Controversial Martyr Traditional Cache
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A cache placed in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church Aberafan, near the grave of the historical figure Dic Penderyn.
Richard Lewis, is better remembered as ‘Dic Penderyn’. Lewis was born in Aberafan in Port Talbot in 1808. He moved to Merthyr in search of work, subsequently taking part in the Merthyr Riots in May to June in 1831; later arrested, he was accused of wounding a soldier and was sentenced to death by hanging. Dic was 23 with a pregnant wife; despite protesting his innocence with the backing of petitions of the people of Merthyr, the sentence was carried out in Cardiff on 13 August 1831. The soldier was wounded and did not die. There are many legends surrounding the case of Dic Penderyn who has long been hailed a martyr – it was, and is still believed that he was singled out as an activist. His execution is still commemorated today. This is not only to mark the death of Dic Penderyn, but because he has become a symbol of the days of oppression. Some sources claim that despite his hanging in Cardiff he was only be accepted for burial in Aberafan, and thousands escorted his body through the Vale of Glamorgan to his grave. Arguments have broken out over the years over such issues as, whether Dic Penderyn was actually born in Aberafan, whether he was guilty and whether he deserved to die. A man named Ieuan Parker is reputed to have exonerated Penderyn on his deathbed by admitting his guilt in the stabbing of the soldier. Controversy still exists in many ways, even a plea to exhume his body for burial in Merthyr. A commemorative plaque is situated outside Cardiff market and a pub named in his honour in Merthyr. Many stories and many arguments, his grave was unmarked until recently when a headstone was erected, paid for by local unionists. If this ‘potted history’ interests you there are many accounts of the life of Dic Penderyn available. Penderyn’s grave is approachable from the main path – a sign has recently been erected to direct visitors near the main door of the church – the headstone, a celtic cross, is newer than others nearby. Please be sensitive during church services. The cache is a slim tube placed in the same area of the churchyard as Penderyn’s grave, the path which crosses the churchyard is used as a shortcut by local people and can become quite busy. You need not step more than a pace or so from the path as the cache is within reach, please replace carefully. The cache can easily be approached by a wheelchair user but help would be needed to retrieve the cache container. Parking is available by the Pay and Display car park next to the bus station – a small section reserved for the church. Take the bus station exit on the roundabout and bear left; alternatively you can park at the rear of the church in Aberafan. Many thanks to the Rector Canon Nigel Cahill for his permission to place this cache
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Gehax bs gur ynetrfg gerr ba gur yrsg jura nccebnpuvat gur puhepu ragenapr sebz gur pne cnex - fgrc oruvaq, nobhg 4sg hc.
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