0:00:00 > 0:00:00- Subtitles
0:00:00 > 0:00:02- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:00:16 > 0:00:21- Over the past 250 years, - Wales has been transformed.
0:00:22 > 0:00:25- Iron, copper, slate and coal - were the raw materials...
0:00:26 > 0:00:30- ..that turned our country - into an industrial nation...
0:00:30 > 0:00:32- ..the first of its kind - in the world.
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- But in order for it - to evolve and grow...
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- ..it required - more than just natural resources.
0:00:40 > 0:00:45- Education, faith, language - and politics were crucial.
0:00:45 > 0:00:47- These days, some people claim...
0:00:48 > 0:00:52- ..that Wales is the very first - post-industrial nation.
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- Machines might have prompted - the Industrial Revolution....
0:00:57 > 0:01:00- ..but it was people - who were at the helm.
0:01:00 > 0:01:04- Born out of exceptionally hard - working conditions...
0:01:04 > 0:01:08- ..a new working class - created its own future...
0:01:08 > 0:01:10- ..and formed a modern Wales.
0:01:13 > 0:01:15- This is their history, - our history...
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- ..and the history - of how a modern Wales was created.
0:01:28 > 0:01:32- The first chapter - focuses on the shift in Wales...
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- ..from the farm to the furnace.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40- Commerce, labour and the nature of - Welsh society were revolutionized...
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- ..within a century - between 1750 and 1850.
0:01:49 > 0:01:51- By the end of that period...
0:01:51 > 0:01:56- ..industry in Wales was employing - more people than agriculture.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- Wales became - the world's first industrial nation.
0:02:00 > 0:02:04- To understand - such a comprehensive change...
0:02:04 > 0:02:08- ..it is useful to chart the history - of one family, my family.
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- For us, the path to the modern world - starts here in Ceredigion.
0:02:21 > 0:02:27- This series allows me to trace - the Edwards family's history...
0:02:27 > 0:02:31- ..over three centuries.
0:02:31 > 0:02:35- It's the story of the contribution - of ordinary folk...
0:02:36 > 0:02:39- ..which led to the creation - of a modern Wales.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- I'm here in the graveyard - of the ancient Nantcwnlle church...
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- ..near Bwlchllan, Ceredigion, - in the hills above Aberaeron.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51- Some of the graves - provide valuable information...
0:02:52 > 0:02:54- ..about the family's history.
0:02:58 > 0:03:03- The Edwards family's roots - are firmly planted in this area.
0:03:03 > 0:03:05- Here's the evidence.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08- This is the grave - of Nathaniel Edwards.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10- He died in 1833.
0:03:10 > 0:03:16- He was my great-great-great-great- - great-grandfather.
0:03:16 > 0:03:22- He was a farmer who worked the land - at Brynele, a mile and a half away.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- This is where he rests, - along with other family members...
0:03:27 > 0:03:29- ..in his own backyard...
0:03:29 > 0:03:33- ..amid the beauty of one of the - most picturesque parishes in Wales.
0:03:39 > 0:03:43- In the centuries - before Nathaniel Edwards' days...
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- ..very little changed - in rural Wales.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49- Living conditions were primitive...
0:03:49 > 0:03:53- ..with little improvement - since the Middle Ages.
0:03:53 > 0:03:57- The majority of ordinary folk, - including the Edwardses...
0:03:58 > 0:04:02- ..were smallholders - who rented the land they farmed.
0:04:06 > 0:04:11- From 1750 onwards, - sheep trade in Wales was thriving...
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- ..with drovers herding sheep beyond - Offa's Dyke to England's cities.
0:04:19 > 0:04:23- But large towns were rare in Wales.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- Rarely did ordinary folk - leave their locality.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34- The Edwardses - didn't stray too far away.
0:04:35 > 0:04:40- Without education or resources - to improve their living standards...
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- ..the family was their focus, - through good times and bad.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47- Mam!
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- For most people, a shortage of food, - pain and suffering...
0:04:51 > 0:04:55- ..were part of everyday life.
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- Daniel! Daniel, come here!
0:05:02 > 0:05:04- Come here now!
0:05:05 > 0:05:08- There was always a risk of death.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- Infant mortality was commonplace...
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- ..though it was of no comfort - to the bereaved families.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- My family's experience - was the same as their neighbours...
0:05:38 > 0:05:40- ..here in the Vale of Aeron.
0:05:42 > 0:05:47- One of the descendants and a - relative of mine, Dafydd Edwards...
0:05:47 > 0:05:50- ..continues to farm - the same land today.
0:05:50 > 0:05:56- The land was a composition - of peat, ferns, heather and gorse.
0:05:57 > 0:06:00- It was very difficult - to farm back then.
0:06:00 > 0:06:03- They had very little land - since they were tenant farmers.
0:06:04 > 0:06:06- There's an old saying.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09- Gold beneath the ferns...
0:06:09 > 0:06:11- ..silver beneath the gorse...
0:06:11 > 0:06:14- ..and poverty beneath the heather.
0:06:14 > 0:06:16- It's perfectly true.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23- The 18th century brought about - a major change for the Edwardses...
0:06:23 > 0:06:27- ..and for others - living in rural Wales.
