Chartism in Wales

Chartism originated in Wales in Carmarthen under the influence of Hugh Williams, a solicitor and radical reformer. Williams claimed he "got up the first radical meeting in south Wales" in the autumn of 1836 when he founded Carmarthen Working Men's Association. This followed on from the foundation the previous year of the London Working Men's Association by William Lovett and Henry Hetherington, Hetherington was a friend of Hugh Williams and is likely to have influenced his activities in south Wales. The People's Charter, embodying six points, was published in May 1838, with an address by Lovett and Hetherington. It became the focus of widespread meetings in support of its objectives throughout Britain. The People's Charter was later published in Welsh increasing the movement's appeal in Welsh-speaking areas. Chartism in Wales reached its climax in November 1839 with the Newport Rising and subsequent treason trial of Chartist leaders.

It was at Newtown, Montgomeryshire that the first great Chartist demonstration in Wales was held on 10 October 1838. The movement here had been led by Thomas Powell, also a personal friend of Hugh Williams and Henry Hetherington. Powell was described by R Williams, in Montgomeryshire Worthies, as "a fiery little Welshman, who had much of the rebel in him, albeit a sensible man, clever and wary" However it was the crisis in the flannel industry in Montgomeryshire in 1838, and the economic insecurity that followed, that led to the spread of Chartism across the county.

In the months that followed, Hetherington visited the area from London, however it was the influence of Birmingham radicals that particularly introduced Chartism into this part of Wales. Further branches of the Working Men's Associations (WMAs) were founded in Newtown, Llanidloes and Welshpool on the model of the Birmingham Political Union.

At the Newtown demonstration, a delegate from Birmingham explained the principles of Chartism and among the speakers was Charles Jones. Jones was chosen as delegate at the Chartist National Convention.

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