BattlefieldsMerthyr Rising military suppression 1831
modern

Merthyr Rising military suppression 1831

1831
Wales
Era
modern
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Wales
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
the 93rd Highlanders and subsequently additional troops rushed to Merthyr.
VS
Victor
Not recorded in historical accounts
Forces
Merthyr ironworkers and colliers numbering in thousands
Outcome
Insurrection suppressed after several days of fighting. Several workers killed by soldiers at the Castle Inn. Dic Penderyn hanged. The Merthyr Rising was the first major industrial insurrection in Welsh history.
The Battle

History & Significance

Merthyr Tydfil ironworkers and colliers rose in insurrection against wage cuts and the truck shop system, flying a red flag in what may have been the first use of the red flag as a symbol of workers revolt. Soldiers of the 93rd Highlanders fired on crowds at the Castle Inn, killing several. Richard Lewis known as Dic Penderyn was subsequently hanged on disputed evidence.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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