1948 in Wales
Encyclopedia
This article is about the particular significance of the year 1948 to Wales
and its people
.
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
and its people
Welsh people
The Welsh people are an ethnic group and nation associated with Wales and the Welsh language.John Davies argues that the origin of the "Welsh nation" can be traced to the late 4th and early 5th centuries, following the Roman departure from Britain, although Brythonic Celtic languages seem to have...
.
Incumbents
- Prince of WalesPrince of WalesPrince of Wales is a title traditionally granted to the heir apparent to the reigning monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the 15 other independent Commonwealth realms...
- vacant - Princess of WalesPrincess of WalesPrincess of Wales is a British courtesy title held by the wife of The Prince of Wales since the first "English" Prince of Wales in 1283.Although there have been considerably more than ten male heirs to the throne, there have been only ten Princesses of Wales. The majority of Princes of Wales...
- vacant - Archbishop of WalesArchbishop of WalesThe post of Archbishop of Wales was created in 1920 when the Church in Wales was separated from the Church of England , and disestablished...
- David Lewis Prosser - ArchdruidArchdruidThe Archdruid is the title used by the presiding official of the Gorsedd.The Archdruid presides over the most important ceremonies at the National Eisteddfod of Wales including the Crowning of the Bard, The Award of the Prose Medal and Chairing of the Bard. From 1932 only former winners of the...
of the National Eisteddfod of WalesNational Eisteddfod of WalesThe National Eisteddfod of Wales is the most important of several eisteddfodau that are held annually, mostly in Wales.- Organisation :...
- CrwysWilliam Williams (Crwys)William Williams , better known by his bardic name of "Crwys", was a Welsh poet in the Welsh language. He served as Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales from 1939 to 1947....
Events
- 21 May - Hugh DaltonHugh DaltonEdward Hugh John Neale Dalton, Baron Dalton PC was a British Labour Party politician who served as Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1945 to 1947, when he was implicated in a political scandal involving budget leaks....
is appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of LancasterChancellor of the Duchy of LancasterThe Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster is, in modern times, a ministerial office in the government of the United Kingdom that includes as part of its duties, the administration of the estates and rents of the Duchy of Lancaster...
. - 24 June - Thomas WilliamsThomas Williams, 1st Baron WilliamsThomas Edward Williams, 1st Baron Williams , was a peer of the United Kingdom.He was ennobled on 24 June 1948 as Baron Williams, of Ynyshir in the County of Glamorgan. The peerage became extinct on his death in 1966....
is created 1st Baron Williams of Ynyshir. - 1 July - The National Museum of WalesNational Museum WalesAmgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, formerly the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, comprises eight museums in Wales:* National Museum Cardiff* St Fagans: National History Museum, Cardiff* Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon...
opens the Welsh Folk MuseumSt Fagans National History MuseumSt Fagans National History Museum , commonly referred to as St Fagans after the village where it is located, is an open-air museum in Cardiff chronicling the historical lifestyle, culture and architecture of the Welsh people...
at St Fagans to the public, the first open-air museum in the UK (director: Iorwerth PeateIorwerth PeateIorwerth Peate also known as Cyfeiliog, was a Welsh poet and scholar, best known as the founder, along with Cyril Fox, of St Fagans National History Museum. Born in Llanbrynmair, his interest in folk studies and anthropology was kindled when studying at Aberystwyth under professor Herbert John...
). - October - Opening of the Hoover washing machineWashing machineA washing machine is a machine designed to wash laundry, such as clothing, towels and sheets...
factory at Merthyr TydfilMerthyr TydfilMerthyr Tydfil is a town in Wales, with a population of about 30,000. Although once the largest town in Wales, it is now ranked as the 15th largest urban area in Wales. It also gives its name to a county borough, which has a population of around 55,000. It is located in the historic county of...
. - Aneurin BevanAneurin BevanAneurin "Nye" Bevan was a British Labour Party politician who was the Deputy Leader of the Labour Party from 1959 until his death in 1960. The son of a coal miner, Bevan was a lifelong champion of social justice and the rights of working people...
is instrumental in the passing of the Local Government ActLocal Government Act 1948The Local Government Act 1948 was an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It was passed during the Labour government of Clement Attlee....
and National Assistance ActNational Assistance Act 1948The National Assistance Act 1948 was an Act of Parliament passed in the United Kingdom by the Labour government of Clement Attlee.-Overview:It formally abolished the Poor Law system which had existed since the reign of Elizabeth I, and established a social safety-net for those who didn’t pay...
