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0:00:03 > 0:00:07- In 1865, - Aberystwyth was a bustling town...
0:00:07 > 0:00:11- ..and a popular holiday destination.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15- It was the perfect location - to host a National Eisteddfod.
0:00:16 > 0:00:19- One competition - had a revolutionary result...
0:00:20 > 0:00:22- ..that reflected - this pioneering era.
0:00:23 > 0:00:26- One of the main poetry prizes - was won by a woman.
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- At the time, - Cranogwen was young and unknown.
0:00:34 > 0:00:40- She was a popular public figure - and a household name.
0:00:42 > 0:00:46- She was exceptionally brave - in her day.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- She offered women a vision...
0:00:51 > 0:00:57- ..and showed them - that it was possible to take risks.
0:00:58 > 0:01:02- She overcame problems - and difficulties...
0:01:02 > 0:01:04- ..thanks to her determination.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24- When she won her Eisteddfod prize...
0:01:25 > 0:01:28- ..nobody had heard of Cranogwen.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31- But in her home village - of Llangrannog...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..she was already - a prominent figure.
0:01:38 > 0:01:43- "I think I saw a young girl - roaming on the sparkling sands
0:01:43 > 0:01:46- "As healthy - as the heart of immortality
0:01:46 > 0:01:50- "She inhaled the spirit - of that peaceful scene
0:01:50 > 0:01:53- "The deep spirit of the wave."
0:01:59 > 0:02:03- Llangrannog is a familiar name - among all Welsh speakers today.
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- A seaside village that's home - to the Ship Inn and the Urdd camp.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12- In the summer, - visitors flock to the beach.
0:02:12 > 0:02:18- But it was a very different place - in 1839, when Cranogwen was born.
0:02:19 > 0:02:22- "Squatting beneath us - is the village of Llangrannog.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26- "It appears to be - at the bottom of the world.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- "Its houses - and affectionate residents...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- "..and the small chapel - are all close to my heart."
0:02:35 > 0:02:41- Cranogwen, or Sarah Jane Rees, - was born on 9 January 1839...
0:02:41 > 0:02:46- ..at Dolgou Fach, - a thatched cottage near Llangrannog.
0:02:47 > 0:02:52- I remember the ruins of Dolgou Fach - - the gable end and low walls.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56- There was also a cowshed - and a pigsty for two pigs.
0:02:57 > 0:02:58- It's a beautiful place.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00- It's a beautiful place.- - It's lovely.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03- It's sheltered - and has a great atmosphere.
0:03:03 > 0:03:08- I wouldn't mind building a house - here myself. It's wonderful.
0:03:08 > 0:03:13- Her father, Captain John Rees, - was a sailor and was never home.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18- Her mother, Frances, - was a traditional wife...
0:03:19 > 0:03:21- ..who cared for her home - and children.
0:03:21 > 0:03:25- There were two sons - and Cranogwen was the youngest.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27- What was she like as a child?
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- What was she like as a child?- - She was a tomboy.
0:03:29 > 0:03:32- She climbed trees - and did things that boys do.
0:03:33 > 0:03:36- She was very determined, - even as a young child.
0:03:36 > 0:03:41- She was also the apple - of her father's eye.
0:03:45 > 0:03:49- Captain John Rees - was a heavy drinker...
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- ..but the Dolgou Fach family - was relatively happy.
0:03:54 > 0:03:56- She was an intelligent girl...
0:03:56 > 0:04:01- ..so her parents paid her fees - at Hugh Davies's school.
0:04:01 > 0:04:04- She received some education...
0:04:05 > 0:04:09- ..in Mathematics, History, - Geography and so on.
0:04:09 > 0:04:14- It was a new form of education, - and unusual for a girl.
0:04:14 > 0:04:16- What was Hugh Davies like?
0:04:16 > 0:04:20- Hugh Davies was an eccentric - with a strong personality.
0:04:21 > 0:04:24- It seems that he had striking eyes.
0:04:25 > 0:04:28- People said - that he had a light in his eyes...
0:04:28 > 0:04:33- ..that would terrify the children - who listened to him.
0:04:34 > 0:04:35- This was the schoolhouse.
0:04:35 > 0:04:38- This was the schoolhouse.- - Yes, let's go inside.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- "I have fond memories - of my first day at school.
