The Merthyr Rising

This book, published in 1978, explores the 1831 Merthyr Tydfil Rising, a significant event in the emergence of the Welsh working class. Thousands of workers, led by trade unions, rebelled against the military and held the town, resulting in the deaths of at least two dozen workers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 238 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, originally published in 1978, delves into the remarkable story of the independent political action taken by thousands of hardworking individuals residing in the town of Merthyr Tydfil, Wales. Following a massive rally on the hills overlooking the town, an overwhelming number of workers, united under a reg flag, initiated an insurrection. To restore order, a detachment of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders marched into the town, only to be met with fierce resistance from the rebels. In a fierce clash, the rebels successfully repelled the soldiers, resulting in the occupation of the town by at least two dozen workers.

However, the consequences of this uprising were far-reaching, as it marked the beginning of a significant shift in the political landscape of South Wales. Within a matter of weeks, trade unions began to emerge, marking a crucial milestone in the formation of a Welsh working class. This book makes a compelling argument that these events played a pivotal role in shaping the identity and aspirations of the Welsh working people, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of their community.

The independent political action by the thousands of working people in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in 1978 is examined in this book. Following a mass rally on the hills above the town, thousands of workers under a reg flag broke into insurrection, with a detachment of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders marching into the town to restore order. The rebels repulsed the soldiers and held the town, with at least two dozen workers killed. Within weeks of the Rising, trade unions began to appear in South Wales, and this book argues that these events were central to the emergence of a Welsh working class.

The independent political action by the thousands of working people in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in 1978 is examined in this book. Following a mass rally on the hills above the town, thousands of workers under a reg flag broke into insurrection, with a detachment of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders marching into the town to restore order. The rebels repulsed the soldiers and held the town, with at least two dozen workers killed. Within weeks of the Rising, trade unions began to appear in South Wales, and this book argues that these events were central to the emergence of a Welsh working class.

The independent political action by the thousands of working people in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in 1978 is examined in this book. Following a mass rally on the hills above the town, thousands of workers under a reg flag broke into insurrection, with a detachment of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders marching into the town to restore order. The rebels repulsed the soldiers and held the town, with at least two dozen workers killed. Within weeks of the Rising, trade unions began to appear in South Wales, and this book argues that these events were central to the emergence of a Welsh working class.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032036830