. - Ness EdwardsNess EdwardsOnesimus Edwards was a Welsh Labour Party politician.A trade unionist, Ness Edwards was imprisoned in 1917 as a conscientious objector to the conscription of the First World War. He was elected Member of Parliament for Caerphilly at a by-election in 1939 following the death of Labour MP and...
joins the Privy CouncilPrivy councilA privy council is a body that advises the head of state of a nation, typically, but not always, in the context of a monarchic government. The word "privy" means "private" or "secret"; thus, a privy council was originally a committee of the monarch's closest advisors to give confidential advice on...
. - Creation of the Welsh Joint Education Committee.
- Beginning of nylonNylonNylon is a generic designation for a family of synthetic polymers known generically as polyamides, first produced on February 28, 1935, by Wallace Carothers at DuPont's research facility at the DuPont Experimental Station...
manufacture at PontypoolPontypoolPontypool is a town of approximately 36,000 people in the county borough of Torfaen, within the historic boundaries of Monmouthshire in South Wales....
. - Jim GriffithsJim GriffithsJames "Jim" Griffiths CH , was a Welsh Labour politician, trade union leader and the first ever Secretary of State for Wales.-Background and education:...
becomes Chairman of the Labour Party. - The Council for Wales and Monmouthshire is established as an advisory body.
- A residential Welsh-medium preparatory school for boys is founded at LlanilarLlanilarLlanilar is a village in Ceredigion, Wales, about 4 kilometres southeast of Aberystwyth.- History & Amenities :The village was built along the southern side of the River Ystwyth and contains a parish church, Nonconformist chapel, post office, primary school, GP Surgery and garage. The church is...
in CardiganshireCeredigionCeredigion is a county and former kingdom in mid-west Wales. As Cardiganshire , it was created in 1282, and was reconstituted as a county under that name in 1996, reverting to Ceredigion a day later...
. - Physicist Rhisiart Morgan Davies publishes the results of his work on stress waves.
Arts and literature
- Kingsley AmisKingsley AmisSir Kingsley William Amis, CBE was an English novelist, poet, critic, and teacher. He wrote more than 20 novels, six volumes of poetry, a memoir, various short stories, radio and television scripts, along with works of social and literary criticism...
becomes a lecturer at the University of Wales, Swansea.
Awards
- National Eisteddfod of Wales (held in BridgendBridgendBridgend is a town in the Bridgend County Borough in Wales, west of the capital, Cardiff. The river crossed by the original bridge, which gave the town its name, is the River Ogmore but the River Ewenny also passes to the south of the town...
)
- National Eisteddfod of Wales: Chair - D. Emrys James
- National Eisteddfod of Wales: Crown - Euros BowenEuros BowenEuros Bowen was a Welsh language poet.Born in Treorchy, and a brother of the poet Geraint Bowen, he was educated in the Presbyterian College, Carmarthen, and later at the University of Wales and Mansfield College, Oxford...
- National Eisteddfod of Wales: Prose Medal - Robert Ivor Parry
New books
- Ambrose BebbAmbrose BebbWilliam Ambrose Bebb was a Welsh author and politician.Ambrose Bebb was the son of diarist Edward Hughes Bebb, and the father of noted Welsh rugby international Dewi Bebb...
- Gadael tir - Sir Alfred Thomas Davies - The Lloyd George I Knew
- Aneirin Talfan DaviesAneirin Talfan DaviesAneirin Talfan Davies was a Welsh poet, broadcaster and literary critic.Talfan Davies was brought up in Gorseinon. During the 1930s Davies worked in London as a pharmacist before returning to Wales and settling in Swansea. He was the brother of Alun Talfan Davies, with whom he founded the...
- Eliot, Pwshcin, Poe - William Eames & Megan Ellis - Melin y Ddôl
- Griffith Wynne Griffith - Ffynnon Bethlehem
- Robert David Griffith - Hanes Canu Cynulleidfaol Cymru
- Isaac Daniel HoosonIsaac Daniel HoosonIsaac Daniel Hooson , or I. D. Hooson as he was commonly known, solicitor and poet was born in Victoria House, Market St. in the village of Rhosllannerchrugog, Denbighshire, Wales....
- Y Gwin a Cherddi Eraill - David James Jones (Gwenallt) - Bywyd a Gwaith Islwyn
- Jack JonesJack Jones (novelist)Jack Jones was a Welsh novelist and playwright who began writing in the 1930s.-Early years:Jack Jones was born in 1884 at Tai-Harri-Blawdd in Merthyr Tydfil, the son of a coal miner. He joined his father to work in the mine aged 12. At the age of 17 he joined the army and was posted to South...