0:04:50 > 0:04:53- "This simple college - was a mere barn.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57- "The children sat on narrow benches - around the house...
0:04:58 > 0:05:01- "..and the old teacher - sat on a chair at one end.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05- "We believed - that Hugh Davies was king."
0:05:06 > 0:05:09- She was an intelligent girl...
0:05:10 > 0:05:14- ..with a deep desire - for learning and education.
0:05:14 > 0:05:19- She was very lucky - that her father owned a ship.
0:05:19 > 0:05:24- He travelled to such places - as Liverpool and Bristol.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- He could buy books for her.
0:05:27 > 0:05:30- She loved books - and put them to good use.
0:05:31 > 0:05:34- He believed in educating girls.
0:05:34 > 0:05:38- In those days, this was very rare.
0:05:42 > 0:05:44- After leaving - Hugh Davies's school...
0:05:44 > 0:05:49- ..she was sent, against her will, - to a sewing school in Cardigan.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51- She was deeply unhappy...
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- ..and wanted to go to sea, - just like her father.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- Her father captained - a small coasting vessel.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06- In all probability, Cranogwen - sailed with him to Milford Haven.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- What kind of ship did John Rees own?
0:06:10 > 0:06:14- It was a ketch, a popular ship - during the 19th century.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- It was a twin-masted vessel.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- Would she have been welcomed - by the crew?
0:06:20 > 0:06:26- Back then, people were superstitious - about women going to sea.
0:06:26 > 0:06:30- It helped that her father - supported her eagerness to sail...
0:06:31 > 0:06:35- ..but there was a lot of prejudice - against women on ships.
0:06:44 > 0:06:47- It only takes a boat trip - on a day with light winds...
0:06:47 > 0:06:51- ..to realize how rough it can be - in Cardigan Bay.
0:06:51 > 0:06:55- The traditional image of sailors - from that period...
0:06:56 > 0:06:59- ..is of strong tattooed men - hauling ropes.
0:07:00 > 0:07:02- Even as a young girl...
0:07:02 > 0:07:06- ..Cranogwen proved she was - as good as the men, if not better.
0:07:10 > 0:07:12- On one specific voyage...
0:07:13 > 0:07:17- ..the ship was sailing - from Milford Haven to Llangrannog.
0:07:17 > 0:07:22- There was a huge storm - off Strumble Head, near Fishguard.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26- Her father wanted to take the ship - closer to the rocks...
0:07:26 > 0:07:29- ..but she said, - "No, we need to be out in the bay."
0:07:29 > 0:07:34- She was adamant - that it was safer out in the bay.
0:07:34 > 0:07:39- She won the day, saved the ship - and the lives of its sailors.
0:07:42 > 0:07:46- After coming ashore, Cranogwen went - to study in Liverpool and London...
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- ..before returning to Llangrannog - to teach navigation.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- She became a teacher - at Pontgarreg village school.
0:07:55 > 0:08:00- The appointment of this young woman - raised a few eyebrows.
0:08:00 > 0:08:05- Over time, the results she produced - silenced her doubters.
0:08:05 > 0:08:09- At first, - there was conflict between her...
0:08:10 > 0:08:12- ..and the governors - and local parents.
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- While teaching, she developed - her skill for writing poetry.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21- In 1865, her hard work paid off...
0:08:21 > 0:08:25- ..and she won the main prize - at the Aberystwyth Eisteddfod.
0:08:27 > 0:08:33- This young 26-year-old woman won - with a poem to the wedding ring.
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- What made her win headline news...
0:08:37 > 0:08:42- ..was that she had beaten Ceiriog, - Islwyn, Mynyddog...
0:08:42 > 0:08:45- ..and a dozen other poets.
0:08:45 > 0:08:51- Her biographer states that she was - talked about in Welsh fields...
0:08:51 > 0:08:57- ..and in the workshops and mines - of Glamorgan and Monmouth.
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- Everyone was eager - to meet this young lady.
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0:09:05 > 0:09:05- Subtitles
0:09:05 > 0:09:07- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- Now in her twenties, Cranogwen had - achieved more in her short life...
0:09:15 > 0:09:17- ..than some achieve in a lifetime.
0:09:17 > 0:09:22- After gaining fame as a poet, - she gave up teaching...
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- ..in order to concentrate - on writing and lecturing.
0:09:30 > 0:09:33- A religious revival - swept across the land.