0:06:27 > 0:06:33- Faith and education - shaped and propelled this change.
0:06:33 > 0:06:35- Thanks to a few luminaries...
0:06:35 > 0:06:39- ..life in rural Wales - was completely transformed.
0:06:40 > 0:06:45- The effect on neighbouring areas - and further afield was astounding.
0:06:45 > 0:06:50- Children today are still taught - about two pioneers of change.
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Griffith Jones and Bridget Bevan.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- The aim - of their circulating schools...
0:06:58 > 0:07:00- ..which went - from village to village...
0:07:00 > 0:07:05- ..was to enable everyone - to read the scriptures.
0:07:05 > 0:07:08- Soon, more people in Wales - could read...
0:07:08 > 0:07:13- ..than those living in similar - regions elsewhere in the world.
0:07:13 > 0:07:18- Of course, one thing - is instrumental in all of this.
0:07:18 > 0:07:22- Here is Aled Afal.
0:07:23 > 0:07:25- Welsh was the language - of the schools.
0:07:25 > 0:07:29- It was the only language - 90% of the population understood.
0:07:29 > 0:07:32- The venture was a sweeping success.
0:07:32 > 0:07:35- More than 3,000 schools - were established...
0:07:35 > 0:07:39- ..with half of Wales' population - learning to read.
0:07:40 > 0:07:46- News of their success - reaches Catherine the Great...
0:07:47 > 0:07:49- ..who wishes to develop the idea - in Russia.
0:07:49 > 0:07:53- Being able to read the Bible - for the first time...
0:07:53 > 0:07:59- ..inspires many ordinary folk - to profess their faith.
0:08:01 > 0:08:06- A revolution takes hold, - even in tranquil rural Wales...
0:08:07 > 0:08:11- ..as people turn their backs - on Anglican traditions...
0:08:12 > 0:08:17- ..and make their own way in life, - a Nonconformist way.
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- Many small chapels are erected...
0:08:19 > 0:08:23- ..like this one - in the heart of Ceredigion.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28- My family attended this chapel - in Pennant, which was built in 1768.
0:08:28 > 0:08:35- It was a means to bring a new order - to religion and life in Wales.
0:08:40 > 0:08:48- Rural Wales is now full of workers - who can read, learn and comprehend.
0:08:49 > 0:08:52- Families lived by the Bible's - message of dedication...
0:08:52 > 0:08:54- ..perseverance and hard work.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00- Religion and education - played a pivotal role...
0:09:00 > 0:09:04- ..in the major social change - that was about to happen.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10- But there was also another factor, - the raw material, as it were.
0:09:10 > 0:09:14- The land in Wales was a treasure - trove of natural resources.
0:09:22 > 0:09:25- With the dawning of a new era...
0:09:25 > 0:09:28- ..the first to see the light - is Anglesey.
0:09:28 > 0:09:34- Men have been excavating on Parys - Mountain since the Bronze Age.
0:09:34 > 0:09:38- On 2 March 1768, - everything is about to change.
0:09:40 > 0:09:44- Rowland Pugh, - one of the local miners...
0:09:44 > 0:09:48- ..discovers the Great Lode, - the large copper seam.
0:09:48 > 0:09:51- He is rewarded - with a bottle of whisky...
0:09:51 > 0:09:55- ..and a cottage in which - to spend the rest of his days.
0:09:55 > 0:09:58- Solicitor Thomas Williams - develops the site.
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- Within 12 years, - he becomes the Copper King...
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- ..the most influential - copper king in Europe.
0:10:07 > 0:10:11- Excavations dramatically alter - the country's landscape...
0:10:11 > 0:10:15- ..as is evident to anyone - who visits Parys Mountain today.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23- But imagine the shock and horror - during that era...
0:10:23 > 0:10:27- ..for a farmhand - entering a brand-new industry.
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- Rowland Pugh has rediscovered - our country's precious minerals.
0:10:34 > 0:10:39- Thomas Williams and his workforce - begin to create a modern Wales.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45- The next major leap - in our history...
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- ..happens in a small town - on the south coast.
0:10:49 > 0:10:50- Swansea.
0:10:52 > 0:10:56- Back then, it was given - the popular nickname Copperopolis...
0:10:56 > 0:10:58- ..meaning the city of copper.
0:10:58 > 0:11:02- It played a pivotal role, - becoming the first industry...
0:11:03 > 0:11:05- ..to spread - to all four corners of the world.
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Swansea is a unique location.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- It has a deep river, - the River Tawe...
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- ..which leads - to a rich supply of coal.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- Copper ore is transported - along the river...
0:11:24 > 0:11:29- ..to be unloaded and smelted - on the riverbanks.
0:11:29 > 0:11:35- Coal from nearby collieries - feed the furnaces that melt the ore.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42- Later, the copper chunks - are exported worldwide...
0:11:43 > 0:11:45- ..and used to make bronze and brass.
0:11:46 > 0:11:49- Swansea gained - a worldwide reputation...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52- ..as the centre - of the copper industry.
0:11:58 > 0:12:03- Swansea's trade links - extended from Europe...
0:12:03 > 0:12:07- ..to Africa, North and South America - and the Far East.
0:12:07 > 0:12:10- Copper connected Wales to the world.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- But there was another metal...
