ..by three party leaders.
0:11:50 > 0:11:54- It's thought that - the Welsh nationalist impetus...
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- ..could only be kept going - through violent acts...
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- ..committed by the party leaders - every 20 years or so.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- It's a disease that could be called - Penyberthitis.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Certainly, in the 1950s, - and early 1960s...
0:12:11 > 0:12:14- ..when Tryweryn - stirred up emotions...
0:12:14 > 0:12:20- ..the leader at that time, - Gwynfor Evans, was expected...
0:12:20 > 0:12:23- ..to repeat the Penyberth act.
0:12:23 > 0:12:28- As he started to earn a living - as a solicitor in Cardiff...
0:12:28 > 0:12:31- ..Gwynfor admired the unselfish - actions of the three.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- By the start of World War II, - Gwynfor was the secretary...
0:12:40 > 0:12:41- ..of Welsh Pacifists.
0:12:41 > 0:12:46- Due to this, he was the target - for other people's anger.
0:12:46 > 0:12:52- He moved to a farm his father owned - in Llangadog - Gwernellyn...
0:12:52 > 0:12:54- ..or Conshies Corner - as it was known.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- Dan Evans's generous support - would be vital.
0:13:00 > 0:13:03- He would never have managed - without his father.
0:13:03 > 0:13:07- For years, the business - made financial losses.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10- His father made up the deficit.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16- He would never have done what he did - without his father's money.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21- After being busy giving advice - to pacifists...
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- ..on how to prepare themselves - before going to court...
0:13:25 > 0:13:28- ..it soon became Gwynfor's turn - to appear before a tribunal.
0:13:29 > 0:13:32- That took place in July 1940 - here in Carmarthen's Guildhall.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- One of his answers - would be very revealing.
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- He was asked whether he'd be ready - to fight for Wales.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45- He said no. "I'm a pacifist first - and a Welsh Nationalist afterwards."
0:13:45 > 0:13:50- But in such a difficult time, - he had cause to celebrate.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54- On St David's Day 1941, - Gwynfor married Rhiannon...
0:13:55 > 0:13:58- ..the daughter of pacifists - Elizabeth and Dan Thomas...
0:13:58 > 0:14:00- ..at Crwys Chapel, Cardiff.
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- My father saw her - as the embodiment of Welshness...
0:14:04 > 0:14:07- ..and as a member - of the Welsh community.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11- He would constantly - refer to the fact...
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- ..that we descended - from her and her family.
0:14:16 > 0:14:19- Not that he wasn't proud - of his own family.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Due to his position as a pacifist - and his work for Plaid Cymru...
0:14:36 > 0:14:41- ..the war years were very difficult - for Gwynfor's family in Barry.
0:14:41 > 0:14:45- As the fighting continued, support - for the boys in the war...
0:14:45 > 0:14:49- ..reached its pinnacle, when - the words, "Spy", "Traitor"...
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- ..and "Fifth Columnist" were painted - on Dan Evans' vans and windows.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56- One warehouse - was burnt to the ground.
0:14:56 > 0:15:00- The relationship between father - and son was under immense pressure.
0:15:01 > 0:15:04- He wasn't happy - just calling himself a pacifist.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- He wanted to persuade people that - killing their fellow men was bad.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- He was a huge embarrassment - to my grandfather.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- He would stand on his soap box - and preach for peace...
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- ..while my grandfather, the town - mayor, attended important meetings.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- People had responded - fiercely to this.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- People hated pacifists - more than anything else...
0:15:27 > 0:15:30- ..even more than his - nationalist tendencies.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33- But despite the familial tensions...
0:15:33 > 0:15:37- ..and the fierce opposition - in Barry to his stance...
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- ..there was no stopping Gwynfor, who - was Plaid Cymru's Vice-President.
0:15:44 > 0:15:48- A lot of nonsense has been said - and written about Gwynfor...
0:15:48 > 0:15:50- ..as well as a lot of exaggeration.
0:15:50 > 0:15:55- But one thing we can be sure of is - Gwynfor's huge contribution...
0:15:55 > 0:15:59- ..to his own party during - the Second World War.
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Simply put, - Gwynfor saved Plaid Cymru.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Without that contribution, - I'm not sure whether Plaid Cymru...
0:16:06 > 0:16:10- ..would have been active enough - to see the '50s and '60s.
0:16:13 > 0:16:17- After the dark and trying time - of the Second World War...
0:16:17 > 0:16:21- ..there was a general feeling - that a new era was about to dawn.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24- That was also true - about Plaid Cymru.
0:16:24 > 0:16:28- On a beautiful summer's day in 1945, - 250 of the party faithful...
0:16:29 > 0:16:32- ..came here to Llangollen - to attend the summer school.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35- Gwynfor was ready - to be their President.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- The young, handsome man felt he'd - had a calling to lead his party.
0:16:40 > 0:16:44- Everybody loved the idea - that such a handsome young man...
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- ..would be leading - such an important party.
0:16:47 > 0:16:52- A wonderful feeling was felt - among Plaid Cymru members.
