The legacy of Dic Penderyn (1807/8– 13 August 1831), a coalminer from Merthyr Tydfil who was cruelly hanged on the gallows outside of Cardiff Gaol, remains intact to this day.
Dic Penderyn, real name Richard Lewis, was hanged on 13 August 1831 for the stabbing of policeman, Private Donald Black, during the Merthyr Rising of 1831.
Private Black survived the stabbing. However, Penderyn was hanged without any proof or evidence which could confirm his guilt – Black was also unable to identify his attacker. It is even believed that Home Secretary of the Day, Lord Melbourne, only wanted Penderyn executed to “send a message” to other would-be rebels.
Despite his wrongful hanging, he remains a martyr-like figure both in Merthyr Tydfil and Cymru as a whole – a man who stood up for his fellow workers during unprecedented struggle against the anti-miner establishment. There have been petition attempts over the years to secure a posthumous pardon but these attempts are yet to bring about a rightful pardoning.
May his name never be forgotten and, hopefully, may a pardoning be looming.
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. 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 – March 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.