Here’s one for the Australian diaspora!
Who Are We Talking About?
Though born on 25 September 1862 in London, Billy Hughes, born William Morris Hughes, considered himself Welsh. His parents, William Hughes of Caergybi and Jane Morris of Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, were Welsh. His father was a carpenter and fluent Welsh speaker and his mother a domestic servant – Hughes’ Welsh working-class background shaped his early political views. In fact, Billy Hughes even grew up in Llandudno following his mother’s passing when he was just six years old. Though his own Welsh speaking ability was far from fluent, he referred to Welsh as the “language of heaven” and became a known member of the Welsh-Australian community and a regular speaker at Australian St David’s Day events.
Billy Hughes eventually served as Australian Prime Minister between 1915 and 1923 and his political legacy, which includes remaining the longest-serving Parliamentarian (51 years) in Australian history, is strong. However, much like his contemporary back in the motherland, David Lloyd-George (who was Prime Minister at the same time as Hughes and knew him well), his legacy is also complicated in large part due to the polarising nature of his character, which saw him expelled from three political parties during his career.
The second Welsh Prime Minister? Julia Gillard. I have separate posts about her!
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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. You can also support us as a member of our Patreon community. 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 – January 2026
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.