"The Merthyr Rising"  

On 1st June 1831, the symbolic red flag was raised for the first time in the UK at "The Merthyr Rising".

The Merthyr Rising, started as a popular rebellion against unjust working and living conditions, but quickly rose into armed insurrection, which has been described as "the most ferocious and bloody event in the history of industrialized Britain."  

The Great Depression of 1829 had led to massive unemployment and when Merthyr ironmaster William Crawshay lowered his employee's wages, the panic in the town, led to a series of local demonstrations.  One led by Thomas Llewelyn, a Cyfartha miner, resulted in goal prisoners being released and another from Hirwaun marched on Merthyr, raiding property and shops to return previously confiscated goods to their owners.

In an attempt to restore order, Scots Highlanders from their Brecon Barracks were sent in and opened fire on a large crowd that had assembled outside the Castle Inn.  Over two dozen of the crowd were killed and hundreds wounded.  However 16 soldiers were also killed and the Highlanders were forced to retreat.  The following day Swansea Yeomanry were sent in, but they were  ambushed and disarmed. 

It took a week for order to be restored to the area and the resulting punishment was severe, with Richard Lewis (Dic Penderyn), being hanged at Cardiff Gaol on the charge of wounding a soldier.  It is recorded that his last words were "O Arglwydd, dyma gamwedd" (Oh Lord, what an injustice).

Born this day 1893 in Llanddulas, Denbighshire. 

Lewis Valentine , politician, author, editor, Baptist pastor and Welsh language activist, who is best remembered for his involvement in the 1936 protest known as 'Tan yn Llyn' (Fire in Llyn)

The UK government had announced its intention to establish a military bombing school at Penyberth on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd. Despite bitter protestations locally and appeals to parliament, the construction went ahead. On September 8th 1936, the bombing school building was set on fire. Lewis Valentine, along with Saunders Lewis and D J Williams claimed responsibility.

At their trial, the accused men were sentenced to nine months imprisonment, but took full responsibility for the damage adding that in spite of thousands of protests that the placing of such an institution in Llyn would endanger the culture and traditions of one of the most Welsh regions in Wales, the English Government had refused even to receive a Welsh to talk over the matter. They went on to say that as lawful and peaceful methods had failed to secure for Wales even common courtesy at the hands of the Government of England, they felt compelled to draw attention to the immoral violation of the sure and natural rights of the Welsh nation.  

On Monday 1st June 1857, the Crumlin Viaduct was officially opened.   

Crumlin viaduct was hailed as 'one of the most significant examples of technological achievement during the Industrial Revolution'.  It was the highest railway viaduct in Britain and only the Aqueduct of Spoleto in Italy and the Portage Timber Viaduct in the United States were higher anywhere else in the world.  

However, as a result of the report by Dr Reginald Beeching, for British Railways in 1963,  over 2,000 stations and a quarter of Britain's railway lines were closed.  This included the Crumlin Viaduct, which carried its last passenger train on 13th June 1964.  Interestingly, during its demolition, it was used as a location for the film 'Arabesque, starring Gregory Peck and Sophia Loren.

 
 
On 1st June 1939, the submarine HMS Thetis sank during trials in Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey, with the loss of 99 men.  

After the tragedy, she was salvaged and recommissioned as HMS Thunderbolt serving in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theatres until she was lost with all hands on 14 March 1943, making her one of the few military vessels that have been lost twice with her crew in their service history.   

Born this day 1980 in Bridgend

Lee Byrne, Wales and Lions rugby international.  

 
Born this day 1947 in Holywell, Flintshire

Jonathan Pryce, actor and singer.

After studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1974, Pryce began a career in theatre, which resulted in an award-winning performance of Hamlet at the Royal Court Theatre.  This led to him appearing in many supporting roles in film and television and he made his breakthrough screen leading role in Terry Gilliam's 1985 cult film Brazil.  Known for his versatility, Pryce has also  appeared in films such as Tomorrow Never Dies, Evita and Pirates of the Caribbean. His career in theatre has been just as prolific, with him winning two Tony Awards.