0:16:53 > 0:16:58- In a way, they thought - the Messiah had arrived.
0:16:59 > 0:17:03- There is a viewpoint that suggests - there was a turning point...
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- ..in Plaid Cymru's history when - Gwynfor Evans was elected President.
0:17:07 > 0:17:09- That is very simplistic.
0:17:09 > 0:17:14- If you look at what Gwynfor Evans - said for the first 15 years...
0:17:15 > 0:17:18- ..of his presidency, - in truth he's just reiterating...
0:17:18 > 0:17:21- ..Saunders Lewis' themes.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- This 'big change' is quite mythical.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- Gwynfor Evans, to some extent, - created this myth...
0:17:30 > 0:17:34- ..of how Gwynfor Evans would - rewrite Plaid Cymru's history.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40- After the dark days of the War, - the new Labour government...
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- ..and its leader, Clement Attlee...
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- ..pushed Britain - into a different direction.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51- Soon there'd be a National Health - Service offering care for everyone.
0:17:52 > 0:17:56- Under its new leader, Plaid Cymru - was also under pressure...
0:17:57 > 0:17:59- ..to modernise. - To party members of the '40s...
0:18:00 > 0:18:04- ..it was too respectable and - too similar to a religious sect.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09- Even early on as President, Gwynfor - faced opposition in the party.
0:18:09 > 0:18:12- A group of them, republicans - like Gwilym Prys-Davies...
0:18:13 > 0:18:15- ..would meet in a cafe - in Carmarthen.
0:18:15 > 0:18:18- They said the party - was ignoring the south east...
0:18:19 > 0:18:21- ..especially the economic problems.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- They said a dose of socialism - was needed as well as nationalism.
0:18:25 > 0:18:29- The leadership - of the Welsh republicans...
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- ..appealed to two totally - different traditions.
0:18:34 > 0:18:37- Very valuable traditions.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- The leadership appealed...
0:18:40 > 0:18:46- ..to the Welsh, radical, rural - nonconformist tradition.
0:18:47 > 0:18:53- The republicans appealed - to the socialist, more secular...
0:18:53 > 0:18:59- ..anti-Royalist, - more aggressive traditions...
0:18:59 > 0:19:05- ..that were connected to the - industrial society of south Wales.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12- About 50 republicans decided Plaid - Cymru didn't offer them anything.
0:19:12 > 0:19:15- In their opinion, - Gwynfor wasn't listening to them.
0:19:15 > 0:19:20- Some like Gwilym Prys-Davies - would join the Labour Party.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- It would be fair to say - that Gwynfor hated that party.
0:19:26 > 0:19:30- His work during the 1950s - as Llangadog's representative...
0:19:30 > 0:19:35- ..on Carmarthenshire's council, - lit a lifelong hatred towards it.
0:19:37 > 0:19:42- Being elected as a county councillor - gave Gwynfor an excellent chance...
0:19:42 > 0:19:44- ..to use the chamber - as a national stage.
0:19:45 > 0:19:47- He decided to sit - with the independents...
0:19:47 > 0:19:49- ..purely for tactical reasons.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53- But that was enough to anger - the Labour members.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56- To them, this was proof - that he was a Tory...
0:19:56 > 0:19:59- ..in the guise of a nationalist.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- If he wasn't in the council, - he was on the road...
0:20:06 > 0:20:09- ..travelling thousands of miles - in his Morris Minor.
0:20:09 > 0:20:13- Gwynfor Evans had a huge amount - of stamina.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- People talk of his charisma - but he also had stamina.
0:20:17 > 0:20:20- He'd address hundreds - of public meetings every year.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24- He'd drive thousands of miles - each year...
0:20:24 > 0:20:29- ..when roads and cars weren't - as reliable as they are now.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33- He'd speak on his box - in a valleys street.
0:20:33 > 0:20:34- He was never home.
0:20:35 > 0:20:41- I knew that he was under pressure - and that he was in constant demand.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- I remember Alcwyn - asking where he was...
0:20:44 > 0:20:47- ..and he thought that 'a meeting' - was a place.
0:20:47 > 0:20:49- Daddy was always in a meeting!
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- He loved being - in the company of children.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- He used to dress up as an old woman - and pretend he was our aunty.
0:20:59 > 0:21:02- He'd stuff balloons up his jumper.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06- He was funny - and had a sense of humour.
0:21:06 > 0:21:11- I think that kept him going through - times of illness and low spirits.
0:21:21 > 0:21:25- He would say that he should never - have married and had children.
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- He said they were in the way.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31- He used to say that - quite light-heartedly...
0:21:31 > 0:21:34- ..because it would hurt people, - especially if he said it...
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- ..in front of his family.
0:21:37 > 0:21:40- He said it once or twice - quite light-heartedly...
0:21:40 > 0:21:45- ..but he made you feel - there was something to it.
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- In the 1955 General Election...
0:21:48 > 0:21:53- ..Plaid Cymru had its highest - number of candidates - eleven.
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- For the third time, - Gwynfor stood in Meirionnydd...
0:21:58 > 0:22:03- ..and doubled his votes. But a very - difficult time would soon face him.