0:12:13 > 0:12:20- ..that was even more influential - in the creation of modern Wales.
0:12:22 > 0:12:22- .
0:12:25 > 0:12:25- Subtitles
0:12:25 > 0:12:27- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- The Industrial Revolution - shaped Wales' history for 150 years.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- New inventions and discoveries, - water and steam power...
0:12:45 > 0:12:51- ..new machinery and products - led to changes across everyday life.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Wales becomes a powerhouse - of global importance.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02- The story begins with copper...
0:13:02 > 0:13:07- ..but another metal is responsible - for creating a modern Wales.
0:13:09 > 0:13:12- That metal is iron.
0:13:12 > 0:13:16- We're here in Cyfarthfa - near Merthyr Tydfil...
0:13:16 > 0:13:21- ..where the iron industry - flourishes at an astounding rate.
0:13:21 > 0:13:25- A businessman from Yorkshire - called Richard Crawshay...
0:13:26 > 0:13:31- ..builds enormous furnaces here, - the largest furnaces in the world.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35- They are still - spectacular to behold.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44- Crawshay, - along with other ironmasters...
0:13:45 > 0:13:49- ..came to Merthyr because essential - resources were available locally.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Iron ore, limestone and coal.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- This is where - the raw materials came together.
0:14:00 > 0:14:02- When the ironworks - were at their peak...
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- ..strong winds - would howl through these tunnels.
0:14:06 > 0:14:09- They were generated - by giant machinery outside.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- The air - helped sustain the furnace...
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- ..which was heated to a temperature - of over 1,000 degrees Celsius.
0:14:29 > 0:14:32- The furnace was 20 metres high.
0:14:32 > 0:14:36- Workers stood, six in a line, - here in Cyfarthfa...
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- ..producing 23,000 tons - of pig iron each year.
0:14:43 > 0:14:47- The rate of production at Crawshay's - ironworks is unprecedented.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55- Even more significant...
0:14:55 > 0:14:59- ..is what happens - to the pig iron at the next stage.
0:14:59 > 0:15:03- Within three years, - Crawshay's ironworkers...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06- ..perfect a new way - of treating the iron.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09- It's effective, inexpensive...
0:15:09 > 0:15:12- ..and produces iron - that is useful and strong.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16- Over the next 50 years, - ironworks around the world...
0:15:16 > 0:15:21- ..adopt the technology - invented here in Merthyr.
0:15:22 > 0:15:25- From the Ruhr in Germany - to Pittsburgh in America...
0:15:25 > 0:15:30- ..they all implement the process - called the Welsh Method.
0:15:33 > 0:15:38- The new Welsh product, - though precious, is very heavy.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- The iron must be transported to - the ironworks and to the markets...
0:15:43 > 0:15:45- ..as quickly as possible.
0:15:49 > 0:15:52- The canals - were the motorways of the day.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55- They were much more effective - than a horse and cart.
0:15:57 > 0:16:01- But despite their beauty, - constructing them is expensive.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05- Telford's aqueduct in Pontcysyllte - is a prime example.
0:16:06 > 0:16:08- Soon, a revolutionary new way...
0:16:09 > 0:16:13- ..of transporting people and goods - is invented...
0:16:13 > 0:16:15- ..and it is developed here in Wales.
0:16:21 > 0:16:26- In 1804, ironmaster Richard Crawshay - accepts a challenge...
0:16:26 > 0:16:29- ..from another - of the area's other ironmasters...
0:16:29 > 0:16:33- ..Samuel Homfray - of Penydarren ironworks.
0:16:33 > 0:16:38- Homfray bets him 1,000, - which was a fortune back then.
0:16:38 > 0:16:43- Homfray wanted to be sure - that ten tons of iron...
0:16:43 > 0:16:48- ..could be transported by rail, - powered by a steam engine...
0:16:48 > 0:16:52- ..from Merthyr to Abercynon, - a distance of nine miles.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58- It goes without saying that Crawshay - is very keen to accept the bet.
0:17:01 > 0:17:03- But Homfray harbours a secret.
0:17:04 > 0:17:08- Cornish engineer Richard Trevithick - has built him a steam engine...
0:17:09 > 0:17:12- ..which sits idly - at Penydarren ironworks.
0:17:13 > 0:17:17- Homfray asks Trevithick to adapt - the engine to travel along a track.
0:17:26 > 0:17:30- On 21 February 1804, - the system is up and running.
0:17:30 > 0:17:35- Five trams attached to the engine...
0:17:35 > 0:17:38- ..carry 70 men and a load of iron.
0:17:39 > 0:17:43- The first train is very slow, - travelling at a speed of 5mph.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46- Some of the rails - buckle under the weight.
0:17:46 > 0:17:50- The engine's smokestack - hits a low bridge...
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- ..but Trevithick repairs the engine - and it reaches its journey's end.
0:17:55 > 0:18:00- This is the future of transport - in the four corners of the world...
0:18:00 > 0:18:02- ..and it started in Wales.
0:18:05 > 0:18:08- But not everyone - shared the excitement.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- The new Wales - was beyond the experience...
0:18:13 > 0:18:19- ..of the thousands who stayed - in rural Wales to earn a living.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- My ancestors, the Edwardses, - were among them in Ceredigion.