0:09:33 > 0:09:37- Cranogwen was engrossed - with this revival.
0:09:43 > 0:09:49- I believe that the 1859 revival - is central to Cranogwen's story.
0:09:49 > 0:09:52- Throughout her life...
0:09:53 > 0:09:57- ..she was enthusiastic - about religion.
0:09:57 > 0:10:00- She attempted to evoke - this enthusiasm in others...
0:10:00 > 0:10:05- ..by preaching, - either on stage or from a pulpit.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10- She was ahead of her time.
0:10:10 > 0:10:14- Once, when she was preaching - at Capel Ffynnon...
0:10:14 > 0:10:18- ..she used a ventriloquist - to convey the message.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21- This was unheard of at that time.
0:10:26 > 0:10:30- The reaction to female preachers, - especially to Cranogwen...
0:10:30 > 0:10:32- ..was often very negative.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36- Some chapels didn't allow her - to preach from the pulpit.
0:10:36 > 0:10:40- This affected her confidence - and her health.
0:10:40 > 0:10:44- Many male preachers...
0:10:44 > 0:10:49- ..didn't like having a woman - in the pulpit...
0:10:49 > 0:10:54- ..holding services and preaching.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57- It's said that she was - an excellent preacher.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- Why did some men give Cranogwen - such a negative response?
0:11:02 > 0:11:06- It still happens, to some degree.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11- If a man sees a woman - who is better than himself...
0:11:11 > 0:11:15- ..then the response - is often negative.
0:11:15 > 0:11:20- I don't think she was worried - because she was so determined.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- Some say she had - a harsh, deep voice.
0:11:26 > 0:11:30- This led to claims - that she wasn't a proper woman.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33- A proper woman would have - stayed at home and had children.
0:11:34 > 0:11:39- She was heckled by men - and had a very difficult time.
0:11:39 > 0:11:45- This proves that she was brave - because she persevered.
0:11:46 > 0:11:48- Despite the prejudice...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..wherever Cranogwen went, - crowds gathered to hear her preach.
0:11:53 > 0:11:58- Women and men admired her eloquence - and theatrical style.
0:12:01 > 0:12:07- She enjoyed travelling the country - to spread the word.
0:12:07 > 0:12:12- Her popularity grew, especially - in industrial South Wales.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18- She visited Treherbert, - which was a developing town.
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- The railway had just arrived.
0:12:21 > 0:12:25- Houses and chapels were being built - and coal mines were opening.
0:12:25 > 0:12:28- It resembled the Klondike.
0:12:28 > 0:12:32- People flocked to the area, - but it was a dangerous place.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- I'm sure she was surprised - by the modernity of the area.
0:12:35 > 0:12:41- Secondly, this was - a very masculine society.
0:12:41 > 0:12:45- Men heavily outnumbered women.
0:12:45 > 0:12:48- It was a macho society.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- Horeb Chapel at Treherbert - is no longer a chapel.
0:12:53 > 0:12:59- However, in its heyday, it attracted - 700 worshippers on a Sunday.
0:12:59 > 0:13:04- Cranogwen was lecturing here - when the chapel was being built.
0:13:04 > 0:13:08- She was asked - to lay the foundation stone.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11- It was quite an honour.
0:13:11 > 0:13:17- It was very unusual for a woman - to lay the foundation stone.
0:13:17 > 0:13:22- They felt it was - an honour for the chapel...
0:13:23 > 0:13:25- ..as well as for Cranogwen herself.
0:13:30 > 0:13:32- Adventure was in her blood.
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- In 1869, - when she was 30 years old...
0:13:36 > 0:13:40- ..she faced the biggest adventure - of her life.
0:13:41 > 0:13:43- She travelled to America.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- Many Welsh people emigrated after - being evicted from their farms.
0:13:48 > 0:13:52- These Welsh folk in America - invited her to preach to them.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57- A year after the Pacific Railway...
0:13:57 > 0:14:01- ..linked the Atlantic and Pacific - coasts for the first time...
0:14:02 > 0:14:05- ..Cranogwen travelled west - on the train.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12- "15 June 1870.
0:14:12 > 0:14:17- "I left St Louis at 8.30am - and crossed Missouri...
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- "..to Nebraska City.
0:14:20 > 0:14:26- "We're in Utah this afternoon - and witnessing much poverty.
