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0:00:02 > 0:00:03- Australia.
0:00:03 > 0:00:08- For years, this is where - prisoners were sent from Britain.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13- Tens of thousands - were transported here.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- Among them, - Welsh political protesters.
0:00:19 > 0:00:24- South Wales Valleys Chartists - and some of the Rebecca Rioters.
0:00:24 > 0:00:27- They were the protesters - who fought for a better world.
0:00:30 > 0:00:35- By sending them to Australia, it was - hoped the protesting would stop.
0:00:35 > 0:00:37- But that didn't happen.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42- They continued to fight - for their rights.
0:00:43 > 0:00:45- Welshmen like John Frost - from Newport...
0:00:45 > 0:00:49- ..and Zephaniah Williams - from Nantyglo...
0:00:49 > 0:00:53- ..as well as 3,000 other - political prisoners in Australia.
0:00:57 > 0:01:01- In this programme, the story of the - prisoners from Wales and beyond...
0:01:02 > 0:01:06- ..who helped to create one of the - World's first democratic countries.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22- The end of the 18th century...
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- ..and people are rebelling - across the world.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28- In France, - the revolution's at its height.
0:01:28 > 0:01:30- The king is executed.
0:01:31 > 0:01:34- America wins its independence - from Britain.
0:01:34 > 0:01:38- This creates a problem - for the authorities in London.
0:01:41 > 0:01:44- As America was a place - to transport prisoners...
0:01:44 > 0:01:48- ..they now have to find a new place - to send offenders.
0:01:52 > 0:01:54- So they conquered Australia...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- ..and created one of the most - horrific prisons in the world.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- The hope was that such a prison - would cause fear...
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- ..and be enough - to put a stop to the protesting.
0:02:08 > 0:02:11- For some, the dream was the same.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15- Challenging the system - and starting a revolution.
0:02:16 > 0:02:18- What's interesting about it...
0:02:18 > 0:02:23- ..is you don't have to have - a close link between countries.
0:02:23 > 0:02:25- It's as though it's of its time.
0:02:25 > 0:02:29- A radical spirit - of wanting change...
0:02:29 > 0:02:33- ..swept through many countries - and continents at the same time...
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- ..but there wasn't a close link - between them.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42- Revolutionary ideas - which emphasised the rights of man.
0:02:42 > 0:02:48- It was contrary to how society - was ordered at the time...
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- ..with the gentry, monarchs...
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- ..in power by virtue - of their status and tradition.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59- The fact that these ideas - were discussed...
0:02:59 > 0:03:03- ..and manifested themselves - in revolutions...
0:03:03 > 0:03:06- ..first in America - and then in France...
0:03:06 > 0:03:09- ..was explosive - across the continent.
0:03:09 > 0:03:13- Ireland, 1791
0:03:14 > 0:03:16- Our story begins in Ireland...
0:03:17 > 0:03:20- ..where some people have had enough - of British rule.
0:03:21 > 0:03:22- They start a new movement.
0:03:23 > 0:03:26- The young Irishmen attract - tens of thousands of members...
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- ..uniting Protestants and Catholics.
0:03:30 > 0:03:31- The aim?
0:03:31 > 0:03:33- To live in a democratic country.
0:03:34 > 0:03:38- Democracy was a dirty word - during this period.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- Democracy meant revolution - to most people.
0:03:44 > 0:03:50- The United Irishmen couldn't win - the battle through peaceful means.
0:03:50 > 0:03:57- So they take up weapons and fight - for their rights using violence.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02- In 1798, in County Wexford...
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- ..the United Irishmen make a stand.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13- It's the start - of a bloody battle, Vinegar Hill.
0:04:18 > 0:04:24- There are 20,000 Irish, far more - than the number in the British army.
0:04:24 > 0:04:30- But with modern weaponry and better - organization within their ranks...
0:04:30 > 0:04:33- ..the British army - is too strong for the Irish.
0:04:34 > 0:04:39- It was a bloody and fierce - rebellion.
0:04:39 > 0:04:45- There were atrocities committed - on both sides.
0:04:50 > 0:04:52- The rebellion came to an end...
0:04:53 > 0:04:58- ..but its aftermath was a bitterness - and a republican tradition.
0:05:09 > 0:05:15- The atrocities committed at the - 1798 rebellion were truly awful.
0:05:18 > 0:05:22- British soldiers captured rebels...
0:05:22 > 0:05:25- ..then half-hanged them.
0:05:25 > 0:05:29- In some cases, - they set fire to them.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33- On the other side, - it could be just as bad.
0:05:34 > 0:05:36- In one case...
0:05:37 > 0:05:41- ..the children of Protestant women - in a town were shot.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45- So, with all these things - happening...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- ..it was very difficult - to forgive and forget.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54- But the United Irishmen's dream - isn't over.
