Did you know that legendary Welsh actor, Richard Burton, was the first choice to play James Bond in the 1962 movie Dr. No, the first of the iconic franchise? Bond writer Ian Fleming himself was the one to offer Burton the role. However, the Welsh actor turned it down as James Bond was not yet a household name and Burton failed to see its potential.
What Happened Instead?
All ended well, however, as a 31 year old Sean Connery would eventually take the role and make the franchise one of the best-known there is. For Burton, it perhaps worked out well as it is very unlikely that he, a known free spirit, would have committed to multiple films. He was also focused on his upcoming movie, Cleopatra, at the time – arguably the most important of his career and personal life, as it was during filming he fell in love with Elizabeth Taylor.
Furthermore, one of his best roles was as MI6 agent Alec Leamas in the 1965 film adaptation of John le Carré’s ‘The Spy Who Came in From the Cold’. He would have been unlikely to take on this role had he committed to James Bond.
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Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
DIGITAL Welsh Histories Magazine – November 2025
Welsh Histories Magazine November 2025 – DIGITAL COPY
The digital edition of Welsh Histories Magazine for November 2025 has finally arrived!
This month, the magazine delves into the topic of the Welsh Kings – the early Welsh rulers who came to prominence in the centuries following the Roman withdrawal from Britain. Don’t expect to see the esteemed Welsh princes (Llywelyn Fawr, Rhys ap Gruffydd and so forth) in this magazine as this issue focuses solely on those who were referred to as Kings, not princes. This magazine has been on the cards for quite some time and, hopefully, you enjoy it!
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We also continue with the recent theme of different “did you know?” type fun facts within this magazine, though this time each fact relates to the topic of the Welsh Kings (or is somehow relevant to them). This is, to date, the only issue of Welsh Histories Magazine which covers the Kings specifically.
This month’s magazine has been written, created and designed by Niklas George (Welsh Histories founder and owner). We have no guest writer this month. All images used in this issue of Welsh Histories Magazine include the respective owner’s details.
Happy reading!
If you have any issues with receiving and downloading your copy, please send all queries to: niklas@welshhistories.co.uk.
More from Welsh Histories
Welsh Histories is a Welsh history celebrating platform which looks to promote all aspects of Welsh history. Though we focus predominantly on native Welsh history, we do also share the non-native aspects from time to time. You can follow us on Facebook; Instagram or Twitter for more. A reader? We also have our very own Welsh Histories Shop where we sell our Welsh Histories Magazine. Diolch yn fawr iawn and keep enjoying Welsh Histories.
Niklas is the founder, owner, manager, editor, writer, video creator, voice over artist, and so forth, of Welsh Histories. He is passionate about the preservation of Welsh culture; the rejuvenation of the Welsh language and the promotion of Welsh history. Niklas currently resides in Pune, Maharashtra, with his beloved wife.