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Richard Burton Bared:

Richard Burton Trails in Wales,

Yales Richard Burton Diaries, Liz & DickLifetime/Lohan FlickAll Coming Soon

New York, NY October 3, 2012 Surrounded by the serene Welsh beauty of the Afan Forest Park, iconic Welsh actor, Richard Burton, has been honored with the 3-mile Richard Burton Trail that highlights the area in which this son of a Welsh miner was born; a second trail is due to open in nearby Port Talbot, where he was raised, in November 2012. The official website, www.visitnpt.co.uk/richardburton features interviews with his friends and family who share their memories of Burton, as well as a downloadable Trail map and guide.

Complementing this Wales-based initiative, are the imminent publication by the Yale University Press of The Richard Burton Diaries (edited by Welsh historian Chris Williams) and the airing on November 25 of Lifetime TVs movie Liz and Dick, starring Lindsay Lohan and Grant Bowler, scripted by Welsh director Chris Monger.

When Burton (ne Jenkins) was born in the tiny village of Pontyrhydyfen near Port Talbot in Wales on November 10, 1925 no one could have imagined that this twelve-pound bouncing baby boy would go on to become an Oscar-winning actor, as well known for his marriages to the dazzling Elizabeth Taylor as for his acting talent, rugged good looks and mellifluous speaking voice.

The Richard Burton Trail was the brainchild of locals who wanted to celebrate their most famous son. His younger brother, Graham Jenkins, who still lives in the area, was personally involved. The story of Burtons remarkable life is told in words and pictures on the way markers that can be found all along the route.

Early on, you pass Penhydd Street , home to many of Burtons family members. Then walk across the impressive Pontrhydyfen Aqueduct , high above the Afan River: The structure was built in 1825 by local iron works owner, John Reynolds. Burtons modest birthplace , which backs onto the river, housed Burton, his eleven siblings and their parents. Relish his honeyed tones as he recites passages from Under Milk Wood, and Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night both written by his favorite poet, Welshman Dylan Thomas. The interpretative trail zigzags along to the nine-arched Pontyrhydyfen Viaduct . Built in 1898, the splendid railway bridge carried coal from the Tonmawr collieries to Port Talbot docks to be exported worldwide. When you reach the life-sized sculpture of Burton at the picnic area, you can enjoy both a respite and the spectacular view. Then you double back to Bethel Chapel , where, in 1984, many celebrities rubbed shoulders with hundreds of everyday folk at Burtons memorial service.

A second Richard Burton walking trail is being developed in Taibach in Port Talbot, where Richard spent his childhood and teenage years. Points of interest will include his home, where he worked as a young boy, where he spent his free time and the school where his keen mind and acting potential were recognized by his teacher, friend, surrogate father and ultimately his guardian, Phillip Burton.

For information about everything that Wales has to offer: www.visitwales.com .