Born on this day 1880 in Cardiff.

James "Jim" Driscoll - much loved and respected boxer who fought his way fight his way from a humble upbringing to become British featherweight champion and winner of a Lonsdale belt. 

 After winning the British and Commonwealth titles, Driscoll went to America where he fought World champion Abe Attell in 1910 and although he gave what is generally regarded as one of the greatest exhibitions of boxing ever seen, he was not able to knock out Attely.  At the time, a bout could not be won on points,  so the outcome was "no decision" which resulted in Attell holding on to the title.  However the American public were so impressed with Driscoll's skill and craft that they named him  'Peerless Jim.'  

Driscoll then turned down the chance of a rematch, because he had committed himself to a fund raising exhibition for the St. Nazareth House orphanage in Cardiff.  After the interruption to his career of  World War I, he continued to fight, even though his health was failing and he died of consumption  in 1925.  

At his funeral, the people of Wales, showed the high esteem in which he was held, with 100,000 people lining the streets of Cardiff.  To this day fresh daffodils are laid at his grave at Cathays Cemetary and a statue of him was erected in Cardiff in 1997. 

Sir Thomas Parry (c. 1515 – 15 December 1560) was a Comptroller to the Household of Queen Elizabeth I, responsible for auditing the accounts of the Royal Household and making arrangements for royal travel. 

Parry was brought up at Tretower Court, Breconshire and was a family friend of William Cecil, the chief advisor of Queen Elizabeth I.  He first appears as being on the staff of Thomas Cromwell in 1536, carrying out tasks relating to the dissolution of the monasteries.  Later when Elizabeth was confined to Hatfield House by Queen Mary, Parry was one of the few Protestants who visited her and his loyalty was rewarded by Elizabeth when she became Queen, by receiving a knighthood and lands in Berkshire.

It seems however that he was not popular at the royal court, as when he died, it was said by some of his contemporaries that his death was caused by ill-humour.

In December 2012, The BBC announced that its hugely popular fantasy drama Merlin, based on the Arthurian legends, which had run since 2008, was to come to a natural end with a two-part finale, concluding with the battle for Camelot.   

Born on this day 1938 in Neath

Michael Bogdanov - multiple award winning Shakespearean director, who has produced, written and directed Many works for the BBC and the Irish broadcaster RTE.  

Born on this day 1932 in Llanelli

Sir John Meurig Thomas - a prominent chemist, who the mineral meurigite is named after.  He is is a leading authority in the field of catalysts.  

Swansea was officially granted City status on 15th December 1969.