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- When the city of Liverpool - announced in the mid '50s...
0:22:07 > 0:22:10- ..that it wanted to drown - the village of Capel Celyn...
0:22:10 > 0:22:14- ..it faced fierce opposition - right across Wales.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- Thousands, including - the majority of MPs agreed.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24- The scheme was an insult, not only - to Wales, but also to Welsh culture.
0:22:24 > 0:22:28- But the Welsh couldn't do anything - to change the decision.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- The result of that, - during Tryweryn...
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- ..was a political - turning point for many.
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- There was no doubt - in Gwynfor's mind.
0:22:37 > 0:22:40- Plaid Cymru had to be central - in this battle.
0:22:41 > 0:22:44- He co-operated closely with - the local defence committee.
0:22:45 > 0:22:47- But convincing - the people of Penllyn...
0:22:48 > 0:22:50- ..let alone defeating Liverpool, - wasn't easy.
0:22:51 > 0:22:53- Gwynfor did everything he could.
0:22:53 > 0:22:57- He led dozens of people from Capel - Celyn through Liverpool's streets.
0:22:57 > 0:23:01- He did everything he could think of.
0:23:03 > 0:23:07- Gwynfor believed Liverpool - could be beaten in Parliament...
0:23:08 > 0:23:11- ..but slowly, - every constitutional door closed.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14- Some were ready to consider - other options.
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- We despised what was happening - in Tryweryn.
0:23:21 > 0:23:25- Like Penyberth, nearly everyone - from public bodies to MPs...
0:23:25 > 0:23:29- ..were against it, and yet - Wales remained helpless.
0:23:29 > 0:23:33- In my mind, someone - had to do something.
0:23:35 > 0:23:39- That something was a bone - of contention for Plaid Cymru...
0:23:39 > 0:23:40- ..for many months.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46- Should the law be broken - in an attempt to save Tryweryn?
0:23:47 > 0:23:52- Wasn't Plaid supposed to be a fully - constitutional political party...
0:23:52 > 0:23:57- ..above all else? In the end, - they decided to act.
0:23:57 > 0:24:03- Party leaders came to Dolgellau - to discuss what was to be done.
0:24:03 > 0:24:09- Gwynfor said that he could foresee - organising direct action.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- Perhaps in Liverpool.
0:24:11 > 0:24:13- He wanted someone to organise that.
0:24:13 > 0:24:17- My role was to organise - direct actions...
0:24:17 > 0:24:21- ..to try and prevent - the drowning of Tryweryn.
0:24:22 > 0:24:25- It had been a long period - of uncertainty for the party.
0:24:25 > 0:24:28- Some said there was a lack - of leadership...
0:24:28 > 0:24:30- ..with Tryweryn a constant cloud.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35- But despite the party announcing - a law-breaking campaign...
0:24:35 > 0:24:38- ..Gwynfor had cold feet. - No action would be taken.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40- There would be no repeat - of Penyberth.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46- Gwynfor immediately announced the - party had changed its standing...
0:24:46 > 0:24:50- ..on unconstitutional action.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- He would stick with constitutional - campaigns from then on.
0:24:54 > 0:24:58- The party didn't decide that - - Gwynfor did.
0:25:02 > 0:25:06- Some nationalists felt let down - by Gwynfor during this time.
0:25:07 > 0:25:10- They felt the efforts to save - Capel Celyn were ineffective.
0:25:11 > 0:25:14- The politician who refused - to break the law...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- ..and the leader who was - too scared to go to jail.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19- He had no vision.
0:25:19 > 0:25:22- Saunders Lewis had vision - in Penyberth...
0:25:22 > 0:25:24- ..during a very - difficult time for him.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26- It wasn't an easy period.
0:25:27 > 0:25:32- To Saunders Lewis, the fact that - Gwynfor took no action...
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- ..was close to treason.
0:25:35 > 0:25:40- He sees Gwynfor as a coward - for failing to do more.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44- Gwynfor Evans's supporters said, - what was the point in that?
0:25:44 > 0:25:46- Penyberth didn't lead to anything.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51- The Lleyn fire didn't achieve much, - so why do that again?
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- It wasn't serious politics.
0:25:54 > 0:26:00- What they had to do was the slow - work of building the organisation.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- That meant following - the constitutional route.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- After all his work in Tryweryn...
0:26:08 > 0:26:12- ..Gwynfor hoped to win - the Meirionnydd seat in 1959.
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- But his majority decreased.
0:26:16 > 0:26:22- Gwynfor worked extraordinarily hard - to try and save the valley.
0:26:22 > 0:26:25- But many people - within and outside the party...
0:26:26 > 0:26:30- ..thought his leadership - wasn't strong or clear enough.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33- Plaid Cymru was divided...
0:26:33 > 0:26:37- ..and Gwynfor's future as leader - hung in the balance.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44- 888
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- After another election defeat...
0:26:53 > 0:26:56- ..there was no escaping - the Tryweryn debate.
0:26:56 > 0:27:00- At the start of a new decade - a new generation of nationalists...