- Some Trust in Chariots - Griffith John Williams - Traddodiad Llenyddol Morgannwg
Music
- Arwel HughesArwel HughesArwel Hughes OBE , was a Welsh orchestral conductor and composer.Hughes was born in Rhosllannerchrugog near Wrexham and was educated at Ruabon Grammar School and at the Royal College of Music, where he studied with Ralph Vaughan Williams and C. H. Kitson...
- String Quartet No. 1 - David Wynne - Sonata for violin and piano
Film
- Glynis JohnsGlynis JohnsGlynis Johns is a South African-born Welsh stage and film actress, dancer, pianist and singer . With a career spanning seven decades, Johns is often cited as the "complete actress", who happens to be a trained pianist and singer...
stars in Miranda. - Hugh GriffithHugh GriffithHugh Emrys Griffith was a Welsh film, stage and television actor.-Early life:Griffith was born in Marianglas, Anglesey, Wales, the son of Mary and William Griffith. He was educated at Llangefni County School and attempted to gain entrance to university, but failed the English examination...
appears in London Belongs to MeLondon Belongs to MeLondon Belongs to Me is a 1948 British film directed by Sidney Gilliat and starring Richard Attenborough and Alastair Sim. It was based on the novel of the same name by Norman Collins... - Wandering Through Wales
Sport
- AthleticsAthletics (track and field)Athletics is an exclusive collection of sporting events that involve competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking. The most common types of athletics competitions are track and field, road running, cross country running, and race walking...
– Tom RichardsTom RichardsTom Richards may refer to:* Tom Richards , Australian television actor* Tom Richards , British marathon runner* Tom Richards , Australian rugby union footballer* Tom Richards , English squash player...
finishes second in the marathon at the London Olympics, becoming the first Welshman to win an individual athletics medal at the Olympics. - Equestrian eventsEquestrianismEquestrianism more often known as riding, horseback riding or horse riding refers to the skill of riding, driving, or vaulting with horses...
– Sir Harry LlewellynHarry LlewellynSir Harry Morton Llewellyn, 3rd Baronet, CBE was a British equestrian champion. He was born in Aberdare, South Wales, the son of a colliery owner, Sir David Llewellyn, 1st Baronet.- Background :...
wins a bronze medal at the Olympic GamesOlympic GamesThe Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
in London. - Rugby UnionRugby unionRugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
- 21 February – France beats Wales 3–11 at the St Helen's Ground in Swansea.
Births
- 22 January - Roger WilliamsRoger Williams (UK politician)Roger Hugh Williams is a British Liberal Democrat politician. He has been the Member of Parliament for the constituency of Brecon and Radnorshire since the 2001 general election.-Early life:...
, UK politician - 4 March - Shakin' StevensShakin' StevensShakin' Stevens, also known as "Shaky" is a platinum selling Welsh rock and roll singer and songwriter who holds the distinction of being the UK's biggest-selling singles artist of the 1980s . His recording and performing career began in the late 1960s, although it was not until 1980 that he saw...
, singer - 1 April
- Dai Davies, footballer
- Peter LawPeter LawPeter John Law was a Welsh politician.- Labour Co-operative AM and Independent MP :For most of his career Law sat as a Labour Councillor and subsequently Labour Co-operative Assembly Member for Blaenau Gwent...
, politician - J.J. WilliamsJ.J. WilliamsJohn James Williams , known universally as J.J. Williams, is a former Welsh rugby union player who gained thirty caps for Wales as a winger....
, rugby player
- 2 April - Tom DavidTom DavidThomas Patrick "Tommy" David is a former Wales international rugby union and rugby league player. He was selected for the 1974 British Lions tour to South Africa and at the time played club rugby for Llanelli RFC. He also played for his home-town club Pontypridd RFC and while at the club was part...
, Wales international rugby union and rugby league player - 14 May - Albert Alan Owen, composer
- 18 May - Keith JarrettKeith Jarrett (rugby)Keith Jarrett was a Welsh international rugby centre who played union for Newport and league with Barrow. Jarrett is most notable for his early appearances for the Wales national rugby union team where he set point scoring records...
, rugby player - 26 May (in London) - Jenny Randerson, politician
- 4 June (in GlasgowGlasgowGlasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
) - Jeff Cuthbert, politician - 14 June - Ffred FfransisFfred FfransisFfred Ffransis , is a prominent member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg .-Biography:He was born in Colwyn Bay, but lived in Rhyl for most of his childhood...
, political activist - 2 August - Andy Fairweather-LowAndy Fairweather-LowAndrew Fairweather Low is a Welsh guitarist, songwriter and vocalist. He was a founding member of 1960s British pop band, Amen Corner, and in recent years has toured extensively with Roger Waters, Eric Clapton and Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings.-Early career:Fairweather Low first found fame as a...
