Rebels

Llantrisant boasts a statue of William Price (1800-1893) - one of the most flamboyant, romantic and revolutionary characters in Welsh history. Price was a brilliant scholar, an exemplary surgeon, a radical activist and a pioneer in social health care who may well have influenced NHS founder Aneurin Bevan. He was interested in eastern religions, medieval Welsh literature, Greek mythology and Egyptology, and was an active Chartist, feminist, philanthropist and Neo-druid who pushed the cause of Brythonic Welsh identity. Price developed and enacted ‘pagan’ rites: dressing in druidic outfits and addressing gatherings. Dylan Thomas’ short story The Baby Burning Case is based on the controversial open-air cremation of Price’s infant son, called Iesu Grist (Jesus Christ) in 1884. Chapel goers left the Sunday evening service to see an 84-year-old Price, dressed in white robes, dancing around a flaming casket on East Caerlan hilltop. You can explore the story on foot through the beautiful new walking tour here and associated audio trail here.