0:27:01 > 0:27:02- ..were ready for new challenges.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- They started to attract new blood.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- These people had stronger - political views.
0:27:11 > 0:27:13- That created inner turmoil...
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- ..because it wasn't this small - comfortable club any more.
0:27:18 > 0:27:20- It wasn't Gwynfor Evans's fan club.
0:27:20 > 0:27:22- People now disagreed with him.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25- They looked on Gwynfor as a Messiah.
0:27:25 > 0:27:27- They expected him to save Wales.
0:27:28 > 0:27:32- All they had to do was attend - a meeting every now and again...
0:27:32 > 0:27:36- ..just like Christians go to church, - and give some money...
0:27:36 > 0:27:39- ..and to tell him to carry on - with the work.
0:27:39 > 0:27:42- But many weren't ready - to do a lot themselves.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47- Wales was changing.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- Old values were disappearing.
0:27:50 > 0:27:54- Some thought the leadership was - slipping from Gwynfor's grasp.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00- This was the final straw - for Gwynfor. He'd had enough.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- Over the past four years, some of - of the party thought that Gwynfor...
0:28:05 > 0:28:06- ..was a laughing stock.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12- The perception that he'd failed his - party on the issue of Tryweryn...
0:28:12 > 0:28:15- ..pressed on his conscience - like a tonne of lead.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- In 1961, Gwynfor seemed as if - he was going to throw in the towel.
0:28:21 > 0:28:24- He decided not to stand - in Meirionnydd again...
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- ..and he was within a hair's breadth - of resigning as leader.
0:28:28 > 0:28:31- After his friends persuaded him - to continue...
0:28:31 > 0:28:35- ..Gwynfor and the party members - attended the annual conference.
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- They sensed that a storm - was brewing.
0:28:41 > 0:28:44- The party delegates - returned to Llangollen...
0:28:44 > 0:28:47- ..but the atmosphere - was very different...
0:28:47 > 0:28:50- ..from the hopeful days of 1945.
0:28:50 > 0:28:53- Back then, Gwynfor's journey - as leader was just beginning...
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- ..but in 1961, his leadership could - have been shattered completely...
0:28:58 > 0:29:03- ..in the most dramatic of ways. - A motion was proposed for action.
0:29:03 > 0:29:08- Moreover, this was a battle - for the soul of the party.
0:29:08 > 0:29:14- I remember taking part in that - debate, and making this point.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19- If it wasn't for Penyberth, there - wouldn't be a nationalist party.
0:29:19 > 0:29:24- If we carry on - as if we're in the same era...
0:29:24 > 0:29:27- ..as a group rather - than a political party...
0:29:27 > 0:29:30- ..we have no future - as a parliamentary party.
0:29:31 > 0:29:32- I'm sure I was right.
0:29:33 > 0:29:35- There were some plots around.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40- They said they would collect names - of those party members...
0:29:40 > 0:29:42- ..who'd take part in direct action.
0:29:42 > 0:29:46- I remember one member went up - to the Vice-President...
0:29:46 > 0:29:52- ..Tudur Jones, and said he thought - they'd decided not to take action.
0:29:52 > 0:29:56- "This is just to keep people quiet, - we won't do anything."
0:29:56 > 0:30:02- Well, I didn't like that kind - of dishonesty.
0:30:02 > 0:30:04- But that's what was going on.
0:30:05 > 0:30:09- It was an important victory - for Gwynfor's supporters...
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- ..but before long, the President - would have to defend...
0:30:13 > 0:30:18- ..his constitutional politics from - a heavy blow by a familiar voice.
0:30:19 > 0:30:21- "Nothing less than a revolution...
0:30:23 > 0:30:26- .."can save the - Welsh language in Wales."
0:30:26 > 0:30:31- Saunders Lewis called for an illegal - campaign to save the language.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34- I remember listening - to Saunders Lewis...
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- ..delivering - The Fate of The Language.
0:30:37 > 0:30:40- I thought the crisis he was - describing was a real crisis.
0:30:40 > 0:30:44- But it became obvious that he was - trying to turn Plaid Cymru...
0:30:45 > 0:30:48- ..into a militant language group - and nothing else.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50- I thought that was complete madness.
0:30:51 > 0:30:55- But Saunders Lewis was an idol - for the younger generation.
0:30:56 > 0:30:59- They then established - the Welsh Language Society.
0:30:59 > 0:31:01- But what was Gwynfor's attitude?
0:31:01 > 0:31:05- People should realise that Gwynfor - did everything he could...
0:31:06 > 0:31:12- ..to prevent the growth - of the Welsh Language Society.
0:31:13 > 0:31:17- Elystan Morgan approached us.
0:31:17 > 0:31:23- At the time, - he was Gwynfor's crown prince.
0:31:24 > 0:31:28- He said we were banging our heads - against a brick wall.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32- We told him we'd keep on banging, - as it was a start.
0:31:33 > 0:31:38- Years later, we reminded him - of his interference...
0:31:38 > 0:31:43- ..and he laughed - in his usual cynical way!
0:31:43 > 0:31:47- He said, "We had to stop the - language society before it started."