0:18:24 > 0:18:27- There was no suggestion back then...
0:18:27 > 0:18:33- ..that traditional Welsh life - and its customs was under threat.
0:18:33 > 0:18:36- There were some people back then...
0:18:36 > 0:18:41- ..who warned that Wales' character - and nature was in danger.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- One man who shared this concern...
0:18:52 > 0:18:56- ..was Edward Williams, - a stonemason from Glamorgan...
0:18:56 > 0:19:00- ..otherwise known - by his bardic name, Iolo Morganwg.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07- Iolo loved Wales, its language, - its landscape and history.
0:19:10 > 0:19:14- He interpreted that history - as an ancient Celtic one.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- He's determined - to reconnect the modern Wales...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- ..with the ancient rituals - of the Druids.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- He claimed - to have discovered the secrets...
0:19:31 > 0:19:34- ..of the ancient bards of Britain.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39- He insists - on using that tradition...
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- ..to safeguard Wales' culture - in the new age.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- He creates his own Gorsedd circle...
0:19:46 > 0:19:51- ..with pebbles to represent - the Druids' standing stones...
0:19:51 > 0:19:54- ..and invites a group of friends - to join the ritual.
0:19:54 > 0:19:59- ..complaints from the grave, - the rights of man...
0:20:01 > 0:20:04- Though they were - merely romantic notions...
0:20:04 > 0:20:07- ..Iolo's ceremonies - are here to stay...
0:20:08 > 0:20:12- ..and are an important part - of the National Eisteddfod.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15- The truth against the world.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- But there was no way of turning back - the mechanical tide...
0:20:27 > 0:20:33- ..that was transforming life - in Wales, despite Iolo's efforts.
0:20:37 > 0:20:40- Richard Price, - another native of Glamorgan...
0:20:40 > 0:20:43- ..was among the first - to realize that.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48- His influential voice - echoes down the centuries.
0:20:48 > 0:20:52- "Nothing is more important - than an education system...
0:20:52 > 0:20:55- "..that is wise and broad-minded."
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- These are the words - of Richard Price...
0:20:58 > 0:21:02- ..which are displayed - alongside the main road...
0:21:02 > 0:21:07- ..from Bridgend to Llangeinor, - Richard Price's birthplace.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13- To give you an idea of his genius - and vision, read these words.
0:21:13 > 0:21:16- "Every community has the right - to govern itself...
0:21:17 > 0:21:19- "..and the right to decide - in what form...
0:21:19 > 0:21:21- "..and by whom it shall be ruled."
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- This is a man - who looks ahead to the future.
0:21:25 > 0:21:30- This sentiment is even more relevant - to modern Wales.
0:21:34 > 0:21:37- Price displays - revolutionary thinking...
0:21:37 > 0:21:41- ..about freedom and the rights - of the new working class.
0:21:41 > 0:21:45- Ideas that spark democratic change - in France and America.
0:21:50 > 0:21:55- Richard Price is buried at - Bunhill Fields cemetery in London...
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- ..along with many other radicals - and Nonconformists.
0:21:59 > 0:22:06- But his influence still lives on - in the United States' constitution.
0:22:08 > 0:22:13- Price advised his friends, Benjamin - Franklin and George Washington...
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- ..during their battle for - independence from the English Crown.
0:22:18 > 0:22:24- According to Price, the citizens - should rule, not the King.
0:22:28 > 0:22:31- At his chapel - in Newington Green, London...
0:22:31 > 0:22:34- ..during the French Revolution - in 1789...
0:22:34 > 0:22:37- ..he preaches - against the Crown's oppression.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- Price is committed in his belief - and it prompts a famous debate.
0:22:46 > 0:22:49- "Tremble, - all ye oppressors of the world.
0:22:49 > 0:22:53- "You cannot hold the world - in darkness.
0:22:53 > 0:22:56- "Restore to mankind their rights...
0:22:56 > 0:22:59- "..and consent - to the correction of abuses...
0:23:00 > 0:23:03- "..before they and you - are destroyed together."
0:23:04 > 0:23:07- But the old British order - stands firm...
0:23:07 > 0:23:11- ..firmer than Richard Price - had ever anticipated.
0:23:13 > 0:23:13- .
0:23:16 > 0:23:16- Subtitles
0:23:16 > 0:23:18- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:23:22 > 0:23:24- By the end of the 18th century...
0:23:24 > 0:23:29- ..the Industrial Revolution - had begun to create a modern Wales.
0:23:29 > 0:23:34- It brought with it new ideologies - about freedom and civil rights.
0:23:35 > 0:23:40- But not everyone embraced - the democratic spirit of the age.
0:23:42 > 0:23:47- While industry and commerce - generated abundant wealth...
0:23:47 > 0:23:51- ..the old landowners were intent - on retaining the upper hand.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58- The new-found wealth - pitted Britain against France.
0:23:58 > 0:24:01- There, the democratic principles...
0:24:01 > 0:24:06- ..liberte, egalite and fraternite, - had incited a revolution.
0:24:10 > 0:24:14- The wars between Britain - and France continued...
0:24:14 > 0:24:19- ..long after Napoleon Bonaparte - declared himself emperor in 1805.