0:14:26 > 0:14:31- "San Francisco was more pleasant - with its array of buildings..."
0:14:31 > 0:14:33- It's difficult - to imagine this journey.
0:14:34 > 0:14:38- The west was still - in its early stages of development.
0:14:38 > 0:14:43- San Francisco was a building site - when she arrived there.
0:14:43 > 0:14:48- It's amazing to think about - someone from rural Wales...
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- ..venturing from the east coast...
0:14:53 > 0:14:58- ..into the depths of the country - and the desert.
0:14:58 > 0:15:02- I'm sure it was a dangerous - and difficult journey.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12- Cranogwen returned to Llangrannog - a relatively wealthy woman.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15- She was paid handsomely - for her lectures.
0:15:15 > 0:15:20- She built a vestry in the village - for her old chapel, Bancyfelin.
0:15:21 > 0:15:25- In 1877, she built a house - for herself and her parents...
0:15:25 > 0:15:31- ..opposite Yr Iet Wen, the home - of her close friend, Jane Thomas.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- Jane Thomas - was Cranogwen's life partner.
0:15:37 > 0:15:43- There are references to her - as a supporter of Cranogwen.
0:15:44 > 0:15:49- She lived nearby and moved in - after Cranogwen's parents died.
0:15:50 > 0:15:52- She was very supportive of her.
0:15:52 > 0:15:57- Romantic friendships between women - were common at that time.
0:15:57 > 0:15:59- People accepted it.
0:15:59 > 0:16:03- Lesbianism wasn't acknowledged - and it wasn't illegal.
0:16:04 > 0:16:08- It was accepted and this was - her most important relationship.
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- Is Jane Thomas - mentioned in her work?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16- She wrote a poem - entitled Fy Ffrind - my friend.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19- It's a love poem.
0:16:19 > 0:16:22- Jane Thomas is probably - the subject of the poem.
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- At the start, she claims - it's a poem about friendship...
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- ..but it's clearly - a poem about love.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- She refers to her love as her Venus.
0:16:35 > 0:16:41- She says, "There are many stars - in the sky, but you are my Venus."
0:16:43 > 0:16:45- "Ah! dear sister
0:16:45 > 0:16:49- "To me, you are consistent, - as the moon to the tides
0:16:49 > 0:16:51- "I'll follow you constantly
0:16:52 > 0:16:54- "The purest love of my heart."
0:16:55 > 0:16:59- Women lay at the heart - of Cranogwen's life.
0:16:59 > 0:17:04- In 1879, she established - a new magazine for Welsh women...
0:17:04 > 0:17:06- ..called Y Frythones.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11- "Dear sisters, - I now appear in front of you...
0:17:11 > 0:17:14- "..through the new medium - of Y Frythones."
0:17:16 > 0:17:21- She was the first woman to edit - a Welsh magazine for Welsh women.
0:17:21 > 0:17:26- It contained articles - of interest to women of the age...
0:17:26 > 0:17:28- ..biographies of remarkable women...
0:17:29 > 0:17:31- ..and Cranogwen's own autobiography.
0:17:31 > 0:17:35- This was the greatest accomplishment - of her life.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- Y Frythones is a lively - and humorous magazine.
0:17:39 > 0:17:44- It was more striking back then - than it would be today...
0:17:44 > 0:17:48- ..especially - her question and answer column.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52- As the editor, she produced - this column and it's very witty.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- "What is the safest age for women - to enter the marital state?
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- "Claudia, Aberporth."
0:18:01 > 0:18:04- "This question - cannot possibly be aimed at me...
0:18:04 > 0:18:06- "..but I will answer you.
0:18:07 > 0:18:11- "If a person cannot answer - the question for themselves...
0:18:11 > 0:18:13- "..it is safer not to marry at all!"
0:18:14 > 0:18:16- She sounds like an agony aunt.
0:18:17 > 0:18:18- Yes, she does.
0:18:18 > 0:18:22- Someone wrote and asked - if a woman should marry or not.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26- Her reply said, - "A girl is sitting beside me...
0:18:26 > 0:18:30- "..who has fulfilled her purpose - in life without marrying...
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- "..but she is one person - and everyone is different."
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- This was a common response - in the question and answer column.
0:18:38 > 0:18:43- She can't give the reader an answer - because everyone is different.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46- As well as writing herself...
