Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1962
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (the Welsh Language Society) is founded to campaign for legal status
for the language and for Welsh-speaking radio and TV.
1966
A colliery spoil tip collapses on the village of Aberfan, near Merthyr Tydil, killing 116 children and
28 adults. An enquiry blames the National Coal Board for extreme negligence.
1984
Margaret Thatcher's Conservative government announces the closure of 20 coal mines. The ensuing
Miner's Strike ends in 1985 with the workers defeated. Further pit closures follow.
1997
A referendum asking whether a Welsh Assembly should be formed narrowly passes. The 'yes' vote is
strongest in the west (except Pembrokeshire); the majority of people in the border counties vote 'no'.
1999
The irst National Assembly For Wales is elected, with limited powers devolved from the UK Parlia-
ment. The Assembly is led by a coalition between the Welsh Labour Party and the Liberal Demo-
crats.
2008
Wales' last deep coal mine closes. The Tower Colliery in Hirwuan had been bought and operated
successfully by a workers' collective since the National Coal Board had deemed it uneconomic in
1994.
2011
A further referendum is held asking whether the Welsh Assembly should be able to make laws
without the approval of the UK Parliament; 64% of the population vote 'yes'.