0:24:23 > 0:24:26- During Britain's long campaign - against Napoleon...
0:24:26 > 0:24:30- ..few military leaders - did more to beat the enemy...
0:24:30 > 0:24:32- ..than Welshman Thomas Picton.
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- But he is also part of a shameful - period in British history.
0:24:39 > 0:24:43- Since the days of Llywelyn The Last - and Owain Glyndwr...
0:24:43 > 0:24:46- ..Wales had no court - or army of its own.
0:24:50 > 0:24:54- For ambitious landowners - like Thomas Picton...
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- ..the only beneficial option - was to stay true to British rule.
0:25:01 > 0:25:06- While he lives here at Iscoed, - overlooking Carmarthen Bay...
0:25:07 > 0:25:12- ..the MP for Pembroke is regarded - as a pillar of the community.
0:25:12 > 0:25:15- But the Duke of Wellington...
0:25:15 > 0:25:20- ..referred to him as "a rough, - foul-mouthed devil as ever lived."
0:25:20 > 0:25:25- Even so, memorials to Thomas Picton - remain in West Wales.
0:25:26 > 0:25:30- In Haverfordwest, - there's Sir Thomas Picton School.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- In Carmarthen town centre...
0:25:34 > 0:25:37- ..his portrait - hangs on the wall of the law courts.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41- This is one of the county's - most notable memorials...
0:25:42 > 0:25:47- ..celebrating Picton's remarkable - victories in many famous battles...
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- ..and his death at Waterloo.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56- Sir Thomas Picton's grave - can be found in London.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- Britain honours its greats - at St Paul's Cathedral.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- It is a privilege to be buried here.
0:26:12 > 0:26:16- Rarely do you see - as fine a memorial as this...
0:26:16 > 0:26:19- ..to celebrate a Welshman's life.
0:26:20 > 0:26:27- But Sir Thomas Picton was respected - as an accomplished soldier.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30- He is honoured - for his genius and valour.
0:26:31 > 0:26:37- The fact that he lost his life - in one of the greatest battles...
0:26:37 > 0:26:42- ..point towards a true British hero, - but hold on a moment.
0:26:44 > 0:26:47- Picton's wealth - was derived from slavery.
0:26:48 > 0:26:52- From the 15th century onwards, - many European merchants' wealth...
0:26:52 > 0:26:57- ..is derived - from the African slave trade.
0:26:57 > 0:27:02- The European workforce doesn't want - to work on sweltering estates...
0:27:03 > 0:27:07- ..in the West Indies, but slaves - have no choice in the matter.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10- They are often worked to death...
0:27:10 > 0:27:15- ..to ensure that sugar, rum - and tobacco reaches Europe.
0:27:19 > 0:27:21- Picton owns a plantation...
0:27:21 > 0:27:25- ..and becomes a military leader - on the sugar island of Trinidad.
0:27:25 > 0:27:29- He makes a fortune - from exploiting black people.
0:27:29 > 0:27:32- But such is his cruelty - that he is sent back to London...
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- ..to face consequences - for abusing his authority.
0:27:36 > 0:27:41- In February 1806, - an astounding ruling was announced.
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- Picton is guilty of allowing - a black girl, Louisa Calderon...
0:27:46 > 0:27:50- ..to be tortured - into confessing to a petty crime.
0:27:54 > 0:27:58- Many other Welsh people - aside from Thomas Picton...
0:27:59 > 0:28:01- ..are involved in the slave trade.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04- A lesser-known figure - is Nathaniel Wells.
0:28:05 > 0:28:07- There is no memorial to him...
0:28:07 > 0:28:11- ..but his record of public service - in Wales during this time...
0:28:12 > 0:28:14- ..is much more notable.
0:28:15 > 0:28:20- Piercefield House, - near Chepstow, is now a ruin.
0:28:20 > 0:28:26- However, in 1802, - it's an architectural gem.
0:28:27 > 0:28:30- It's bought by a plantation owner - from the West Indies.
0:28:32 > 0:28:36- The most interesting thing - about Nathaniel Wells...
0:28:36 > 0:28:38- ..is that he's a black man.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42- He was born on the island - of St Kitts, the son of a slave...
0:28:42 > 0:28:47- ..and a slave owner from Cardiff - who made his fortune from sugar.
0:28:47 > 0:28:51- Wells' father - sends him to London to be educated.
0:28:52 > 0:28:54- When he inherits - his father's fortune...
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- ..he moves to Monmouthshire, - gets married...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01- ..and throws himself - into aristocratic life.
0:29:01 > 0:29:05- He is appointed - the county's deputy lieutenant...
0:29:05 > 0:29:07- ..and a justice of the peace.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09- He judges white people...
0:29:09 > 0:29:13- ..at a time when black people - in the colonies face such injustice.
0:29:14 > 0:29:18- But he runs his plantation - like every other owner.
0:29:18 > 0:29:21- Those campaigning against slavery...
0:29:21 > 0:29:26- ..draw attention to the fact - that one of his managers is cruel.
0:29:30 > 0:29:32- Nathaniel Wells' remarkable story...
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- ..teaches us an important lesson - about Wales at that time.