0:05:57 > 0:06:01- They use new tactics - to attack British soldiers.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- A local stonemason, - Phillip Cunningham...
0:06:10 > 0:06:12- ..leads the attack near Tipperary.
0:06:15 > 0:06:17- HE SPEAKS IRISH
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- Leave him.
0:06:36 > 0:06:37- He can't be helped now.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39- Take the weapons - quick!
0:06:50 > 0:06:54- For an entire year, - Cunningham evades capture.
0:06:55 > 0:06:59- But he's betrayed and is arrested.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- Rather than being hanged, - he receives a different sentence.
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- He's transported to Australia.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12- Phillip Cunningham - was not going to be made a martyr.
0:07:12 > 0:07:16- In London, the British government - is delighted.
0:07:16 > 0:07:20- The troublesome Irish are sent - to the other side of the world...
0:07:21 > 0:07:23- ..unlikely to ever return.
0:07:24 > 0:07:26- But in Australia...
0:07:26 > 0:07:31- ..some are unhappy that more - Irish rebels are about to arrive.
0:07:33 > 0:07:35- The Anne...
0:07:35 > 0:07:41- ..brings 137 of the most desperate - and diabolical characters...
0:07:41 > 0:07:45- ..that could be selected - from that cursed nation.
0:07:47 > 0:07:51- This means that those - who avow a determination...
0:07:52 > 0:07:55- ..not to lose sight - of what it is they are bound to...
0:07:55 > 0:07:58- ..as United Irishmen...
0:07:59 > 0:08:02- ..now number 600.
0:08:04 > 0:08:08- They are ready - and waiting an opportunity...
0:08:09 > 0:08:12- ..to put their plan into action.
0:08:18 > 0:08:20- Dispatch it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- There was fear - among the Australian authorities...
0:08:28 > 0:08:34- ..that it could develop into unrest - on the other side of the world.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38- Their concern was for good reason.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40- While sailing to Australia...
0:08:41 > 0:08:45- ..Cunningham and their fellow Irish - try to seize the ship.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51- Phillip Cunningham, you've been - sentenced to 100 lashes...
0:08:51 > 0:08:55- ..for making mutiny - against His Majesty's ship.
0:08:55 > 0:08:57- Have you anything to say?
0:08:57 > 0:09:00- I do not recognize your crown - or your authority.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03- Bosun, proceed.
0:09:09 > 0:09:11- Ireland, forever!
0:09:37 > 0:09:45- The British might not have foreseen - the effect the Irish would have...
0:09:45 > 0:09:47- ..in Australia.
0:09:47 > 0:09:55- But maybe they didn't care. The - Irish were no longer their problem.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59- The ship docks in Sydney harbour.
0:09:59 > 0:10:03- There are already 5,000 prisoners - who've made the journey...
0:10:04 > 0:10:06- ..including some from Wales.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11- Though the political prisoners are - on the other side of the world...
0:10:11 > 0:10:14- ..the revolution is far from over.
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0:10:18 > 0:10:18- Subtitles
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0:10:24 > 0:10:28- The British empire - was the largest in history.
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- But it also faced major problems.
0:10:33 > 0:10:35- Some desired change...
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- ..and wanted to start a revolution - against the authorities in London.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- Every effort - had been hitherto in vain.
0:10:46 > 0:10:50- For those who were caught, - the punishment was severe.
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- Being transported to a country - on the other side of the world...
0:10:56 > 0:10:57- ..Australia.
0:10:58 > 0:11:00- The punishment was terrible.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04- It wasn't just people - who'd been a part of rebellions.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07- Monoglot Welsh speakers...
0:11:07 > 0:11:12- ..such as a maid - who'd stolen from her workplace...
0:11:12 > 0:11:15- ..to feed her children - were transported.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- They're very cruel stories - - cruel circumstances.
0:11:20 > 0:11:22- Often, these individuals...
0:11:22 > 0:11:27- ..didn't understand what was going - on in the court that punished them.
0:11:28 > 0:11:31- It was the other side of the world.
0:11:31 > 0:11:36- Many of them didn't know - geographically where they were...
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- ..and very quickly found - that they were part of a machine.
0:11:41 > 0:11:46- A machine that was akin, - in some ways, to slavery.
0:11:51 > 0:11:53- It was a cruel regime.
0:11:53 > 0:11:57- One misstep - and the prisoners would be whipped.
0:11:57 > 0:12:00- Many were Irish rebels...
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- ..including one of their leaders, - Phillip Cunningham.
0:12:06 > 0:12:11- The United Irishmen wanted their - country to be free of British rule.