0:31:47 > 0:31:52- I have a letter - that was written by Gwynfor.
0:31:52 > 0:31:57- He said there was room - for the Welsh Language Society.
0:31:57 > 0:32:02- The party would remain - as a constitutional party...
0:32:02 > 0:32:06- ..with the Society as a separate - unconstitutional group.
0:32:06 > 0:32:08- Gwynfor accepted that.
0:32:09 > 0:32:13- But the cloud of Tryweryn - still cast its shadow.
0:32:13 > 0:32:17- Explosives were used - in a series of illegal activities...
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- ..by young men - who were Plaid Cymru members.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- These men have my full sympathy - and respect and moral support.
0:32:29 > 0:32:31- They're acting for Wales.
0:32:31 > 0:32:35- They're acting courageously and in - a way they see to be most effective.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- There were protests in Tryweryn - at the beginning of the 1960s.
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- He always said that he condemned - this sort of violence...
0:32:44 > 0:32:48- ..but that he understood what - motivated those brave people.
0:32:48 > 0:32:54- Some members of the public felt that - showed two faces of the same coin...
0:32:54 > 0:32:57- ..that he said one thing - and then another.
0:32:57 > 0:33:01- They felt that the policy line - wasn't totally clear.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05- For many years, - Emrys Roberts had been working...
0:33:05 > 0:33:07- ..at the party's Cardiff office.
0:33:08 > 0:33:11- He was also a member of - a new faction, The New Nation.
0:33:11 > 0:33:15- The party's message at the time...
0:33:15 > 0:33:19- ..didn't appeal to people - of the south east.
0:33:19 > 0:33:23- I thought everything should be - revamped to appeal more to them.
0:33:24 > 0:33:28- But at the same time we couldn't - forget the north and west.
0:33:28 > 0:33:34- I think that most people throughout - Wales shared the same social values.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40- He was an intelligent man - but he could be a dangerous man...
0:33:40 > 0:33:43- ..where the party's future - was in question.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48- The row simmered as another election - gave Gwynfor the opportunity...
0:33:48 > 0:33:50- ..to stand in Carmarthen.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54- I'm not only the candidate - for Plaid Cymru in Carmarthen...
0:33:54 > 0:33:58- ..I happen also to be the President - of Plaid Cymru.
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- But the party lost a lot of ground - in '64.
0:34:01 > 0:34:06- Gwynfor came third as Megan Lloyd - George kept the seat for Labour.
0:34:06 > 0:34:09- Would the President - listen to his critics?
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- No, there won't be any change.
0:34:12 > 0:34:16- We know that the road we've chosen - is the only one possible.
0:34:16 > 0:34:21- All we heard today was the party - leaders giving us their ideas...
0:34:21 > 0:34:24- ..and telling us - what should be done in future.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- Nobody had the chance - to voice their opinions.
0:34:27 > 0:34:31- Emrys Roberts was probably - the loudest internal critic...
0:34:31 > 0:34:34- ..but he was about to make - a false move.
0:34:34 > 0:34:40- Emrys Roberts' big mistake was - to reveal his true feelings...
0:34:40 > 0:34:43- ..about Gwynfor.
0:34:43 > 0:34:48- This is an extraordinary letter for - the general secretary to write...
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- ..about the party leader.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54- He talks about Gwynfor Evans here.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- "Gwynfor said he recognised - need for reorganisation...
0:34:58 > 0:35:02- .."but argued consistently against - any constructive ideas.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05- "He was the mixture as before - and completely ineffectual."
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- The letter was delivered - into the wrong hands.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- I remember the letter, and - I remember being in the office.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17- It was the night it was sent.
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Did you open the letter?
0:35:21 > 0:35:23- It wasn't sealed.
0:35:25 > 0:35:28- It was left there deliberately - for me to see.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30- It wasn't sealed.
0:35:31 > 0:35:36- To the true Plaid Cymru members like - R Tudur Jones and Elystan Morgan...
0:35:36 > 0:35:39- ..they didn't like Emrys Roberts.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42- This letter, the Judas Letter, - was like manna from heaven.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46- It was irrefutable evidence that, - in their minds...
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- ..Emrys Roberts - was scheming against Gwynfor.
0:35:49 > 0:35:52- Gwynfor received a copy - of this letter.
0:35:52 > 0:35:54- On that copy - is just one handwritten word...
0:35:55 > 0:36:00- ..which encapsulates Gwynfor's - feelings, and that was 'Traitor'.
0:36:00 > 0:36:04- Over the years, the word traitor - was used for many us.
0:36:06 > 0:36:11- I'm sure that whatever Emrys - had done and was going to do...
0:36:11 > 0:36:16- ..was done because he believed it - was the best thing for Wales.
0:36:16 > 0:36:19- It wasn't done through - personal ambition.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- He felt that something - revolutionary had to be done...
0:36:23 > 0:36:25- ..that our time was running out.
0:36:26 > 0:36:30- Knowing what exactly was going on - came as a bit of a shock to us.
0:36:30 > 0:36:36- It was a shock and disappointment - that scheming was taking place...