0:29:38 > 0:29:42- As the son of a nobleman, - he is also regarded as such...
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- ..whatever the colour of his skin.
0:29:45 > 0:29:50- Racial divisions are far less - important than class divisions.
0:29:50 > 0:29:53- For those who wanted - a comfortable life...
0:29:54 > 0:29:56- ..in the new modern Wales...
0:29:56 > 0:30:00- ..they had to belong - to the right social class.
0:30:01 > 0:30:06- A polarization occurs between - those with money and property...
0:30:06 > 0:30:09- ..and those who work for them.
0:30:09 > 0:30:12- The disparity is abundantly clear...
0:30:12 > 0:30:16- ..in Wales' largest town - at the time, Merthyr Tydfil.
0:30:16 > 0:30:22- The Merthyr workforce - is forced to live in slums...
0:30:22 > 0:30:24- ..which are erected on slag heaps.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29- Before long, - they are given a nickname.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32- Little Hell.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- Without a sewage system and clean - drinking water, disease is rife.
0:30:40 > 0:30:46- Every summer between 1800 and 1850, - cholera claims hundreds of lives.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- Cholera is so infectious, - the dead must be buried...
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- ..as far away as possible - from the industrial towns...
0:30:56 > 0:31:01- ..in cemeteries like Cefn Golau, - in the hills above Tredegar.
0:31:09 > 0:31:12- Two hundred victims of cholera - were laid to rest here...
0:31:12 > 0:31:16- ..after enduring - a quick but painful death.
0:31:16 > 0:31:19- The disease followed a pattern.
0:31:19 > 0:31:24- Sufferers appeared to be cured - just hours before they died.
0:31:24 > 0:31:29- Nobody understood at the time - that dirty water spread the disease.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37- A quarter of the mortalities - are children under ten years old.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41- Other diseases are easily passed - from parent to child...
0:31:41 > 0:31:46- ..and from one family to another - due to their close proximity.
0:31:48 > 0:31:54- An account from the 1840s measures - the dimensions of one house...
0:31:54 > 0:31:58- ..at four and a half foot wide - by seven foot long.
0:31:58 > 0:32:03- A mother, father and their children - would have to live and sleep...
0:32:03 > 0:32:07- ..within the confines - of this tiny space.
0:32:07 > 0:32:12- There was another cottage next door - and another next door to that.
0:32:12 > 0:32:18- An entire community of workers - living in abject squalor.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26- Others live in style.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33- The growth of industry...
0:32:33 > 0:32:38- ..enables Richard Crawshay - and his family to live in luxury.
0:32:39 > 0:32:43- Cyfarthfa Castle has 72 rooms.
0:32:44 > 0:32:47- Crawshay spends 30,000 on it.
0:32:47 > 0:32:51- That's over 3 million - in today's money.
0:32:53 > 0:32:58- When it came to celebrations, - no expense is spared.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03- For a family wedding in 1847...
0:33:03 > 0:33:08- ..they turn the ironworks - into a banqueting hall and ballroom.
0:33:10 > 0:33:14- A thousand guests, - 10,000 quarts of beer...
0:33:14 > 0:33:18- ..and a choice - of 29 different meals.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24- Life for the workers - was very different.
0:33:25 > 0:33:32- Very rarely did a puddler aged 40 - retain his health and strength.
0:33:32 > 0:33:36- The ingenious Welsh Method...
0:33:36 > 0:33:39- ..netted a fortune - for the Crawshay family.
0:33:42 > 0:33:45- The puddler's reward - is a short and precarious life.
0:33:49 > 0:33:53- But it wasn't just the men - who undertook hard labour.
0:33:53 > 0:33:57- Hundreds of women - also worked at the ironworks...
0:33:57 > 0:34:01- ..not that everybody approved.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07- Recent research - throws a different light...
0:34:07 > 0:34:10- ..on the role of women - in the workplace.
0:34:10 > 0:34:15- Very respectable men - tried to halt the policy...
0:34:15 > 0:34:19- ..of allowing women - to work alongside men.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22- Not because the women - were too weak for the work...
0:34:23 > 0:34:25- ..but on moral grounds.
0:34:25 > 0:34:27- One Merthyr vicar says...
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- .."The employment of girls - in the works...
0:34:30 > 0:34:32- "..tends greatly - to their demoralization.
0:34:33 > 0:34:37- "They get habits of intemperance - and, indeed, all sorts of vice."
0:34:37 > 0:34:43- That is to say, working in these - places led to immoral behaviour.
0:34:46 > 0:34:48- The authorities were well aware...
0:34:48 > 0:34:52- ..of events at Merthyr's - ironworks and mines.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- The government sent officials there - to gather information.
0:34:56 > 0:35:01- Their report clearly shows - the pressure the workers were under.
0:35:03 > 0:35:06- According to - Henrietta Frankland's evidence...
0:35:07 > 0:35:11- ..her job was to move 500lbs - of coal in a dram underground.
0:35:11 > 0:35:16- Every day, it was her duty - to move 50 of these drams...
0:35:16 > 0:35:22- ..in tunnels less than a metre high, - with water flowing through them.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27- It's worth noting that Henrietta - was a mere eleven years old.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34- Workers are willing - to suffer the conditions...