, musician - 9 August - Jackie Lawrence, politician
- 12 September - Neville MeadeNeville MeadeNeville Meade was a Jamaica-born boxer who emigrated to the United Kingdom settling in Swansea in south Wales. He rose to prominence when he won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in New Zealand...
(in Jamaica), heavyweight boxer (d. 2010) - 24 October - Phil BennettPhil BennettPhillip Bennett was a Welsh international rugby union fly half from 1969 to 1978. His flair and range of tricks, including his famous sidestep and swerve, meant he was a firm favourite with crowds.-Rugby career:...
, rugby player - 14 November (in London) - CharlesCharles, Prince of WalesPrince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay...
, future Prince of Wales - 25 November - Paul Murphy, politician
- date unknown
- Alan LlwydAlan LlwydAlan Llwyd , original name Alan Lloyd Roberts, is a Welsh poet, literary critic and editor, one of the most prolific Welsh-language poets in the last quarter of the 20th century....
, poet - Manon Rhys, writer
- Alan Llwyd
Deaths
- 12 January - Wilfred Bailey, 3rd Baron GlanuskWilfred Bailey, 3rd Baron GlanuskWilfred Russell Bailey, 3rd Baron Glanusk , was a British peer and soldier.Glanusk was the son of Joseph Henry Russell Bailey, 2nd Baron Glanusk, and succeeded his father as third Baron in 1928...
, 56 - 21 February - Tom PookTom PookTom Pook was an English-born international rugby forward who played rugby union for Newport and rugby league with Holbeck. Although short for a forward player at five foot six, Pook was described as possessing clever play and was good in the scrummage.-Rugby career:Pook came to note as a rugby...
, Wales international rugby union player, 78 - 8 March - Charlie ThomasCharlie Thomas (rugby player)Charles 'Charlie' Thomas was a Welsh international rugby union utility player who played club rugby for Newport and invitational rugby for the Barbarians. Thomas won nine caps for Wales.-Rugby career:...
, Wales international rugby player - 25 April - Arthur BoucherArthur BoucherArthur Boucher was a Welsh international rugby union forward who played club rugby for Newport. Boucher was an adaptable player, who although selected mainly as a forward, often played at centre. He was strong, quick for his position and passed well on the run...
, Wales international rugby union player, 77 - 30 April - David DanielDavid DanielDavid John Daniel was a Welsh international rugby union forward who played club rugby for Llanelli and international rugby for Wales.-Personal history:...
, Wales international rugby union player, 77 - 17 May - David EvansDavid Evans (composer)David Evans was a Welsh musician and composer.Evans was born at Resolven, Glamorgan. He worked in the coal industry as a teenager, but music was always his primary interest. He won a music scholarship and became a pupil of Joseph Parry, which led to his qualifying at University of Wales, Cardiff,...
, organist and composer, 74 - 9 June - Len TrumpLen TrumpLeonard "Len" Charles Trump was a Welsh international rugby union player, who later switched to professional rugby league...
, Wales international rugby player, 61 - 18 July - John Tywi Jones, Baptist minister and journalist (born 1870)
- 20 August - David John de LloydDavid John de LloydDr David John de Lloyd was a Welsh musician and composer.Born in Skewen, de Lloyd grew up in Aberystwyth, where he attended both school and university. In 1905, he became the college's first B.Mus. graduate. He also studied in Leipzig and Dublin. In 1926, he replaced Sir Walford Davies as...
, composer, 65 - 28 August - Charles Evans HughesCharles Evans HughesCharles Evans Hughes, Sr. was an American statesman, lawyer and Republican politician from New York. He served as the 36th Governor of New York , Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States , United States Secretary of State , a judge on the Court of International Justice , and...
, American politician of Welsh descent, 86 - 4 October - Arthur Whitten BrownArthur Whitten BrownSir Arthur Whitten Brown KBE was the navigator of the first successful non-stop transatlantic flight.-Life and work:...
, British aviator, in SwanseaSwanseaSwansea is a coastal city and county in Wales. Swansea is in the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan. Situated on the sandy South West Wales coast, the county area includes the Gower Peninsula and the Lliw uplands...
, 62 - 18 October - Isaac Daniel HoosonIsaac Daniel HoosonIsaac Daniel Hooson , or I. D. Hooson as he was commonly known, solicitor and poet was born in Victoria House, Market St. in the village of Rhosllannerchrugog, Denbighshire, Wales....
, poet, 68 - 17 November - B. B. MannB. B. MannBathurst Bellers Mann was an Irish-born international rugby union forward who played club rugby for Cardiff and international rugby for Wales...
, Wales international rugby union player, 90