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- ..behind the scenes - by party officials.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43- I think Emrys, in his frustration...
0:36:43 > 0:36:49- ..felt that he was planning - rather than scheming.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52- Emrys could be foolish at times...
0:36:52 > 0:36:55- ..but planning would be - a better description.
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- There was friction - between Emrys and Gwynfor...
0:36:59 > 0:37:01- ..and between Gwynfor and Emrys.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- Gwynfor was determined - to get rid of him.
0:37:07 > 0:37:11- It's possible that it was in the - Belle Vue Hotel in Aberystwyth...
0:37:11 > 0:37:16- ..that Plaid Cymru's most shocking - and tempestuous meeting was held.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Some say it was a brutal meeting.
0:37:19 > 0:37:23- Emrys Roberts' enemies - were more than ready for him.
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- I was on the committee when Emrys - was forced to resign.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33- People thought Gwynfor was very - lenient and honourable.
0:37:34 > 0:37:36- But he wasn't lenient - or honourable at all...
0:37:37 > 0:37:41- ..when he was determined - to get rid of someone.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44- I think that Plaid Cymru - should be ashamed...
0:37:44 > 0:37:47- ..of the way - they treated Emrys Roberts.
0:37:47 > 0:37:52- This image of Gwynfor being gentle - to everyone wasn't true.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55- He wasn't, - when he wanted his own way.
0:37:55 > 0:37:59- My father feared that if these - new ideas were successful...
0:37:59 > 0:38:02- ..he'd be ousted as President.
0:38:04 > 0:38:05- That just went too far.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- He'd tell me in private that some - of the ideas were sensible.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16- But he was afraid of losing - his power in the party.
0:38:17 > 0:38:20- He was supposed to save Wales.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24- At the time, Emrys' marriage - was breaking up.
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- He was having an affair with a - rising star in the youth movement.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- That was part of the evidence - against him.
0:38:35 > 0:38:40- Gwynfor said that Emrys Roberts - could no longer work for the party.
0:38:40 > 0:38:43- His personal life wouldn't allow it.
0:38:43 > 0:38:47- An extract of the Judas Letter - was put forward...
0:38:47 > 0:38:50- ..as unmistakable evidence - of Emrys's betrayal.
0:38:50 > 0:38:55- In the end, a majority of seven - were in favour of throwing him out.
0:38:55 > 0:38:58- Gwynfor had disposed of - his main enemy.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- Gwynfor argued - that I should be sacked...
0:39:02 > 0:39:07- ..because my marriage was over, and - I was about to marry someone else.
0:39:07 > 0:39:13- He said it wasn't right that the - party secretary behaved like this.
0:39:13 > 0:39:16- This situation wasn't as common - as it is today.
0:39:17 > 0:39:20- I didn't feel - I could argue against that.
0:39:20 > 0:39:23- If people thought that, - then I had to accept it.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- But I was told later, - that wasn't the true reason.
0:39:27 > 0:39:30- Gwynfor had written to people - telling them...
0:39:30 > 0:39:34- ..I was scheming against him and - that I wanted to be the President.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- If he'd said that openly, I could - have told him my motives.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42- But I was never given that chance.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- He couldn't see - that I was doing something...
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- ..for the benefit of the party - and for Wales.
0:39:50 > 0:39:55- He took it personally, that it was - an attempt to undermine him.
0:39:55 > 0:40:00- Being a prominent figure in Welsh - life was important for Gwynfor.
0:40:00 > 0:40:04- The man that Gwynfor considered - a traitor had gone.
0:40:04 > 0:40:07- But that feeling of relief - wouldn't last long...
0:40:08 > 0:40:11- ..because a friend was ready - to leave voluntarily.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- 888
0:40:22 > 0:40:26- If the Emrys Roberts chapter - was bitter and damaging...
0:40:26 > 0:40:29- ..according to Gwynfor, - worse was to come.
0:40:29 > 0:40:35- A young, bright member, - whom many saw as Gwynfor's heir...
0:40:35 > 0:40:38- ..was considering leaving the party - and joining Labour.
0:40:39 > 0:40:44- By now, the new Labour government - had established the Welsh Office.
0:40:44 > 0:40:50- Wales' first Secretary of State - was the Llanelli MP, Jim Griffiths.
0:40:50 > 0:40:54- The way in which Wales would be run - was about to change.
0:40:56 > 0:40:58- This wasn't something - you gave to a region...
0:40:59 > 0:41:01- ..this was a national badge.
0:41:01 > 0:41:07- You can say that Wales remained - as a constitutional area...
0:41:07 > 0:41:11- ..but there were now inexhaustible - possibilities.
0:41:11 > 0:41:14- Before 1964, I felt - that nothing was possible.
0:41:14 > 0:41:17- But after 1964, - nearly everything was possible.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21- Those possibilities - were very attractive...
0:41:21 > 0:41:23- ..to the young - Ceredigion politician.
0:41:23 > 0:41:29- But for Gwynfor, watching - Elystan Morgan, his heir apparent...
