In March 1878, the  'Thomas' process, which enabled iron ore containing phosphorus to be used in steel making was developed at Blaenavon Ironworks by Sidney Gilchrist Thomas and Percy Gilchrist. 

Sidney Gilchrist Thomas, whose father was Welsh born, was an industrial chemist in London who developed a solution to the problem of phosphorus in iron ore, which resulted in the production of low grade steel. His cousin, Percy Gilchrist was a chemist at the Blaenavon ironworks, where they persuaded the manager, Edward Martin to help test the process.

The invention was a success and proved to be of world-wide importance.  It increased Blaenavon's production so much that the nearby Big Pit coal mine was sunk to service its needs.  The population of Blaenavon parish subsequently grew to 11,452 by 1891.  

Born this day,1884 in Talysarn, Gwynedd

R Williams Parry, who was one of Wales' greatest poets, renowned for his early romantic poetry.  He won the chair at the 1910 National Eisteddfod.  

The Flintshire Bridge was opened on 6th March 1998 to provide an alternative route into North Wales from North-West England.

It spans 200 metres across the River Dee Estuary and is more than 18m high to allow shipping to pass underneath. It is Britain's largest asymmetric cable-stayed bridge.   

Died on this day 1895

Isaac D. Seyburn, Welsh-born American who served as an officer in the United States Navy during the Civil War and was wounded in action during the 1861 Battle of port Royal, he later moved to Louisiana, where he operated a sugar plantation.   

Born this day 1928 in Bolton (the son of a Welsh railway guard)  

Glyn Owen, television and film actor, best known for his roles in the hospital drama Emergency Ward 10 and the BBC series Howards Way.  

Born this day, 1965 in Caerau near Maesteg

Allan Bateman, former Welsh rugby union and rugby league international, who also played for the British and Irish Lions at rugby union and Great Britain at rugby league.