Gwynfor Evans (1 September 1912 – 21 April 2005) was a Welsh politician who championed the cause of Welsh cultural heritage, which culminated in the birth of the Welsh language television channel, S4C, in 1982.

Gwynfor Evans Was First Plaid Cymru MP Long Before S4C

Plaid Cymru would see its first Member of Parliament elected in the Camarthen by-election of 14 July, 1966. Gwynfor Evans, a man who would go on to become more synonymous with Plaid Cymru and the Welsh independence movement than anyone else in the 20th century, triumphed in the by-election called in the wake of the death of one of the other most important people in Cymru’s 20th century, Megan Lloyd-George.

The Lady Was Not for Turning… But She Did

During the 1979 general election, won by Margaret Thatcher, the Tories had included in their manifesto the promise of a Welsh language television channel. Within the first year of ascending to power, the Conservatives quickly quashed the promise with the hope that it would be forgotten. Gwynfor Evans, by this point a seasoned politician synonymous with the Welsh struggle, refused to allow this pledge to go un- fulfilled and went on a hunger strike with the hope of forcing the government to keep its promise.

Thatcher, renowned for her stubbornness, would have been expected to hold strong and not give in to the Welshman’s demand that the pledge be kept – in fact, files from her cabinet during this time have her declaring ‘if we give in on this, will others start challenging this as well? In fact will we be encouraging Welsh nationalism?’

Yet, the government gave in when Willie Whitelaw, the Home Secretary at the time, announced S4C would indeed happen – with the channel finally launching in 1982.

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.

Niklas George

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.