0:12:13 > 0:12:18- Though they were now in prison - on the other side of the world...
0:12:18 > 0:12:21- ..the dream was still alive.
0:12:22 > 0:12:25- Escaping from prison - was the aim now...
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- ..and return to Ireland - to continue with the struggle.
0:12:31 > 0:12:32- 1804.
0:12:33 > 0:12:35- News reaches Australia...
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- ..that another of the United - Irishmen leaders, Robert Emmett...
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- ..had been hanged - on the streets of Dublin.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47- Cunningham and his men decide - that this is the time to hit back.
0:12:48 > 0:12:52- We started something - on Vinegar Hill...
0:12:52 > 0:12:56- ..and today we finish the job.
0:12:57 > 0:13:01- Tonight, as we step into battle, - remember Robert Emmett.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06- Remember that his blood - has flowed on the streets of Dublin.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- We're fighting for our country.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14- We'll defeat the ones - who imprison us.
0:13:14 > 0:13:18- On to Castle Hill, - then after we reach Sydney...
0:13:19 > 0:13:22- ..we'll steal a ship and sail home.
0:13:23 > 0:13:30- We stand up for our country! - Freedom or death.
0:13:32 > 0:13:33- For Emmett.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35- For Emmett.- - For Emmett.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39- Right, men, move out.
0:13:49 > 0:13:53- Cunningham gets the support - of 300 prisoners.
0:13:53 > 0:13:56- The majority were United Irishmen.
0:13:56 > 0:14:00- Their first target - is the government's weapons storage.
0:14:04 > 0:14:05- Jesus!
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- Take them away.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16- This was where most of the colony's - weapons were stored.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- Cunningham's aim is to seize - the government buildings...
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- ..in Castle Hill - before marching to Sydney.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Time is of the essence. Quick, go!
0:14:30 > 0:14:34- The Irish disperse - and go from farm to farm...
0:14:34 > 0:14:36- ..burning and stealing.
0:14:38 > 0:14:44- They help themselves to more weapons - but also rum - lots of it.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- As it gets dark, things get messy.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- It gets from bad to worse - as someone betrays them.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Soldiers are sent to Castle Hill.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- Cunningham's plan is in tatters.
0:15:21 > 0:15:22- Damn it!
0:15:24 > 0:15:26- God damn it!
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- Mark my words, men, we Irish - are the makers of our own downfall.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- Now, we'll have to make peace.
0:16:05 > 0:16:06- Take aim!
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- My men stand ready for the fight.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- To avoid further bloodshed - we come to parley.
0:16:25 > 0:16:26- Are you their leader?
0:16:27 > 0:16:28- Yes.
0:16:28 > 0:16:31- Yes.- - I arrest you. Take him away!
0:16:32 > 0:16:34- You can't do that.
0:16:34 > 0:16:35- That's a flag of peace.
0:16:35 > 0:16:37- That's a flag of peace.- - Prepare to fire.
0:16:40 > 0:16:42- Fire at will!
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Phillip Cunningham is hanged.
0:17:17 > 0:17:19- There's no court case.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32- His body is left hanging...
0:17:33 > 0:17:38- ..as a warning to anyone else who - dares to challenge the authorities.
0:17:40 > 0:17:44- It was a short and cruel period - that Cunningham was in Australia.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49- But very soon, - other men continue his work.
0:17:54 > 0:17:58- Back in the Wicklow Mountains - in Ireland...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01- ..another hero - challenges the establishment.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13- Michael Dwyer, the Wicklow Chief.
0:18:14 > 0:18:19- For four years, he creates trouble - for British soldiers in Ireland.
0:18:22 > 0:18:25- Remove that obstacle!
0:18:36 > 0:18:39- The authorities - can't get their hands on him.
0:18:39 > 0:18:44- Though there's a high price - on his head, Dwyer is cunning...
0:18:44 > 0:18:47- ..with most of Wicklow - supporting him.
0:18:48 > 0:18:54- The United Irishmen leaders - were very determined people.
0:18:54 > 0:18:57- Among them was Michael Dwyer.
0:18:59 > 0:19:05- He'd refused to give up after the - rebellion of 1798 came to an end.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- He went to the Wicklow Mountains...
0:19:09 > 0:19:11- ..with a gang of supporters.
0:19:12 > 0:19:18- He continued the fight against - the British army for years...
0:19:18 > 0:19:20- ..until 1803.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31- The British authorities are - determined to catch Michael Dwyer.
0:19:43 > 0:19:45- Red Coats!
0:19:57 > 0:19:58- Go now.
0:20:00 > 0:20:02- - Go! - - No, I'm staying.
0:20:08 > 0:20:10- You have to go!
0:20:12 > 0:20:14- Despite all efforts...