0:18:47 > 0:18:50- ..Cranogwen encouraged other women - to contribute.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54- She makes it clear in Y Frythones...
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- ..that she wants - to further the careers of women.
0:18:58 > 0:19:00- She wanted them - to find their own voice.
0:19:01 > 0:19:04- She found a number of women - to write for the magazine.
0:19:05 > 0:19:10- The vast majority had never written - or published any work before.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- By the end, she had gathered - a wealth of Welsh female writers.
0:19:21 > 0:19:25- Cranogwen did visit America - a second time in middle age...
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- ..but her adventurous days - were behind her by then...
0:19:29 > 0:19:32- ..and she suffered increasingly - from depression.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37- At times, - the depression was overwhelming...
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- ..and she felt totally helpless.
0:19:41 > 0:19:46- But an invitation - to tackle a new cause...
0:19:46 > 0:19:48- ..would often boost her spirits.
0:19:52 > 0:19:56- Her condition didn't prevent her - travelling around Wales.
0:19:57 > 0:19:59- She continued preaching locally...
0:19:59 > 0:20:04- ..and made regular trips - to the South Wales valleys.
0:20:04 > 0:20:08- There was a battle to fight - and a new movement to lead.
0:20:08 > 0:20:11- The South Wales - Women's Temperance Union.
0:20:12 > 0:20:17- It was a movement - that tried to change people's lives.
0:20:17 > 0:20:22- Cranogwen was asked - to take the helm.
0:20:22 > 0:20:28- She was the most prominent female - public figure in South Wales.
0:20:29 > 0:20:34- The women of Wales had a voice - that they never had before.
0:20:35 > 0:20:40- They attended courts of law - to oppose public house licences.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44- They also sang hymns - in front of the pubs.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48- My mother-in-law told me - that when she was a child...
0:20:48 > 0:20:54- ..she was taught to turn away - whenever she passed a pub.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57- She would walk - from Ynyswen to Treorchy...
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- ..past the Crown - and the Cardiff Arms.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- However, they would look away - as they passed...
0:21:07 > 0:21:10- ..because they were places to avoid.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- They marched through the streets - singing temperance hymns.
0:21:15 > 0:21:17- They were non-sectarian.
0:21:17 > 0:21:22- All of a sudden, female Methodists - would chat over a cuppa...
0:21:23 > 0:21:28- ..with congregationalists, - Baptists or churchgoing women.
0:21:28 > 0:21:32- They spread the message - in a political way.
0:21:32 > 0:21:34- It was an energetic movement...
0:21:34 > 0:21:38- ..similar to the Women Against - Pit Closures movement...
0:21:39 > 0:21:41- ..during the 1984-85 Miners' Strike.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- These women - had never taken on public roles...
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- ..but were full of energy, - fighting and speaking publicly.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55- This is what the South Wales Women's - Temperance Union did for women.
0:21:58 > 0:22:04- Cranogwen's lifelong aim - was to improve women's lives.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05- Later in life...
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- ..she turned her attentions to women - who ruined their lives with alcohol.
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- This time, she planned - to open a shelter for them.
0:22:15 > 0:22:21- On a visit to South Wales in 1916, - before she could fulfil her dream...
0:22:21 > 0:22:26- ..she was taken ill and died - at her niece's home in Cilfynydd.
0:22:27 > 0:22:29- She was 77 years old.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- The South Wales Women's Temperance - Union continued her work.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- In 1922, after much opposition...
0:22:38 > 0:22:42- ..the Cranogwen refuge - opened in Tonypandy.
0:22:43 > 0:22:47- Llety Cranogwen - was established in the Rhondda.
0:22:48 > 0:22:52- This was proof - that people admired her...
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- ..and her achievements.
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- They wanted - a permanent memorial for her.
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- I think they idolized her.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- I hope that it wasn't just - the women who admired her...
0:23:08 > 0:23:14- ..but that the men of the period - recognized her virtues too.
0:23:14 > 0:23:20- From these virtues, I hope people - identified the failings of society.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Cranogwen enjoyed success - in so many fields...
0:23:26 > 0:23:29- ..at a time when women struggled - to make their way in life.
0:23:30 > 0:23:33- Her greatest achievement...
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- ..is that she inspired Welsh women - to fulfil their dreams...
0:23:37 > 0:23:39- ..and continues to do so.
0:23:57 > 0:24:00- S4C subtitles by Tinopolis