0:35:35 > 0:35:38- ..in order to support - their families.
0:35:38 > 0:35:44- But in May 1831, the ironmasters - cut wages and begin sacking workers.
0:35:50 > 0:35:55- With no bread and no hope, - the ordinary folk revolt.
0:35:55 > 0:35:59- A crowd of 10,000 - takes over Merthyr Tydfil.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07- The government - sends soldiers to the town.
0:36:07 > 0:36:12- They shoot unarmed workers - in cold blood.
0:36:12 > 0:36:15- Workers who were protesting - for basic rights.
0:36:22 > 0:36:28- The throng soaks a cloth in calf's - blood and wave it as a red banner.
0:36:28 > 0:36:32- It's the first time - this symbol of revolution...
0:36:32 > 0:36:34- ..was waved on British soil.
0:36:38 > 0:36:41- By the time - the army halts the protest...
0:36:41 > 0:36:43- ..twenty workers are dead.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50- As many still remember...
0:36:50 > 0:36:55- ..one of those arrested, - Richard Lewis or Dic Penderyn...
0:36:55 > 0:36:59- ..was hanged - for his involvement in the revolt.
0:37:00 > 0:37:03- But Dic Penderyn - wasn't the only protester...
0:37:04 > 0:37:08- ..to lose his life in the battle - to create a modern Wales.
0:37:11 > 0:37:11- .
0:37:13 > 0:37:13- Subtitles
0:37:13 > 0:37:15- Subtitles- - Subtitles
0:37:20 > 0:37:24- On Sunday 3 November 1839...
0:37:24 > 0:37:28- ..a carpenter from Pontypool - writes a letter to his parents.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- Dear parents...
0:37:32 > 0:37:35- George Shell is 19 years old.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40- ..I shall this night be engaged - in a struggle for freedom.
0:37:43 > 0:37:46- And should it please God - to spare my life...
0:37:47 > 0:37:49- ..I will see you soon.
0:37:52 > 0:37:56- But George Shell's parents - would never see their son again.
0:38:00 > 0:38:07- The following day, George Shell - marched down this hill in Newport.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- He wasn't alone.
0:38:09 > 0:38:15- He was one of 5,000 workers - campaigning for the right to vote.
0:38:15 > 0:38:19- This army - was part of a much wider movement.
0:38:19 > 0:38:24- An organization keen - to see modern democracy in Britain.
0:38:24 > 0:38:26- The Chartist Movement.
0:38:29 > 0:38:33- The new working class - fights for the right to vote.
0:38:34 > 0:38:38- Up to now, only landowners - and landlords had that right.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- A charter is sent - to Parliament in Westminster...
0:38:44 > 0:38:47- ..bearing the signatures - of over a million people.
0:38:48 > 0:38:52- Within a month, - Parliament rejects it outright.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00- With no means - of ensuring democratic rights...
0:39:00 > 0:39:03- ..the Chartists - must take direct action.
0:39:04 > 0:39:05- In the Gwent valleys...
0:39:05 > 0:39:10- ..20,000 of them decide - to take over Newport town centre.
0:39:13 > 0:39:15- The Chartists are on their way...
0:39:16 > 0:39:20- ..and Newport's influential and - affluent residents are in a panic.
0:39:21 > 0:39:23- Landowners flee with their families.
0:39:23 > 0:39:28- A colliery owner - tries to hide in his own coal mine.
0:39:29 > 0:39:32- One Anglican priest - is so panic-stricken...
0:39:32 > 0:39:35- ..that he tries to hide - in a pool of water.
0:39:40 > 0:39:42- But a fierce storm rages overnight.
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- There are 20,000 Chartists - in the valleys...
0:39:46 > 0:39:49- ..but they are separated - during the storm.
0:39:49 > 0:39:53- Barely a quarter of them - reach Newport by the morning.
0:39:53 > 0:39:55- Worse was to come.
0:39:55 > 0:40:01- Unbeknown to the Chartists, - soldiers were at the Westgate Hotel.
0:40:01 > 0:40:06- The situation had changed and - the protesters were in grave danger.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12- Without warning, - the soldiers open fire.
0:40:13 > 0:40:16- Twenty Chartists - are killed instantly.
0:40:16 > 0:40:18- Dozens more are injured.
0:40:25 > 0:40:29- The Gwent Chartists' revolt is over.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37- The bodies of the deceased - lie in the hotel's stables.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41- The youngest of them - is George Shell.
0:40:50 > 0:40:53- Between the Merthyr Riots - and the Gwent Chartists...
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- ..parts of Wales are gaining - a reputation for anarchy.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- But the revolutionary spirit - of the age was spreading.
0:41:03 > 0:41:09- Don't think that the riots - are limited to industrial areas.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- There are also riots - in the countryside.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15- Back in 1839, - my family, the Edwardses...
0:41:16 > 0:41:19- ..still lived - in this part of Ceredigion.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- They might have been involved - in the riots.
0:41:22 > 0:41:25- The cause of the revolt - was the toll gates.
0:41:25 > 0:41:30- Farmers had to move their livestock - from one place to another...
0:41:30 > 0:41:34- ..and had to pay - a costly sum for doing so.
0:41:34 > 0:41:36- Things had to change.