0:20:15 > 0:20:19- ..the British soldiers - just can't catch Michael Dwyer.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23- So they try and strike a deal.
0:20:23 > 0:20:28- Dwyer receives an offer to go to - America with his wife and children.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33- He accepts the deal, - but Britain go back on their word.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- Michael Dwyer - surrenders on the assumption...
0:20:37 > 0:20:43- ..he'd be treated favourably - by the authorities...
0:20:43 > 0:20:45- ..but he was deceived.
0:20:46 > 0:20:48- As a result of that deception...
0:20:49 > 0:20:52- ..he was sentenced - to a period in Australia.
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- Within a year - of reaching Australia...
0:21:01 > 0:21:06- ..Governor William Bligh - drags him in front of the court.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- He's accused - of trying to start a rebellion.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13- It was reported to Bligh - that Dwyer was stirring things...
0:21:14 > 0:21:18- ..that he was saying that all Irish - will be free in Australia...
0:21:18 > 0:21:20- ..and these could have been false.
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- Dwyer denied them, - but he was brought to court...
0:21:25 > 0:21:27- ..for this sedition.
0:21:27 > 0:21:30- The gallery - is full of Dwyer's supporters.
0:21:30 > 0:21:35- He decides to defend himself - and uses the court as a platform.
0:21:36 > 0:21:42- The governor of this colony - continues to work against me...
0:21:42 > 0:21:48- ..even as I try to make a new life - for myself in this land.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52- Order! Order!
0:21:54 > 0:21:57- Order in the court! Order!
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- Foreman, have you reached a verdict?
0:22:01 > 0:22:03- Foreman, have you reached a verdict?- - We have, Your Honour.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05- Not guilty.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11- Governor Bligh is furious...
0:22:11 > 0:22:14- ..and so there's a second trial.
0:22:14 > 0:22:19- This time, Dwyer is found guilty - and faces imprisonment.
0:22:20 > 0:22:25- But in 1808, Bligh is ousted - by his own soldiers...
0:22:25 > 0:22:28- ..and Dwyer is released.
0:22:31 > 0:22:33- All Irishmen will be free!
0:22:34 > 0:22:35- Let me hear you - free!
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Let me hear you - free!- - Free!
0:22:37 > 0:22:39- Dwyer is brought back...
0:22:40 > 0:22:43- ..in fact, - rises through the society.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48- Over the next couple of decades, - he becomes a police constable.
0:22:49 > 0:22:51- He becomes a publican...
0:22:51 > 0:22:56- ..and completes the Irish trifecta - by being a bit of a folk singer.
0:22:58 > 0:23:01- But Michael Dwyer - is addicted to drink.
0:23:01 > 0:23:03- His business fails.
0:23:03 > 0:23:06- Once again, he's sent to prison.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- But this time it's for bankruptcy.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- He dies in 1825.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- The last leader - of the United Irishmen...
0:23:15 > 0:23:19- ..is buried in a modest grave - in Sydney.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- On the side of the cemetery - years later...
0:23:24 > 0:23:27- ..a new railway station is built...
0:23:27 > 0:23:31- ..and Michael Dwyer's remains - are moved.
0:23:31 > 0:23:33- He has a second funeral...
0:23:33 > 0:23:37- ..and over 100,000 people - watch the procession.
0:23:39 > 0:23:43- I think - that Michael Dwyer's story...
0:23:43 > 0:23:46- ..is one of perseverance.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52- Even after being defeated...
0:23:53 > 0:23:56- ..people like him - were determined to battle on.
0:23:58 > 0:24:04- He stood firm for five years.
0:24:05 > 0:24:12- He became a hero - to the Irish in Australia.
0:24:12 > 0:24:21- Even today, he inspires - some Irish descendants there.
0:24:21 > 0:24:25- He inspires love - for the old country...
0:24:25 > 0:24:29- ..and reminds us - of the importance of independence.
0:24:30 > 0:24:34- And to demand our rights.
0:24:35 > 0:24:40- Back in Britain, the authorities - are facing a new problem.
0:24:40 > 0:24:43- In the industrial valleys - of South Wales...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- ..the workers are unhappy.
0:24:46 > 0:24:49- There's talk of a revolution.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56- Wales could be a new Ireland.
0:24:56 > 0:25:00- And in this case, a worse Ireland.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02- .
0:25:05 > 0:25:05- Subtitles
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0:25:11 > 0:25:15- During this period, - Great Britain controls the seas...
0:25:15 > 0:25:19- ..and its army has conquered - countries all over the world.
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- For those who challenge Britain's - authority, the punishment is severe.
0:25:25 > 0:25:29- Transportation to the other side - of the world to Australia.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- In Wales, the economy is growing.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- The Industrial Revolution - generates immense wealth.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43- But not everyone - shares in this wealth.