0:41:29 > 0:41:32- ..getting closer to Labour - was heartbreaking.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- Over a period of months during 1965, - they both met regularly.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- One such meeting was at the - Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48- Gwynfor tried to persuade Elystan - Morgan that he was making a mistake.
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- But in the end he left...
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- ..and within nine months - he'd been elected as a Labour MP.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57- The friend was now a traitor.
0:41:57 > 0:42:01- I'm very aware that he had been - disappointed.
0:42:01 > 0:42:07- That was the awful thing. I'd left - a close and affectionate family...
0:42:07 > 0:42:11- ..that I thought the world of. - I still think the world of them.
0:42:11 > 0:42:17- There's never been a bad word - uttered between Gwynfor and me.
0:42:17 > 0:42:21- It would be very difficult - for it to be like that.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- We had a close relationship - on a personal level...
0:42:28 > 0:42:30- ..right until the end.
0:42:31 > 0:42:36- Elystan turned into a very good - British Welshman.
0:42:37 > 0:42:41- Seeing a man of Elystan's ability - moulded in that way...
0:42:42 > 0:42:47- ..was a huge disappointment to me - and many others.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49- I have always been a socialist.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- In so far as my views and relation - to Wales are concerned...
0:42:54 > 0:42:57- ..you know the verse - "Will the - leopard change its spots...
0:42:57 > 0:42:59- ..or the Ethiopian his skin?"
0:43:04 > 0:43:07- Before long, the party - and leader were reminded...
0:43:08 > 0:43:13- ..of another fight they lost, as the - Tryweryn floodgates were opened.
0:43:14 > 0:43:20- The mid-1960s - was a very difficult time.
0:43:21 > 0:43:25- It was an extremely hard period - for every party member...
0:43:25 > 0:43:28- ..in many parts of Wales.
0:43:28 > 0:43:30- Morale was shattered.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- Despite this, Gwynfor stuck at it.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39- He had another election to fight - in 1966.
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- He stood in Carmarthen again and - challenged the Labour candidate...
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- ..Megan Lloyd George.
0:43:46 > 0:43:50- Due to illness, she didn't appear - on the campaign trail.
0:43:50 > 0:43:53- Her supporters didn't know - she was dying of cancer.
0:43:54 > 0:43:56- This was Welsh Labour's big year.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01- The result in Cardiganshire - was proof of that.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04- Morgan (Labour). Dafydd Elystan.
0:44:06 > 0:44:07- Eleven thousand...
0:44:07 > 0:44:08- Eleven thousand...- - CHEERS
0:44:13 > 0:44:18- The appointment of an Anglesey man, - Cledwyn Hughes as Welsh Secretary...
0:44:18 > 0:44:20- ..underlined Plaid Cymru's failure.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24- There was a new respectability - in the Labour Party...
0:44:24 > 0:44:27- ..after the Welsh Office - was established.
0:44:27 > 0:44:31- Many people felt that Labour - was a better group.
0:44:31 > 0:44:37- I think that Gwynfor, after years - of bitter fighting with Labour...
0:44:37 > 0:44:43- ..within Carmarthenshire Council, - couldn't see any virtues in them.
0:44:43 > 0:44:47- I think that was one - of his weaknesses.
0:44:48 > 0:44:53- Megan Lloyd George died six weeks - after the General Election.
0:44:53 > 0:44:56- Gwynfor was among the mourners - in Cricieth...
0:44:57 > 0:45:00- ..at the funeral of a former - Prime Minister's daughter.
0:45:01 > 0:45:05- Back in Carmarthen, - the Plaid Cymru election machine...
0:45:05 > 0:45:09- ..started whirring. It was - a bit more cunning than usual.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- Gwynfor Evans had the appeal - as the councillor in Llangadog...
0:45:15 > 0:45:19- ..and a man who'd spent - most of his life in Llangadog.
0:45:19 > 0:45:21- He was a local man.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25- Islwyn Ffowc Ellis used the slogan, - "One of You".
0:45:25 > 0:45:29- It underlined the fact - that he was local man.
0:45:30 > 0:45:33- Labour's candidate - was a former Plaid Cymru member.
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- There is this myth that Gwynfor - was some sort of saint...
0:45:39 > 0:45:44- ..a teddy bear, who wouldn't get - involved in any political spin.
0:45:44 > 0:45:47- But there is evidence - to the contrary.
0:45:48 > 0:45:52- In this confidential memorandum, - that was written by Gwynfor...
0:45:52 > 0:45:56- ..when campaigning was underway, - he mentions some facts...
0:45:56 > 0:45:58- ..about Mr Prys-Davies.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- This makes it clear that - Gwilym Prys-Davies had been part...
0:46:02 > 0:46:07- ..of the alleged republican - extremist group.
0:46:08 > 0:46:11- That connection - was mentioned several times...
0:46:11 > 0:46:13- ..during the Carmarthen by-election.
0:46:13 > 0:46:18- They said Mr Prys-Davies wasn't - local, he came from north Wales...
0:46:18 > 0:46:21- ..and he'd left Plaid Cymru - for Labour...
0:46:21 > 0:46:23- ..so he couldn't be depended on.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- For Harold Wilson, - the by-election was called...