0:41:36 > 0:41:40- Rebecca's Daughters - came to the fore.
0:41:47 > 0:41:51- The farmers adopt - a very peculiar tactic.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- They wear skirts and aprons.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01- They also blacken their faces.
0:42:06 > 0:42:10- They head to the new toll gate - in Efailwen...
0:42:10 > 0:42:14- ..while shouting the name Rebecca.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- Over the following five years...
0:42:35 > 0:42:39- ..there were more than 200 attacks - on toll gates.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43- But who is Rebecca - and where does she come from?
0:42:46 > 0:42:49- "May Rebeccah's descendants - be strong...
0:42:50 > 0:42:53- "..and conquer the cities - of their enemies."
0:42:53 > 0:42:56- This was the ideology - of an oppressed people.
0:42:58 > 0:43:00- Several Rebeccas were cropping up.
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- No-one knows - who the riot leaders are.
0:43:03 > 0:43:09- For three years, they evade - capture by the army and police.
0:43:09 > 0:43:11- As the riots spread...
0:43:11 > 0:43:16- ..it's believed that some - of the nobility supported the cause.
0:43:18 > 0:43:23- By 1843, they target - other symbols of oppression.
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- The workhouse, for instance, where - the poor and infirm are mistreated.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- This is the location - of the largest riot.
0:43:33 > 0:43:40- It happens on 19 June 1843, - in broad daylight.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- 2,000 protesters - make their way to the workhouse.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- The Penlan workhouse in Carmarthen.
0:43:49 > 0:43:53- The scene - is so violent and fierce...
0:43:53 > 0:43:57- ..that the London press, - at long last, pays attention.
0:43:57 > 0:44:01- This is a turning point - in the Rebecca Riots.
0:44:05 > 0:44:07- In light of events in Carmarthen...
0:44:07 > 0:44:11- ..the authorities - must now acknowledge farmers' anger.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14- The government - appoints a commission...
0:44:14 > 0:44:17- ..to investigate - the turnpike companies.
0:44:17 > 0:44:20- The report mentions corruption.
0:44:20 > 0:44:24- The companies must make amends - and improve the roads.
0:44:25 > 0:44:27- The Rebecca Riots are a victory...
0:44:28 > 0:44:32- ..for those willing to make a stand - for human rights and justice.
0:44:37 > 0:44:42- But the escapades of ordinary folk - aren't over yet, not by a long way.
0:44:45 > 0:44:50- In 1847, a vicious attack - on Welsh culture is published...
0:44:50 > 0:44:54- ..in a report - by the British government.
0:44:54 > 0:44:56- These are the Blue Books.
0:44:56 > 0:45:01- They portray the Welsh - as an inebriated and immoral people.
0:45:01 > 0:45:06- The report also suggests that - the Welsh language holds them back.
0:45:09 > 0:45:11- After a century of hard work...
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- ..that forged the way - for a modern Wales...
0:45:15 > 0:45:18- ..ordinary folk - are blamed for their failings.
0:45:18 > 0:45:23- They are also blamed - for speaking their own language.
0:45:24 > 0:45:30- For many, life in Wales during - the 1830s and 1840s is intolerable.
0:45:30 > 0:45:35- In a corner of Ceredigion - where my ancestors are buried...
0:45:35 > 0:45:39- ..4,500 residents decide - that enough is enough.
0:45:40 > 0:45:43- It's time - to bid farewell and emigrate.
0:45:45 > 0:45:51- All the hardship and misery - forces them to take the huge step...
0:45:51 > 0:45:55- ..of turning their backs - on their beloved Wales...
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- ..and heading to America.
0:45:58 > 0:46:02- Many of the Edwards brothers - emigrate to Ohio.
0:46:02 > 0:46:04- Now, two centuries later...
0:46:05 > 0:46:10- ..the family ties between Ohio - and Wales have been re-established.
0:46:10 > 0:46:15- They contributed to the work - of resetting these gravestones.
0:46:15 > 0:46:19- By the way, - there is one exception.
0:46:19 > 0:46:23- One of Nathaniel Edwards' - grandchildren, Dafydd...
0:46:24 > 0:46:27- ..remained in this part of Wales.
0:46:27 > 0:46:32- That's why I'm here today, - as a Welshman, not an American.
0:46:38 > 0:46:43- By 1850, there are more Welshmen - toiling in the ironworks...
0:46:43 > 0:46:46- ..and in the coalfields - than there are farmers.
0:46:47 > 0:46:51- Wales is the world's - first industrial country.
0:46:51 > 0:46:54- Within a century, - the nation's economy...
0:46:55 > 0:46:58- ..and the lives of its people - were transformed.
0:47:00 > 0:47:04- Soon, there will be another wave - of migration from Ceredigion.
0:47:05 > 0:47:08- But this time, the destination - is the South Wales valleys.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12- Among them - is another branch of my family.
0:47:14 > 0:47:16- Instead of fleeing - to the New World...
0:47:16 > 0:47:19- ..they are keen - to stay in their own country.
0:47:20 > 0:47:24- They are part of the large army - helping to create a modern Wales...
0:47:24 > 0:47:29- ..our Wales, - as we discover in the next episode.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58- S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.
0:47:58 > 0:47:59- .