0:25:44 > 0:25:48- We can't over-emphasize - how hopeless things looked...
0:25:48 > 0:25:52- ..for people - who expected their world to improve.
0:25:52 > 0:25:54- They had nothing to aim for.
0:25:54 > 0:25:57- The masters - lived in their mansions...
0:25:57 > 0:26:01- ..while they, in their thousands...
0:26:01 > 0:26:06- ..worked in difficult, dangerous - conditions, and saw people die.
0:26:07 > 0:26:12- The workers flock to the South Wales - coalfields and steelworks.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- The population grows rapidly.
0:26:19 > 0:26:24- You would describe life - in the industrial communities...
0:26:24 > 0:26:26- ..as a frontier community.
0:26:27 > 0:26:33- Life is short, life is dangerous - and life is very, very hard.
0:26:35 > 0:26:37- Working conditions were dangerous.
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- There was a real danger you'd lose - your life or be seriously injured.
0:26:43 > 0:26:47- Large families - lived in very small spaces.
0:26:47 > 0:26:51- The housing was poor - and as a result, diseases spread.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58- Around half the children born died - before they were five years old.
0:26:59 > 0:27:03- That what was happening - in Merthyr during that period.
0:27:03 > 0:27:06- Life expectancy was 19.
0:27:06 > 0:27:11- So you have a wild - and very new community.
0:27:11 > 0:27:15- The idea we have of these towns - is that they are unstable places.
0:27:16 > 0:27:18- Unruly places...
0:27:18 > 0:27:23- ..where people don't have much faith - in their future.
0:27:23 > 0:27:27- That affected their attitudes - towards politics...
0:27:27 > 0:27:29- ..and life in general.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34- The workers have had enough...
0:27:34 > 0:27:37- ..and there are protests - across the Valleys.
0:27:39 > 0:27:41- In Merthyr in 1831...
0:27:41 > 0:27:44- ..a red flag is raised - for the first time...
0:27:44 > 0:27:48- ..as a mark - of the working class's might.
0:27:48 > 0:27:52- But once again, British soldiers - defeat the protestors.
0:27:55 > 0:27:58- The punishment for those - who dared to protest...
0:27:58 > 0:28:01- ..is to be sent to Australia.
0:28:01 > 0:28:05- They join the hundreds - of other political protesters...
0:28:06 > 0:28:09- ..who are already there - - many of them Irish.
0:28:11 > 0:28:15- There was no link between what - was happening in rural Ireland...
0:28:15 > 0:28:18- ..and what was happening in Wales.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- What was important was - the authorities compared the two...
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- ..and started to see that Wales - could go in the same direction...
0:28:29 > 0:28:32- ..as what was taking place - in rural Ireland.
0:28:32 > 0:28:38- A new movement is established - to try and unite British workers.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- The Chartist movement - - another problem for the authorities.
0:28:44 > 0:28:48- In 1836, - the People's Charter is published.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52- The Charter - calls for a vote for every man...
0:28:52 > 0:28:57- ..and to ditch the system which - put power in the hands of the rich.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01- People were ready for the Charter.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- It was a way for people - to come together behind one idea.
0:29:05 > 0:29:08- What the Charter did...
0:29:08 > 0:29:14- ..was to give a voice to things - that people were unhappy about.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18- The Chartists had a choice - over how to realize the Charter.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20- In South Wales...
0:29:21 > 0:29:23- ..they turned - to preparing for a rebellion.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29- The Charter - offers hope to workers.
0:29:29 > 0:29:34- Leading the campaign is the mining - contractor, Zephaniah Williams...
0:29:35 > 0:29:38- ..and the local - justice of the peace, John Frost.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- They create an army - of miners and steelworkers...
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- ..to try and capture - the town of Newport.
0:29:50 > 0:29:54- It's obvious - that people have different ideas...
0:29:54 > 0:29:59- ..about what they thought - was going to happen in Newport.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06- Once Newport is safe in our hands...
0:30:06 > 0:30:10- ..we'll imprison - the aristocrats and the judges.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15- If they oppose this, - there's no other option but death.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19- Recently, - some historians have argued...
0:30:20 > 0:30:25- ..that John Frost tried to withdraw - at the last minute...
0:30:25 > 0:30:29- ..but that the might of the movement - pushed him forward...
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- ..against his will almost.
0:30:32 > 0:30:38- And so he became the reluctant - leader of Chartism in the end.
0:30:38 > 0:30:41- For some among them, - there'll be no escape.
0:30:43 > 0:30:48- What's happening in Wales - is a matter of grave concern...
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- ..to the authorities in London - during this period.
0:30:53 > 0:30:59- The fact that these communities - are Welsh is a part of it.
0:31:00 > 0:31:02- There was secrecy.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- They didn't understand - what was happening.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- They used the Welsh language.
0:31:08 > 0:31:13- This is a very important point - when we look at Newport.
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- What happened in November 1839...
0:31:25 > 0:31:29- ..has become so widely known - and so important...
0:31:29 > 0:31:31- ..because it's the last time...
0:31:32 > 0:31:36- ..a group has attempted - to seize power in Britain...
0:31:36 > 0:31:40- ..through a rebellion, - through revolution.
0:31:42 > 0:31:46- Thousands of Chartists - march down the Valleys...
0:31:46 > 0:31:49- ..down to Newport...
0:31:49 > 0:31:52- ..and outside the Westgate Hotel.
0:32:30 > 0:32:32- It was a massacre.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37- The first thing that Frost - and Zephaniah did was escape...
0:32:37 > 0:32:40- ..because they knew full well...
0:32:40 > 0:32:44- ..that the authorities - would be after them.
0:32:50 > 0:32:54- Before long, many of the leaders - have been captured.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59- In the court in Monmouth...
0:33:00 > 0:33:05- ..Zephaniah Williams and John Frost - are sentenced to death.
0:33:07 > 0:33:11- For the leaders, - it was a terrible time.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- Imagine them in Monmouth jail...
0:33:16 > 0:33:20- ..hearing the scaffold - being built and so on.
0:33:24 > 0:33:26- As a result of the court case...
0:33:27 > 0:33:32- ..the leaders became - prominent and popular figures...
0:33:32 > 0:33:35- ..among Chartists in Britain.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38- There was a strong campaign...
0:33:38 > 0:33:42- ..to ensure that these people - would not be hanged.
0:33:43 > 0:33:47- At the last minute, - the sentence is commuted.
0:33:47 > 0:33:51- To avoid creating two martyrs - for the Chartists' cause...
0:33:51 > 0:33:55- ..they're transported to Australia - for life.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- At the time, Van Diemen's Land...
0:33:58 > 0:34:02- ..was the name for the island of - Tasmania off the Australian coast.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05- As a former JP - and a master-collier...
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- ..the two Welshmen - hope to be well-treated.
0:34:09 > 0:34:12- But no, - the two are sent to Port Arthur...
0:34:13 > 0:34:16- ..one of the most appalling prisons - in the world.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19- They're harshly treated...
0:34:19 > 0:34:23- ..when they first arrive - at Van Diemen's Land...
0:34:23 > 0:34:29- ..because they're considered - to be very important people.
0:34:29 > 0:34:32- They have to be closely monitored.
0:34:35 > 0:34:40- Van Diemen's Land was described - as a prison without walls...
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- ..somewhere where people - dreaded to be sent.
0:34:45 > 0:34:47- That's what penal stations - were like.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- They were meant to be feared - and they were the engine room...
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- ..which kept the colonial - free labour pump going.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01- Zephaniah Williams gets work as a - supervisor in one of the coal mines.
0:35:01 > 0:35:04- A good day's work, boys. - Take them down.
0:35:06 > 0:35:10- Come on then, boys, let's clear. - You're the last two.
0:35:11 > 0:35:15- But he's kidnapped by prisoners - trying to escape.
0:35:18 > 0:35:21- Soon, Zephaniah is released...
0:35:21 > 0:35:24- ..and immediately surrenders - to the authorities.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- But no-one believes his story.
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- He's punished - for attempting to escape...
0:35:31 > 0:35:35- ..and put in solitary confinement - in Port Arthur.
0:35:37 > 0:35:41- "The hard table that is my bed - is 18 inches wide.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- "A three-pound cover - keeps the cold away...
0:35:46 > 0:35:49- "..and there are chains - around my legs.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51- "Shoes are my pillow.
0:35:52 > 0:35:58- "For 16 weeks, I've been kept - in this miserable state.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03- "The truth is - in Van Diemen's Land...
0:36:03 > 0:36:06- "..it's the innocent - that are often punished...
0:36:07 > 0:36:09- "..rather than the guilty."
0:36:09 > 0:36:14- The aim of the prison is to make - honest men of the convicts...
0:36:14 > 0:36:19- ..and to scare anyone else who - considers challenging the system.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23- The punishment is therefore - deliberately cruel and severe.
0:36:25 > 0:36:29- Prisoners like Williams and Frost - may have lost their freedom...
0:36:30 > 0:36:33- ..but their beliefs hadn't changed.
0:36:34 > 0:36:38- Because of what was happening - in Wales...
0:36:38 > 0:36:40- ..people like Frost and Williams...
0:36:41 > 0:36:45- ..were well known in Australia - before they'd arrived there.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47- It's a danger - to the authorities...
0:36:48 > 0:36:52- ..but it might be something - to inspire local people...
0:36:52 > 0:36:56- ..to spur them on - to campaign for their rights.
0:36:57 > 0:37:01- When some leaders are transported...
0:37:02 > 0:37:07- ..you exiled something very potent, - something very strong...
0:37:07 > 0:37:10- ..to a new country and culture.
0:37:12 > 0:37:18- Frost and Williams write about - their experiences in Australia.
0:37:18 > 0:37:23- The letters are read in the faraway - continent of North America...
0:37:23 > 0:37:28- ..and is the start of another effort - to subvert British authority.
0:37:29 > 0:37:29- .
0:37:32 > 0:37:32- Subtitles
0:37:32 > 0:37:34- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:37:35 > 0:37:38- In the first half - of the 19th century...
0:37:39 > 0:37:42- ..Britain is an unstable place.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46- In Wales and Ireland, - the people continue to fight...
0:37:46 > 0:37:51- ..against their British masters, - demanding more rights.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54- Every effort has failed thus far...
0:37:54 > 0:37:58- ..including the Chartists' rebellion - in Newport.
0:37:58 > 0:38:03- Many were killed and their leaders - transported to Australia...
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- ..as political prisoners.
0:38:06 > 0:38:10- The bloody incident in Newport...
0:38:10 > 0:38:13- ..was a pinnacle of sorts - and a turning point.
0:38:14 > 0:38:17- A protest like this - never reaches a point...
0:38:18 > 0:38:21- ..where there's a 100% success.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23- It's one wave after another.
0:38:23 > 0:38:27- Welshmen like Zephaniah Williams - and John Frost...
0:38:27 > 0:38:30- ..remain imprisoned in Australia.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35- But their letters - keep their radical ideas alive...
0:38:35 > 0:38:37- ..and inspires others.
0:38:37 > 0:38:40- Among them, - a young lawyer from New York.
0:38:41 > 0:38:42- Linus Miller.
0:38:43 > 0:38:46- Do you know the beaver - to be a dangerous animal?
0:38:46 > 0:38:48- No, it is not.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- Let me show you the plans.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- Linus Miller joins a movement...
0:39:01 > 0:39:04- ..that wants to make Canada - an independent nation.
0:39:07 > 0:39:10- They would meet - in group hunter lodges...
0:39:10 > 0:39:14- ..and go out and play games - in the woods with their guns...
0:39:14 > 0:39:18- ..very much like these young men - who are going off to Syria...
0:39:18 > 0:39:23- ..who are about the same age and - with the same ludicrous ideology.
0:39:23 > 0:39:27- They had no idea what was - actually going on in Canada.
0:39:28 > 0:39:33- Miller crosses the border - into Canada near Niagara Falls.
0:39:34 > 0:39:35- Linus.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- He puts up anti-British posters.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53- But before long, they're captured - by Canadian soldiers...
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- ..and imprisoned.
0:39:59 > 0:40:03- "So ended my dreams - of a glorious campaign in Canada.
0:40:03 > 0:40:08- "Alas, a hope so bright and - promising should thus be blasted.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14- "For the first time in my life, - I felt myself a captive."
0:40:16 > 0:40:20- Miller can't be accused - as a traitor...
0:40:20 > 0:40:23- ..as he isn't a British citizen.
0:40:23 > 0:40:28- So he's accused of another offence - - pillaging.
0:40:29 > 0:40:33- Rather than sentencing him - to death, he's transported...
0:40:33 > 0:40:36- ..to avoid angering the Americans.
0:40:39 > 0:40:42- The governor, Sir John Franklin...
0:40:42 > 0:40:45- ..welcomes him personally - to Australia.
0:40:48 > 0:40:51- Not satisfied - with being a Republican yourself...
0:40:52 > 0:40:54- ..you tried to make others so...
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- ..to set up your institutions - in Canada.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- What makes your case - more aggravating is your youth.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- You are very young to be part - of such a wicked rebellion.
0:41:07 > 0:41:09- And a lawyer too.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13- To break the law yourself - and to teach others to do it.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16- Shame on you!
0:41:18 > 0:41:23- Be careful, sir. - Van Diemen's Land is not America.
0:41:29 > 0:41:31- Move the prisoners out.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36- Miller's put to work.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42- But for the young lawyer, - hard labour isn't familiar to him.
0:41:43 > 0:41:48- "A sense of injustice we were - suffering was burning in my brain."
0:41:49 > 0:41:51- Keep moving!
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- Get up!
0:41:55 > 0:41:58- "I'm an American citizen, - I'm a British slave."
0:42:02 > 0:42:06- He manages to escape - with another American...
0:42:06 > 0:42:09- ..and tries to catch a boat - back to America.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12- But after a few days, - they surrender...
0:42:13 > 0:42:15- ..and are sent to Port Arthur.
0:42:16 > 0:42:18- He's a young man.
0:42:19 > 0:42:22- Port Arthur is known - to be a sink of sodomy.
0:42:22 > 0:42:28- If he was not raped, he probably - suffered a lot of sexual innuendo...
0:42:28 > 0:42:33- ..a lot of sexual advances - that obviously terrified him.
0:42:35 > 0:42:38- "I think I did not sleep - but for two hours each night.
0:42:39 > 0:42:42- "The number of inmates - was daily increasing...
0:42:42 > 0:42:45- "..and the scenes enacted - by these men...
0:42:45 > 0:42:48- "..were of the most diabolical - of character.
0:42:48 > 0:42:52- "Too dark to be written, - too dreadful to be thought of."
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- The Welshman, Zephaniah Williams...
0:43:01 > 0:43:05- ..experiences the tough conditions - in Port Arthur too.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08- But, in contrast to Miller, - he copes with it better.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11- Rather than challenging - the authorities...
0:43:11 > 0:43:14- ..he starts to work - within the system.
0:43:15 > 0:43:20- He worked in an asylum - in New Norfolk.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23- People in the asylum...
0:43:24 > 0:43:27- ..started protesting - and were troublesome.
0:43:28 > 0:43:32- The danger was - that they would cause havoc.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- He managed to go in - and quietened them down.
0:43:35 > 0:43:38- He had a good relationship - with them...
0:43:39 > 0:43:43- ..which suggests that he was - charismatic and a leader.
0:43:44 > 0:43:47- The new governor, Eardley-Wilmot...
0:43:47 > 0:43:51- ..recommended - that he receive a full pardon.
0:43:52 > 0:43:56- But the authorities in London - refused.
0:43:56 > 0:44:01- They were unable to forgive the - events that took place in Newport.
0:44:05 > 0:44:09- Williams tries to flee - but is captured...
0:44:09 > 0:44:13- ..and sent back to the coal mines.
0:44:19 > 0:44:22- In contrast to the Welshman...
0:44:22 > 0:44:25- ..Linus Miller - receives a full pardon.
0:44:29 > 0:44:30- He returns to New York...
0:44:31 > 0:44:34- ..and writes a book - about his experiences in prison.
0:44:35 > 0:44:38- It causes embarrassment - to the British government...
0:44:38 > 0:44:43- ..with some calling for the end - of transportation to Australia.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47- It was a carceral society.
0:44:47 > 0:44:51- There was nothing else - quite like it in the world.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54- It was a society - that was one big prison.
0:44:54 > 0:44:59- You were under surveillance, - you were under the thumb...
0:44:59 > 0:45:02- ..of the imperial state - - they watched you.
0:45:03 > 0:45:07- There was no sense - of personal freedom to be had.
0:45:07 > 0:45:09- This was truly shocking.
0:45:12 > 0:45:17- As the years pass, - Australian society changes.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- The children and grandsons - of some of the early prisoners...
0:45:21 > 0:45:25- ..claim their place - as citizens of the new colony...
0:45:26 > 0:45:30- ..and have inherited - their parents' rebellious spirit.
0:45:31 > 0:45:36- In 1854, thousands battle - against the corrupt police...
0:45:36 > 0:45:39- ..in the Goldfields region - of Victoria.
0:45:39 > 0:45:42- The radical ideas are still alive.
0:45:44 > 0:45:49- You can't look at political ideas - just within one country.
0:45:49 > 0:45:52- They're international.
0:45:52 > 0:45:57- In Australia, I think, - this is important because...
0:45:57 > 0:46:02- ..even though most of them - weren't campaigning...
0:46:02 > 0:46:05- ..like they did - in Britain or Wales...
0:46:05 > 0:46:11- ..Australia develops to a degree - as a working man's paradise...
0:46:11 > 0:46:17- ..with far better living and - working conditions than in Wales.
0:46:17 > 0:46:22- In the next programme...
0:46:24 > 0:46:29- In the next programme, the Welsh - Chartists, Williams and Frost...
0:46:29 > 0:46:33- ..experience life at its worse - as exiled prisoners.
0:46:38 > 0:46:40- More Welshmen arrive...
0:46:40 > 0:46:44- ..this time, some of - the Rebecca Riots protesters.
0:46:44 > 0:46:47- And with similar offenders...
0:46:47 > 0:46:52- ..they begin turning Australia - into a free country.
0:47:39 > 0:47:41- S4C Subtitles by Testun Cyf.
0:47:41 > 0:47:41