0:46:28 > 0:46:29- ..at an inopportune time.
0:46:30 > 0:46:33- The sailors were on strike - and the pound was weak.
0:46:34 > 0:46:37- To cap it all, - in the constituency itself...
0:46:37 > 0:46:40- ..the Labour led county council, - had announced...
0:46:41 > 0:46:46- ..they were consulting whether - or not to close 17 rural schools.
0:46:46 > 0:46:50- That was the last thing - a Labour candidate wanted to hear.
0:46:50 > 0:46:56- It was very difficult to try - and drum up any enthusiasm...
0:46:57 > 0:46:59- ..for the Government.
0:47:03 > 0:47:10- # There's a change in the wind - and soon the dawn will break
0:47:10 > 0:47:12- ..and all Wales' youth... #
0:47:13 > 0:47:17- As election day neared, Gwynfor - talked about the possibility...
0:47:17 > 0:47:19- ..of winning the seat.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22- It was decided that one final rally - would be held...
0:47:23 > 0:47:25- ..here at the Lyric cinema - in Carmarthen.
0:47:25 > 0:47:27- There was room for 1,000 people.
0:47:28 > 0:47:30- Organisers feared - it would only be half full.
0:47:31 > 0:47:33- But there was no need to worry.
0:47:33 > 0:47:34- But there was no need to worry.- - The place was electric.
0:47:34 > 0:47:38- It was packed, and I'm sure - it broke every fire regulation.
0:47:38 > 0:47:41- There was a kind of - electric atmosphere there.
0:47:42 > 0:47:48- You only had to start singing and - you could feel the fervour growing.
0:47:48 > 0:47:52- I sang "The day I want to see, - is when Wales will be free...
0:47:52 > 0:47:56- .."and everyone in the country - will be speaking Welsh".
0:47:56 > 0:47:59- I sang that for the first time - in that meeting.
0:48:00 > 0:48:03- One man called it a Revival.
0:48:07 > 0:48:11- People left that meeting - on cloud nine.
0:48:11 > 0:48:16- They felt a breakthrough - was imminent.
0:48:16 > 0:48:19- I sensed, that by the final week...
0:48:20 > 0:48:23- ..a shift was about to take place.
0:48:23 > 0:48:29- I thought we'd lose the election - but lose it to the Liberals.
0:48:29 > 0:48:36- # I see the day - when Wales will be free
0:48:36 > 0:48:43- # and everyone in our country - will speak Welsh #
0:48:45 > 0:48:49- You could sense there was a shift - in the vote for Plaid Cymru.
0:48:49 > 0:48:55- We heard this unbelievable news. - We weren't expecting it at all.
0:48:55 > 0:48:59- I remember this buzz going round - that he'd won.
0:48:59 > 0:49:01- We couldn't believe it.
0:49:02 > 0:49:06- He'd never come close - in any other election.
0:49:06 > 0:49:09- This is the result of the poll - for Carmarthen.
0:49:10 > 0:49:14- You could say it was inevitable - that Gwynfor would be elected.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17- Somehow, you could feel it.
0:49:18 > 0:49:23- Gwilym Prys-Davies 13,743.
0:49:23 > 0:49:27- The result was announced in - the early hours of the morning.
0:49:27 > 0:49:31- The result itself wasn't unexpected.
0:49:31 > 0:49:35- But losing to Plaid Cymru - was unexpected.
0:49:36 > 0:49:41- Gwynfor Richard Evans - 16,179.
0:49:52 > 0:49:57- It was unbelievable hearing, - "Gwynfor Richard Evans - 16,179".
0:49:58 > 0:50:01- I'll remember that - until the day I die.
0:50:03 > 0:50:06- The emotions just took over.
0:50:08 > 0:50:12- I just broke down in tears - of happiness not sadness.
0:50:15 > 0:50:20- When a whole crowd receives a shock, - a complete shock...
0:50:20 > 0:50:22- ..it's amazing.
0:50:22 > 0:50:24- It was that kind of night.
0:50:24 > 0:50:28- Everybody felt they were living - in a new world.
0:50:29 > 0:50:31- CROWD SHOUTING "GWYNFOR!"
0:50:33 > 0:50:37- A few hours later, - it dawned on me...
0:50:37 > 0:50:43- ..that we had possibly reached - an historic turning point.
0:50:43 > 0:50:49- We were facing a brand new - and strange world.
0:50:50 > 0:50:54- For those nationalists inside - and outside the Guildhall...
0:50:55 > 0:50:57- ..it was a momentous night.
0:50:57 > 0:50:59- After decades - of political failings...
0:51:00 > 0:51:03- ..they were sure this was - a genuine turning point.
0:51:03 > 0:51:07- Gwynfor Evans would lead his nation - out of the wilderness...
0:51:07 > 0:51:09- ..and into a bright new future.
0:51:09 > 0:51:12- The young man who underwent - a conversion in Barry...
0:51:13 > 0:51:16- ..was now in his 50s, - and seen as the member for Wales.
0:51:48 > 0:51:50- S4C subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd