Notable Men and Women of Wales

WALES may be a relatively small country, but many thousands of Welsh people have made their mark either in their native homeland or even on a global scale.

A glance at the Hall of Fame section elsewhere on the EweGottaLove website gives a flavour of some of the great and the good to have flown the flag for Wales all over the world, but of course there are many, many more notable figures who we are proud to call Welsh.

The following lists are far from exhaustive and here at EweGottaLove we are always happy to consider new names for inclusion.

Primarily, these lists contain people of Welsh heritage and descent, and occasionally those otherwise perceived as Welsh; through either birth or adoption. A few versatile people, whose influence spread into multiple fields, may appear in more than one section.

As for sport, we have said elsewhere on EweGottaLove that Wales has often punched above its weight in international terms, so we have a whole separate section for our sporting notables.

All of these lists will be kept under constant review and we are happy to hear from ewe about inevitable oversights. Notable Welsh writers, for instance, merit a website all of their own, so we have had to be selective. By all means, e-mail us at [email protected] to offer your thoughts and suggestions.

Some ewe may have heard of, some not, but from philanthropists to philosophers, from models to monarachs, let’s celebrate the Welsh men and women who have wowed the world.

ACTORS

Keith Allen (born 1953)
Bennett Arron (born 1973), actor, comedian, writer
Stanley Baker (1927–1976)
Aneurin Barnard (born 1987)
Hywel Bennett (1944–2017)
David Bower (born 1969)
Rob Brydon (born 1965)
Richard Burton (1925–1984)
Boyd Clack (born 1951), actor, writer, musician

Richard Ian Cox (born 1973), actor, comedian and radio host
Timothy Dalton (born 1946)
Charles Danby (1858-1906), actor
Josie d’Arby (born 1973), actor, presenter
Gareth David-Lloyd (born 1981)
Garnon Davies (born 1982)
Phoebe Davies (1864–1912)
Richard Davies (1926–2015)
Ryan Davies (1937–1977)
Windsor Davies (1930–2019)
Robert East (born 1943)
Aimee-Ffion Edwards (born 1987)
Maudie Edwards (1906–1991)
Taron Egerton (born 1989)
Tom Ellis (born 1978)
Peg Entwistle (1908–1932)
Clifford Evans (1912–1985)
Luke Evans (born 1979)
Pam Ferris (born 1948)
Huw Garmon (born 1966)
Colin George (born 1929)
Mali Harries (born 1976)
Matthew Gravelle (born 1976)
Hugh Griffith (1912–1980)
Kenneth Griffith (1921–2006)
Ioan Gruffudd (born 1973)
Edmund Gwenn (1875–1958)
Mike Gwilym (born 1949)
Robert Gwilym (born 1956)
Lyn Harding (1867–1952)
Doris Hare (1905–2000)

Richard Harrington (born 1975)
Georgia Henshaw (born 1993)
Anthony Hopkins (born 1937)
Donald Houston (1923–1991)
Glyn Houston (born 1926)

Aneirin Hughes (born 1958)
Gareth Hughes (1894–1965)
Nerys Hughes (born 1941)
Rhys Ifans (born 1968)
Emrys James (1928–1989)
Hywel John (born c.1970), more notable as a playwright
Margaret John (1926–2011)
Glynis Johns (born 1923)
Mervyn Johns (1899–1992)
Gary Jones (born 1958)
Ruth Jones (born 1967)
Terry Jones (1942–2020)
Eddie Ladd, also a contemporary dancer
Kate Lamb
Gwilym Lee (born 1983)
Desmond Llewelyn (1914–1999)
Bernard Lloyd (born 1934)
Philip Madoc (1934–2012)

Ruth Madoc (1943-2022)
Steven Meo (born 1977)
Ray Milland (1907–1986)
Eve Myles (born 1978)
Kimberley Nixon (born 1985)
Jonny Owen (born 1971)
Kai Owen (born 1975)
Joanna Page (born 1978)
Siân Phillips (born 1934)
Tom Price (born 1980)
Jonathan Pryce (born 1947)
Ian Puleston-Davies (born 1959)
Angharad Rees (born 1949)
Roger Rees (1944–2015)
Iwan Rheon (born 1985)
Steffan Rhodri (born 1967)
Ieuan Rhys (born 1961)
Matthew Rhys (born 1974)
Paul Rhys (born 1963)
John Rhys-Davies (born 1944)
Ieuan Rhys Williams (born 1909)
Rachel Roberts (1927–1980)
Matt Ryan (born 1981)
Michael Sheen (born 1969)
Sarah Siddons (1755–1831)
William Simons (1940–2019)
Steve Speirs (born 1965)
Victor Spinetti (1933–2012)
Gareth Thomas (born 1945)
Talfryn Thomas (1922–1982)
William Thomas
Tim Vincent (born 1972), also presenter
Melanie Walters
Naunton Wayne (1901–1970)
Andy Whitfield (1972–2011)
Ian Whyte (born 1971)
Robert Wilfort
Emlyn Williams (1905–1987), also dramatist
Peter Wingfield (born 1962)
Owain Yeoman (born 1978)
Catherine Zeta-Jones (born 1969)
Alexander Vlahos (born 1988)

ARCHITECTS

Jonathan Adams (born 1961)
William Edwards (1719–1789)
Alwyn Sheppard Fidler (1909–1990)
John St. Bodfan Gruffydd (1910–2004)
Inigo Jones (1573–1652), born in London to Welsh parents
John Jones (1810–1869)
Owen Jones (1809–1874), born in London of Welsh descent
Ernest Morgan (1881–1954)
John Nash (1753–1835), born in London to Welsh parents
Malcolm Parry (born c.1938), architect, academic and TV presenter
John Prichard (1817–1886)
Gwynne Pugh (currently active)
David Wyn Roberts (1911–1982)
Percy Thomas (1883–1969)
Revd. Thomas Thomas (1817–1888)
E. M. Bruce Vaughan (died 1919)
Clough Williams-Ellis (1883–1978)

ARTISTS

Iwan Bala (born 1956), painter and mixed media artist
Roger Cecil (1942–2015), painter and mixed media artist
Glenys Cour (born 1924), painter
Ivor Davies (born 1935), painter, mixed media, installation and mosaic artist
Thomas Nathaniel Davies (1922–1996), painter and sculptor
Ken Elias (born 1944), painter
Nick Evans (1907–2004), painter
Barry Flanagan (1941–2009), sculptor

Grenfell ‘Gren’ Jones (1934-2007), newspaper cartoonist
Laura Ford (born 1961), sculptor
David Garner (born 1958), installation artist
John Gibson (1790–1866), sculptor
Tony Goble (1943–2007), painter
Lee Hadwin (born 1974), sleep artist
Nina Hamnett (1890–1956), painter
Clive Hicks-Jenkins (born 1951), painter
Robert Alwyn Hughes (born 1935), painter
Alfred Janes (1911–1999), painter
Augustus John (1878–1961), painter
Goscombe John (1860–1952), sculptor
Gwen John (1876–1939), painter
David Jones (1895–1974), artist and poet
Martyn Jones (born 1955), painter
Thomas Jones (1742–1803), painter
Heinz Koppel (1919–1980), painter, moved to Wales as a young man
Mervyn Levy (1915–1996), painter, art dealer, writer and critic
Osi Rhys Osmond (1942–2015), painter and television presenter
Geoffrey Olsen (1943–2007), painter
Michael Gustavius Payne (born 1969), painter
Shani Rhys James (born 1953), painter, moved to Wales after graduation
Ceri Richards (1903–1971), painter
Will Roberts (1907–2000), painter
John Uzzell Edwards (born 1937), painter
Andrew Vicari (1938–2016), painter
Bedwyr Williams (born 1974), installation and performance artist
Kyffin Williams (1918–2006), painter

Richard Wilson (1714–1782), painter
Nathan Wyburn (born 1989), food artist
Ernest Zobole (1927–1999), painter

DESIGNERS
Laura Ashley (1925–1985)
Jeff Banks (born 1943)
David Emanuel (born 1952)
Timothy Everest (born 1961)
Ross Lovegrove (born 1958)
Julien Macdonald (born 1971)
Tommy Nutter (1943–1992)
Jayne Pierson (born 1969/1970)
Mary Quant (born 1934)

ENTREPRENEURS
Andrew Regan (born 1974) Founder of Empire Search Partners
Richard ap Meryk (or ap Meurig), Anglicised to Richard Amerike (or Ameryk) (c. 1445–1503), after whom America is reputed to be named
Gomer Berry, 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883–1968), newspaper publisher
William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879–1954), newspaper publisher
Joe Blackman (born c. 1984), events and entertainment industry entrepreneur
David Davies Llandinam (1818–1890), industrialist
Griffith J. Griffith (1850–1919), mining millionaire
John Josiah Guest (1785–1852), ironmaster
John Hughes (1814–1889), businessman and founder of the city of Donetsk, Ukraine
Sir William Thomas Lewis (1837–1914), coal owner
Terry Matthews (born 1943), telecommunications billionaire, owner of Celtic Manor Resort

Michael Moritz (born 1962), investor
Charles Stewart Rolls (1877–1910), motor car manufacturer and aviator
Howard Stringer (born 1942), businessman
David Sullivan (born 1949), publisher
David Alfred Thomas (1856–1918), industrialist

EXPLORERS
Perce Blackborow (1896–1949)
John Evans (1770–1799)
George Everest (1790–1866)
Henry Morton Stanley (1841–1904)

FILM DIRECTORS
Kevin Allen (born 1962)
Gareth Evans (born 1980)
John Evans (born 1980)
Marc Evans (born 1963)
Peter Greenaway (born 1942)
Terry Jones (born 1942)
Justin Kerrigan (born 1974)
Richard Marquand (1938–1987)
Julian Richards (born 1968)
Sara Sugarman (born 1962)

HUMOURISTS
Bennett Arron (born 1973), comedian, writer, actor and television presenter

Peter Baynham (born 1963), screenwriter and performer, known for collaborations with Armando Iannucci, Chris Morris, Steve Coogan and Sacha Baron Cohen
Max Boyce (born 1945), entertainer

Rob Brydon MBE (born 1965), comedian, actor, radio and television presenter, singer and impressionist

Tommy Cooper (1922–1984), comedian and magician

Chris Corcoran (born 1972), comedian and broadcaster
Lee Dainton (born 1973), Dirty Sanchez television series
Greg Davies (born 1968), stand-up comedian, actor, presenter and writer

Ryan Davies (1937–1977), comedian and singer

Windsor Davies (1930-2019), actor, known for roles in It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Grand Slam and the Carry On series of films

Siân Gibson (born 1976), stand-up comic, actor, impressionist and writer. Collaborated with Peter Kay, including starring in and co-writing the BAFTA-winning comedy series Peter Kay’s Car Share
Rhod Gilbert (born 1968), comedian and BBC Radio Wales personality

Elis James (born 1980), comedian, broadcaster and actor
Terry Jones (1942–2020), comedian (Monty Python series), author, film director

Lloyd Langford (born 1983), comedian, comedy writer and voice artist

Michael Locke (born1979), best known as Pancho, a professional stuntman and a member of the Dirty Sanchez crew

Ruth Madoc (1943-2022), actress and singer. Best known for her role as Gladys Pugh in the 1980s BBC television comedy Hi-de-Hi! and as Daffyd Thomas’s mother in the second series of Little Britain

Owen Money MBE (born 1947), musician, actor, comedian, and radio presenter
Gladys Morgan (1898–1983), comedian, billed variously as the ‘Queen of Comedy’ or ‘the Queen of Laughter’ and renowned for her toothless, ear-splitting, infectious laugh
Tessie O’Shea (1913–1997), stand-up comedian
Matthew Pritchard (born1973), professional skateboarder, stunt performer, celebrity chef and Dirty Sanchez television series star
Griff Rhys Jones (born 1953), comic writer, actor and presenter who first gained national attention on BBC television comedy sketch shows Not the Nine O’Clock News and Alas Smith and Jones
Harry Secombe (1921–2001), comedian (The Goon Show), actor, singer and television presenter

John Sparkes (born 1954), actor and comedian. He portrayed Barry Welsh, presenter of the HTV Wales series Barry Welsh Is Coming. Narrator of the children’s television show Peppa Pig

Stan Stennett MBE (1925-2013), comedian, actor and jazz musician
Paul Whitehouse (born 1958), writer and actor
Ronnie Williams (1939–1997), actor and comedian, best known for his association with Ryan Davies during the 1970s

INVENTORS
William Davies Evans (1790–1872)
William Frost (1848–1935), amateur aviator
William Robert Grove (1811–1896)
John Jones (1645–1709)
Adam Powell (born 1976), creator of Neopets
William Henry Preece (1834–1913)
Edwin Stevens (1905–1995), designed the world’s first wearable electronic hearing aid
Thomas Williams of Llanidan (1737–1802)
Walter Clopton Wingfield (1833–1912), inventor of lawn tennis

JOURNALISTS AND BROADCASTERS
Gomer Berry, 1st Viscount Kemsley (1883–1968), newspaper publisher
William Berry, 1st Viscount Camrose (1879–1954), newspaper publisher
Jeremy Bowen (born 1960), journalist and broadcaster
Derek Brockway (born 1967), chief meteorologist for BBC Wales Today

Eddie Butler (born 1957), 16-times capped Wales rugby international-turned journalist and sports commentator
Toby Charles, soccer commentator for hit PBS television show Soccer Made in Germany, 1976–1983
Grace Coddington (born 1941), fashion journalist and stylist from Anglesey
Hugh Cudlipp (1913–1998), editorial director of Mirror Group
Josie d’Arby (born 1972), radio broadcaster and television presenter
Huw Llywelyn Davies (born 1945), presenter and rugby union commentator
Jonathan Davies OBE (1962), Wales rugby union and league who became a television commentator for both codes and media personality, in both the Welsh and English languages

Russell Davies (born 1946), radio presenter
Huw Edwards (born 1961), journalist and co-anchor of BBC News at Ten
Sara Edwards (born 1961), broadcast journalist and television presenter

Wynne Evans  (1972), singer, actor and radio presenter

Dewi Griffiths (born 1931), former presenter of BBC Radio Wales’ A String of Pearls
Arfon Haines Davies (born 1948), television presenter and continuity announcer
Mike Flynn (born 1952), radio broadcaster who hosted a daily show on BBC Radio Wales from its launch in 1978 until 1989

Ray Gravell (1951-2007), rugby union centre who played for Llanelli, Wales and the British Lions. In his later career he became a respected broadcaster and occasional actor. Gravell was also a member of the Gorsedd of Bards, an honour bestowed on him for his contribution to the Welsh language

Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, DL (1969), Baroness Grey-Thompson is a Welsh politician, television presenter and former wheelchair racer

Terry Griffiths OBE (born 1947), professional snooker player, world champion in 1979, later a snooker coach and television pundit

Patrick Hannan MBE (1941-2009), political journalist, author and television and radio presenter

Guto Harri (born 1966), BBC political correspondent

Myfanwy Howell (1903-1988), early Welsh language radio and television broadcaster, host of Amser Te (Tea Time) in the 1950s
John Humphrys (born 1943), journalist and broadcaster

Elis James (born 1980) Welsh comedian, broadcaster and actor 
Ciaran Jenkins (born 1984), journalist and broadcaster from Merthyr Tydfil

Aled Jones MBE (born 1970), singer, radio and television presenter, author and stage actor. Achieved fame for the cover version of Walking in the Air, the song from Channel 4’s animated film The Snowman. Since then he has worked in television and radio

Alex Jones (born 1977), television presenter, best known for co-presenting the BBC One magazine programme The One Show
Gareth Jones (1905–1935), first to publicise the existence of the Holodomor in the Western world
Gareth Jones a.k.a. Gaz Top (born 1961), presenter and broadcaster
Gethin Jones (born 1978), presenter
Karl Jones (born 1988), BBC journalist
Steve Jones (born 1977), presenter

Vincent Kane OBE (born 1935), presenter and writer

Tony Lewis CBE (born 1938), Glamorgan and England cricket captain-turned-journalist and broadcaster-presenter
Martyn Lewis (born 1945), presenter
Siân Lloyd (born 1958), meteorologist, former ITV weather presenter
Sian Lloyd, broadcast journalist and BBC television news presenter

Gabby Logan MBE (born 1973), television presenter. Daughter of Wales footballer and manager Terry Yorath and represented Wales as a rhythmic gymnast
Angus McDermid (1920-1988), BBC journalist and broadcaster

Owen Money MBE (born 1947), musician, actor, comedian and radio presenter

Cliff Morgan (1930 –2013), rugby player-turned-commentator and presenter

Moc Morgan OBE (1928-2015) fly fisherman, administrator, naturalist, author and television presenter

Johnny Morris (1919–1999), television presenter of BBC’s Animal Magic
Mavis Nicholson (born 1930), writer and TV broadcaster

Roy Noble OBE (born 1942) radio and television broadcaster, writer
Jamie Owen (born 1967), broadcast journalist and co-anchor for BBC Wales Today

David Parry-Jones (born 1933), commentator, analyst, presenter and writer
Allison Pearson (born 1960), journalist and author

Mal Pope (1960), musician, radio and TV presenter and composer, notable for his contribution to music theatre portraying Welsh national identities and themes

Scott Quinnell (born 1972), dual-code rugby union and rugby league player, who became a commentator, pundit, television personality and radio presenter. Represented Wales in both rugby codes and toured with the British & Irish Lions in rugby union

Vaughan Roderick (born 1957), radio and television journalist and news presenter
Keidrych Rhys (1915–22 May 1987), journalist and editor of the periodical Wales

Eleri Siôn (born 1971), radio and television presenter
Paul Starling (born 1951), journalist and broadcaster who worked at HTV Wales and BBC Wales before becoming political editor of the Welsh Daily Mirror
Jaci Stephen (born 1958), journalist and broadcaster, best known as a TV critic
Wynford Vaughan-Thomas (1908–1987), BBC World War II reporter and journalist
Huw Wheldon (1916–1986), journalist and broadcaster

Alun Williams OBE (1920-1992) was a radio presenter who became one of the best-known voices on BBC radio when he commentated on events such as the Coronation in 1953 and sports events including rugby, swimming and the Olympic Games
Iolo Williams (born 1962), wildlife expert and presenter
Siân Williams (born 1964), BBC news and current affairs presenter
Lucy Owen (born 1970) television and radio presenter

MILITARY MEN AND WOMEN
Hubert Raymond Allen DFC (1919-1987), RAF officer who fought during the Battle of Britain and was a flying ace of the Second World War. Later a commentator on defence matters

Harold Bird-Wilson CBE, DSO, DFC & Bar, AFC & Bar (1919-2000), senior RAF officer and Second World War flying ace, one of the Welsh ‘Few’, who formed the Red Arrows aerobatics team

Morys Bruce, KBE, 4th Baron Aberdare, served in World War II, later active politician and Privy Councillor

Bryan Vincent Draper DFC (1916-1945), Second World War RAF pilot, awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and among the Battle of Britain’s ‘The Few’
Malcolm Douglas-Pennant, 6th Baron Penrhyn (1908–2003), honoured as an MBE after the invasion of Sicily in World War II
Rhys ap Thomas (1449–1525), Order of the Garter, Governor of Wales. Well known for killing King Richard III
Hugh Evan-Thomas (1862–1928), Royal Navy Vice-Admiral

Frederick ‘Taffy’ Higginson OBE DFC DFM (1913-2003), World War II pilot awarded the Distinguished Flying Medal and among ‘The Few’ who fought in the Battle of Britain

Ellis Humphrey Evans (‘Hedd Wyn’), celebrated poet, died in the Third Battle of Ypres during World War I
William Charles Fuller VC (1884–1974), first Welshman to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War I

Glyn Griffiths DFM (1918-1983) Battle of Britain RAF flying ‘ace’ awarded Distinguished Flying Medal for bravery. Among Churchill’s ‘The Few’
Dafydd ap Llewelyn ap Hywel, better known as Dafydd Gam (c. 1380–1415), prominent opponent of Owain Glyndŵr
Owain Lawgoch or Yvain de Galles (c. 1300–1378), mercenary and titular Prince of Wales
TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) (1888–1935), soldier

Thomas Dalton-Morgan  DSO, OBE, DFC & Bar (1917-2004), RAF Battle of Britain fighter pilot, counted amongst the ranks of ‘The Few’
Hubert William Lewis VC (1896–1977)
John Wallace Linton VC, Royal Navy Commander
Sir Thomas Picton (1758–1815), Lieutenant-General
Tasker Watkins VC GBE (Major) (1918–2007), first Welshman to be awarded the Victoria Cross during World War II, former President of the Welsh Rugby Union and former Lord Justice of Appeal and deputy Lord Chief Justice
Simon Weston (born 1961), soldier and broadcaster
John Williams VC (1857–1932), born John Fielding
Roger Williams (c. 1537–1595), soldier
Robert James Bye VC (1889–1962), a Welsh recipient of the Victoria Cross and soldier in both World War I and World War II.

MODELS
Sian Adey-Jones (born 1957), model, 2nd runner-up Miss Universe (1976)
Kim Ashfield (born 1959), 4th runner-up Miss World (1980)
Amy Guy (born 1983), Miss Sport award at Miss World 2004, representing Wales, one of the Gladiators
Rosemarie Frankland (1943–2000), Miss World (1961)
Claire Evans (born 1983), Miss Wales (2005)
Chloe-Beth Morgan (born 1986), Miss Wales (2008)
Helen Morgan (born 1952), Miss World (1974)

Kate Alicia Morgan (born 1983), model
Sophie Moulds (born 1992), 1st runner-up Miss World 2012, representing Wales
Kelly-Louise Pesticcio, Miss Wales (2007)
Imogen Thomas (born 1982), Miss Wales (2003) and Big Brother contestant

MONARCHS AND PRINCES

Cadwallon ap Cadfan (died 633), King of Gwynedd
Cunedda (fl. 400–450), King of Gwynedd
Dafydd ap Gruffudd (died 1283), Prince of Wales
Gruffudd ap Cynan (c. 1035–1137), King of Gwynedd
Gwenllian of Wales (1282–1337), daughter of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd
Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (1097–1137), Princess Consort of Deheubarth
Henry VII of England (1457–1509), first king of the Tudor dynasty, born in Pembroke
Hywel Dda (887–950), Prince of Deheubarth
Idwal Iwrch (c. 650–720), King of Gwynedd
Llywelyn the Great (1173–1240), Prince of Wales
Llywelyn ap Gruffudd (c. 1225–1282), Llywelyn Ein Llyw Olaf (Llywelyn, Our Last Leader), Prince of Wales
Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor (m.1236), Prince of Powys Fadog
Maelgwn Gwynedd (c. 490–547), Prince of Gwynedd
Owain Glyndŵr (1359–1416), Prince of Wales
Owain Gwynedd (1100–1170), King of Gwynedd
Rhodri Mawr (c. 820–878), King of Gwynedd and Deheubarth
The Lord Rhys (1132–1197), Prince of Deheubarth
Trahaearn ap Caradog (died 1081), King of Gwynedd

MUSICIANS
Ivor Atkins (1869–1953), organist

Adam Bailey (born 1989), singer, actor, West End performer (The Book of Mormon, Jersey Boys)
Lincoln Barrett (born 1979), aka High Contrast
Dame Shirley Bassey (born 1937), singer
Wally Bishop (1894–1966), ‘Waldini’, band leader and impresario
Cate Le Bon (born 1983), singer-songwriter
James Dean Bradfield (born 1969), guitarist and lead singer (Manic Street Preachers)
Delme Bryn-Jones (1934–2001), baritone
Stuart Burrows (born 1933), tenor
Stuart Cable (1970–2010), drummer (formerly with Stereophonics)
John Cale (born 1942), musician (Velvet Underground)
Phil Campbell (born 1961), lead guitarist of Motörhead
Charlotte Church (born 1986), singer
Steffan Cravos (born 1975), rapper
Chris Dale, heavy metal bassist with Tank and Sack Trick
Henry Walford Davies (1869–1944), composer, Master of the King’s Music
Spencer Davis (born 1939), musician
Marina Diamandis (born 1985), singer-songwriter known by her stage name Marina and the Diamonds
Aimée Ann Duffy (born 1984), singer and songwriter, stage name Duffy
Geoff Eales, jazz pianist
Steve Eaves (born 1952), poet, singer and songwriter
Dave Edmunds (born 1944), singer, songwriter, musician and Rockfield Studios pioneer
Richey Edwards (born 1967), musician (Manic Street Preachers)
Dave Evans (born 1953), former lead singer AC/DC
Geraint Evans (1922–1992), opera singer
Wynne Evans (born 1972), tenor
Andy Fairweather-Low (born 1948), singer, formerly with Amen Corner
Catrin Finch (born 1980), harpist
Roger Glover (born 1945), musician (Deep Purple)
Larry Goves (born 1980), composer
Jemma Griffiths (born 1975), singer and songwriter
Pete Ham (1947–1975), musician (Badfinger)

Mike Harries (1933-2018), jazz/R&B musician (The Root Doctors, The Mike Harries Jazz Band and Adamant Band)

Frank Hennessey (born 1947), folk singer and presenter
Alun Hoddinott (born 1929), composer
Mary Hopkin (born 1950), singer
Owain Arwel Hughes (born 1942), orchestral conductor
David Russell Hulme (born 1951), conductor
Robert ap Huw (c.1580–1665), harpist
Dafydd Iwan (born 1943), singer-songwriter
Evan James (1809–1878), composed the lyrics of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau
James James (1833–1902), harpist and musician, composed the tune of Hen Wlad fy Nhadau
Karl Jenkins (born 1944), composer
Katherine Jenkins (born 1980), singer
Aled Jones (born 1970), singer, former boy treble, now baritone/tenor; also radio and TV presenter, actor
Daniel Jones (1912–1993), composer
Della Jones (born 1946), singer
Gwyneth Jones (born 1936), singer
Kelly Jones (born 1974), lead singer and guitarist (Stereophonics)

Lucie Jones (born 1991), singer, actress, UK Eurovision Song Contest entry 2017
Parry Jones (1891–1963), singer
Tom Jones (born 1940), singer
Martyn Joseph (born 1960), singer-songwriter

Peter Karrie (born 1946), singer
Jon Lee (1968–2002), drummer with rock band Feeder
Donna Lewis (born 1973), singer, musician
Lustmord (born Brian Williams), electronic musician often credited for creating the dark ambient genre
William Mathias (1934–1992), composer
Cerys Matthews (born 1969), singer, songwriter, documentary maker, broadcaster, author
Elaine Morgan, singer
Owen Morris (born 1968), music producer and engineer
Grant Nicholas (born 1967), guitarist, singer with rock band Feeder
Ivor Novello (1893–1951), actor, composer, dramatist, producer and singer
Tessie O’Shea (1913–1995), entertainer
Donald Peers (1908–1973), singer
Mike Peters (born 1959), singer for rock band The Alarm
Mal Pope (born 1960), singer and songwriter
Margaret Price (born 1941), singer
Gruff Rhys (born 1970), lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist (Super Furry Animals)
Timothy John Rishton, organist, author, lecturer and broadcaster
Sasha (born 1969), DJ
Gwenno Saunders (born 1981), singer
James Sauvage (1849–1922), singer
Andy Scott-Lee (born 1980), singer (3SL)
Lisa Scott-Lee (born 1975), singer (3SL and Steps)
Harry Secombe (1921–2001), entertainer
Chris Slade (born 1946), rock drummer with Australian Hard Rock band AC/DC
Rick Smith (born 1959), keyboards and mixing, a member of British Electronic Group Underworld
Sbardun (Alun Huws) (1948–2014), musician and songwriter
David Spencer (born 1939), singer, stage name Ricky Valance
Henry Spinetti (born 1951), drummer
Dorothy Squires (1915–1998), singer
Alison Statton (born 1959), singer (Young Marble Giants)
Meic Stevens (born 1942), singer and songwriter
Shakin’ Stevens (born 1948), singer
Steve Strange (born 1959), singer
Robert Tear (born 1939), tenor
Bryn Terfel (born 1965), baritone opera singer
Thighpaulsandra (born Tim Lewis), musician, composer
John Thomas (1826–1913), harpist and composer
Lynda Thomas (born 1981), musician, singer-songwriter
Mansel Thomas (1909–1986), composer
Bonnie Tyler (born 1951), singer
Ian Watkins (born 1977), lead singer for Lostprophets
Ian Watkins (born 1976), pop singer from Steps
Grace Williams (1906–1977), composer
Terry Williams (born 1948), drummer with Dire Straits
Nicky Wire (born 1969), lyricist and bassist (Manic Street Preachers)
Tim Wright aka. CoLD SToRAGE (born 1967), composer, singer, computer game audio
David Wynne (1900–1983), composer
Iwan Rheon (born 1985), singer and musician

BANDS
The Alarm (1977–), alternative rock band from Rhyl
Amen Corner (1966–1969), popular rock band from Cardiff

Yr Anhrefn (1982–1995), punk rock band from Bangor
Anweledig (1991–), funk ska band from Blaenau Ffestiniog
Attack! Attack! (2006– ), alternative rock band from Caerphilly and Aberdare
The Automatic (2002–), alternative rock band from Cowbridge
Badfinger (1969–1975, 1978–1984), rock band from Swansea
Y Bandana (2008–), alternative rock band from Caernarfon
Big Leaves (1988–2003), indie rock band from Waunfawr
The Blackout (2003–), post-hardcore rock band from Merthyr Tydfil
Y Blew (1967–), Welsh language electric pop band
Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion (1988–), folk rock band
Brigyn (2004–), vocal group from Gwynedd
Budgie (1967–1988, reformed 1995), heavy metal band from Cardiff
Bullet for My Valentine (1998–), metalcore band from Bridgend
Calan (2006–), folk band from South Wales
Catatonia (1992–2001), alternative rock band from Cardiff
Catfish and the Bottlemen (2007–), rock band from Llandudno
Colorama (2008–), alternative folk band from Cardiff
The Crocketts (1996–2002), rock group from Aberystwyth
Crys (1976–), metal band from Resolven
Y Cyrff (1983–1992), Welsh language rock band from Llanrwst
Datblygu (1982–1995), experimental rock band
Demented Are Go (1982–), psychobilly band from Cardiff
Derwyddon Dr Gonzo (2005–), funk and ska band from Llanrug
Dub War (1993–1999), metal band from Newport
Ether (1996–1999), alternative rock band from Blackwood
Feeder (1991–), rock band from Newport
Ffa Coffi Pawb, rock band, precursor to the Super Furry Animals
Y Ffyrc, group founded by former Catatonia members
Foreign Legion (1984–), street punk band from Merthyr Tydfil
Funeral for a Friend (2001–), screamo/emo band
Gene Loves Jezebel (1980–), gothic rock band
Genod Droog (2005–2008), indie/hip-hop band
Goldie Lookin Chain (2000–), comedic rap band from Newport
Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci (1991–2006), alternative rock band from Carmarthen
Iwcs a Doyle (1995–), acoustic band
The Joy Formidable (2007–), alternative rock band from North Wales
Kids in Glass Houses (2003–), pop punk band
Llwybr Llaethog (1985–), experimental band from Blaenau
Lostprophets (1997–2013), rock band from Pontypridd
Man (1968–1976, 1983–), progressive rock band
Manic Street Preachers (1986–), alternative rock band from Blackwood
Mclusky (1996–2005), alternative rock band
Neck Deep (2012–), pop punk band from Wrexham
Y Niwl (2009–), surf music instrumental band from Gwynedd
Paper Aeroplanes (2009–), alternative pop band
The Peth (2008–), rock band from Cardiff and Bethesda
The Poppies (2003–2007), rock band from Aberystwyth
Race Horses (2005–2013), psychedelic pop band from Aberystwyth, known as Radio Luxembourg until 2009
Sibrydion (2004–), indie rock band from Waunfawr
Skindred (1998–), reggae and rock band from Newport
Stereophonics (1992–), indie rock band from Cwmaman
Super Furry Animals (1993–), rock band from Cardiff
Trampolene (2013–), alternative rock band from Swansea
Tystion (1996–2002), hip-hop group from Carmarthen

PHILANTHROPISTS
Gwendoline Davies (1882–1951)
Margaret Davies (1884–1963)
Albert Gubay (born 1928)
Augusta Hall, Baroness Llanover (1802–1896)
Edmund Meyrick (1636–1713)
Hugh Owen (1804–1881)
Robert Owen (1771–1858)
Thomas Phillips (1760–1851)
Eliezer Pugh (1814–1903)
Edwin Stevens (1905–1995)
Maria Jane Williams (c.1794–1873)
John Wynne (1650–1714)
Elihu Yale (1649–1721)

PHILOSOPHERS
Richard Ithamar Aaron (1901–1987)
Martyn Evans
David James Jones (1886–1947)
Henry Jones (1852–1922)
John Robert Jones (1911–1970)
Hywel Lewis (1910–1992)
John Lewis (1889–1976)
Gwilym Ellis Lane Owen (1922–1982)
Dewi Zephaniah Phillips (1934–2006)
Griffith Powell (1561–1620)
John Cowper Powys (1872–1963)
H. H. Price (1899–1984)
Richard Price (1723–1791)
Mark Rowlands (born 1962)
Bertrand Russell (1872–1970)
David Oswald Thomas (1924–2005)
Thomas Vaughan (1621–1666)
David Williams (1738–1816)
Rheinallt Nantlais Williams (1911–1993)

POLITICIANS

William Abraham (1842–1922), Liberal–Labour and Labour, trade unionist and first working-class MP
Leo Abse (1917–2008), Labour reformer of social legislation
Leighton Andrews AM (born 1957), Labour, Minister in the Welsh Government
Ifor Bach (fl. 1158), early Welsh leader
Kenneth Baker (born 1934), Conservative
Lorraine Barrett AM (born 1950), Labour
John Batchelor (1820–1883), Liberal
Aneurin Bevan (1897–1960), Labour, founder of the National Health Service

Henry Bruce (1815–1895), Liberal

James Callaghan (1912-2005), Labour Prime Minster 1976-1979
Julian Cayo-Evans (1937–1995), political activist and leader of the Free Wales Army
Christine Chapman AM (born 1956), Labour
Alun Davies AM (born 1964), Labour
Andrew Davies AM (born 1952), Labour
David Davies, 1st Baron Davies (1880–1944), Liberal
Jocelyn Davies AM (born 1959), Plaid Cymru
S. O. Davies (1886–1972), Labour
Dafydd Elis-Thomas (born 1946), Plaid Cymru, former Presiding Officer of the National Assembly for Wales
Gwynfor Evans (1912–2005), Plaid Cymru’s first Member of Parliament
Nerys Evans AM (born 1980), Plaid Cymru
Nigel Evans MP Conservative Member of Parliament
Chris Franks AM (born 1951), Plaid Cymru
John Frost (1784–1877), Chartist
Julia Gillard (born 1961), first female Prime Minister of Australia and leader of the Australian Labor Party
Janice Gregory AM (born 1955), Labour
Samuel Griffith (1845–1920), first Chief Justice of Australia
Jim Griffiths (1890–1975), first Secretary of State for Wales
John Griffiths AM (born 1956), Labour and Counsel General for Wales
Lesley Griffiths AM (born 1960), Labour
Benjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover (1802–1867), Whig, after whom Big Ben is reputedly named
Edwina Hart AM (born 1957), Labour
Michael Heseltine (born 1933), Conservative
Geoffrey Howe (born 1926), Conservative, Foreign Secretary
Billy Hughes (1862–1952), Prime Minister of Australia
Cledwyn Hughes (Baron Cledwyn of Penrhos) (1916–2001), Labour
Jane Hutt AM (born 1949), Labour
Huw Irranca-Davies (born 1963), Labour
Irene James AM (born 1952), Labour
Bethan Jenkins AM (born 1981), Plaid Cymru
Roy Jenkins (1920–2003), Labour, Chancellor of the Exchequer 1967–70, founder of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), President of the European Commission, 1976–81 and author
Alun Ffred Jones AM (born 1949), Plaid Cymru
Ann Jones AM (born 1953), Labour
Carwyn Jones AM (born 1967), Labour, First Minister of Wales
Elin Jones AM (born 1966), Plaid Cymru
Baron Elwyn-Jones (1909–1989), Labour Lord Chancellor also barrister
Ieuan Wyn Jones AM (born 1949), Plaid Cymru, Deputy First Minister of Wales
William Jones (1809–1873), Chartist
Neil Kinnock (born 1942), Leader of the Labour Party, 1983–92
Peter Law (1948–2006), Labour, Independent
Francis Lewis (1713–1803), signatory of the American Declaration of Independence
Huw Lewis AM (born 1964), Labour
Saunders Lewis (1893–1985), poet, dramatist, historian, literary critic, political activist, Welsh nationalist and a founder of what would become Plaid Cymru
Val Lloyd AM, Labour
David Lloyd George (1863–1945), Liberal, Prime Minister 1916–22

Sandy Mewies AM (born 1950), Labour
Alun Michael (born 1943), Labour, first First Secretary for Wales 1999–2000
Rhodri Morgan AM (born 1939), Labour, First Minister of Wales 2000–2009
Paul Murphy, Baron Murphy of Torfaen (born 1946), Labour, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 2002–05
Lynne Neagle AM (born 1968), Labour
Ifan ab Owen Edwards (1895–1970), founder of Urdd Gobaith Cymru
Richard Lewis, better known as Dic Penderyn (1808–1831), Chartist
John Prescott (born 1938), Labour, Deputy Prime Minister 1997–2007
Merlyn Rees (1920–2006), Labour, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland 1974–1976, Home Secretary 1976–1979
Henry Richard (1812–1888), Liberal
Ivor Richard, Baron Richard, Labour, former Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Privy Seal and European Commissioner
Edward V. Robertson (1881–1963), U.S. Senator
Ted Rowlands (born 1943), Labour
Joan Ruddock (born 1943), Labour
Carl Sargeant AM (born 1968), Labour
Molly Scott Cato (born 1963), Green Party MEP and green economist
Karen Sinclair AM (born 1952), Labour
George Thomas (1909–1997), Labour, Speaker of the House of Commons
Lewis Valentine (1893–1986), pastor, author, editor, Welsh nationalist and a founder of what would become Plaid Cymru
Thomas Vaughan (c.1410–1483), also soldier and diplomat
Dafydd Wigley (born 1943), former President of Plaid Cymru
D. J. Williams (1885–1970), Welsh-language writer and a founder of what would become Plaid Cymru
Morgan B. Williams (1831–1903), Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives
William Williams (1634–1700), also lawyer
Zephaniah Williams (1795–1874), Chartist
Leanne Wood AM (born 1971), Plaid Cymru party leader
Alan Woods (born 1944), Trotskyist and writer
Dai Lloyd AM (born 1956), Plaid Cymru politician and GP

RELIGIOUS FIGURES
Saint Cadoc (born c. 497)
Thomas Charles (1755–1814), Nonconformist minister
David Davies (1741–1819), clergyman and social historian
Saint David (died 601?), patron saint of Wales
Elfodd (died 809) Welsh bishop
Samuel Ifor Enoch (1914-2001), Principal of the United Theological College, Aberystwyth
Christmas Evans (1766–1838), Nonconformist minister
Saints Philip Evans and John Lloyd, Roman Catholic priests and two of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales
Ann Griffiths (1776–1805), religious poet and hymn-writer
David Griffiths (1792–1863), missionary to Madagascar, translator of the first Bible written in an African language
Saint Richard Gwyn (c.1537–1584)
Howell Harris (1714–1773), Methodist minister
Saint Illtud (died mid-6th century)
Bishop William Morgan (1545–1604), translator of the first complete Bible in Welsh (1588)
Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland
Alwyn Rice Jones (1934–2007), Bishop of St Asaph and also Archbishop of Wales
Thomas Richards (priest) (c. 1687–1760), Anglican priest and canon of St Asaph’s Cathedral
Evan Roberts (1878–1950), Methodist preacher in the Welsh Revival
Reverend John Davies (Shon Gymro) (1804–1884), Welsh Congregational Minister, linguist, writer and poet
John Roberts (Ieuan Gwyllt) (1822–1877), Methodist preacher and hymn-writer
Daniel Rowland (1713–1790), Methodist preacher in the Welsh Revival
William Salesbury (c. 1520–1584?), Welsh translator of the New Testament
John Tudno Williams (born 1938), Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Wales 2006–7
Rheinallt Nantlais Williams (1911-1993), Principal of the United Theological College, Aberystwyth
Rowan Williams (born 1950), Archbishop of Canterbury from 2003–2012
William Richard Williams (1896–1962), Principal of the United Theological College, Aberystwyth
William Williams Pantycelyn (1717–1791), hymn-writer

SCIENTISTS
Glyn Daniel (1914–1986), archaeologist, broadcaster
Donald Watts Davies (1924–2000), “father of the internet”; co-inventor of packet switching (and originator of the term)
Hugh Davies (1793–1821), botanist, clergyman
Huw Dixon (born 1958), economist
Lyn Evans (born 1945), project leader of the CERN, Switzerland-based Large Hadron Collider
Herbert George (1893–1939), chemist, lecturer
William Robert Grove (1811–1896), physicist
Gwilym Jenkins (1933–1982), statistician, systems engineer
Alwyn Jones (born 1947), biophysicist
Eifion Jones (1925–2004), marine botanist
Emrys Jones (1920–2006), geographer
Steve Jones (born 1944), biologist, geneticist, author and television presenter
Brian David Josephson (born 1940), physicist, Nobel Laureate, inventor of the Josephson junction
Edward Lhuyd (1660–1709), naturalist, botanist, linguist, geographer and antiquary
Ronald Lockley (1903–2000), naturalist, author
Victor Erle Nash-Williams, archaeologist
Robert Recorde (1510–1558), mathematician and physician; inventor of the ‘equals’ sign in mathematics

Gareth Roberts (1940–2007), physicist
Graham Sutton (1903–1877), meteorologist
Llewellyn Hilleth Thomas (1903–1992), physicist; discoverer of the ‘Thomas precession’ in relativity theory
Alfred Russel Wallace (1823–1913), biologist, co-discoverer of the theory of evolution by natural selection
Phil Williams (1939–2003), astrophysicist, politician

TRADE UNION LEADERS

William Abraham (1842–1922), also known as Mabon
William Brace (1865–1947)
Moss Evans (1925–2002)
Jim Griffiths (1890–1975)
Vernon Hartshorn (1872–1931)
Arthur Horner (1894–1968)
Clive Jenkins (1926–1999)
Will Paynter (1903–1984)
Thomas Richards (1859–1931)
James Henry Thomas (1874–1949)
Huw T. Edwards (1892–1970)

WRITERS
Dannie Abse (1923-2014), poet and novelist

Aneirin (6th Century)

Trezza Azzopardi (b1961), novelist

Alexander Cordell (1914-1997), novelist

Gillian Clarke (b. 1937), poet and dramatist

Roald Dahl (1916-1990), author and screenwriter

Andrew Davies (b1936), screenwriter

Russell T Davies (b1963), screenwriter

WH Davies (1871-1940, poet

Caradoc Evans (1878-1945), Anglo-Welsh writer

Ken Follett (b1949), novelist

Ifor ap Glyn (b.1961), poet

Dafydd ap Gwilym, poet

George Herbert (1593-1633), poet

Alun Lewis (1915-1944, poet

Geoffrey of Monmouth (11th /12th Century), medieval historian and chronicler

Iolo Morganwg (1747-1826), poet and founder of the modern National Eisteddfod

Dylan Thomas (1914-53), poet

RS Thomas (1913-2000), poet

Jan Morris (b.1926), journalist, author and historian

Terry Nation, screenwriter and novelist

Philip Pullman (b1946), author

Beth Reekles (b1995), author

Kate Roberts (b 1891), Welsh language writer

Bernice Rubens (1923-2004, Booker Prize winner

Bertrand Russell (1872-1970), writer, social critic and Nobel laureate

Owen Sheers (b. 1974), novelist, poet and playwright

Taliesin (6th Century), court poet

Edward Thomas (1878-1917), essayist, critic and poet

Henry Vaughan (1621-1695), poet

Sarah Waters (b.1966), novelist

Hedd Wyn, poet 

OTHER NOTABLE WELSH MEN AND WOMEN

Helen Adams (born 1978), runner-up in Big Brother 2 (2001)
Charles Ashburner (born 1969), Chief Executive Trustee of the Flag Institute, owner of MrFlag brand
Seymour Berry, 1st Baron Buckland (1877–1928), industrialist
Michael Bogdanov (1938–2017), theatre director
E. G. Bowen (1900–1983), geographer
Betsi Cadwaladr (1789–1860), Crimean War nurse

Wyn Calvin MBE (born 1925), entertainer and star of music hall, pantomime dame, actor (theatre and television), radio personality, television chat show host, after-dinner speaker, lecturer, philanthropist and newspaper columnist, known as the ‘Clown Prince of Wales’ and the ‘Welsh Prince of Laughter’. In a 75-year career, Calvin performed in over 50 pantomimes
Gwladys ferch Dafydd Gam (d. 1454), Seren y Fenni (Star of Abergavenny)
Rees Davies (1938–2005), historian
John Dee (born 1527), alchemist
Samuel Ifor Enoch (1914–2001), theologian
Piers Griffith (1568-1628), pirate
John Gwenogvryn Evans (1852–1930), palaeographic expert
Timothy John Evans (1924–1950), hanged for the murder of wife and daughter, due to a miscarriage of justice, but posthumously pardoned
Peter Havard-Williams (1922–1995), librarian educator
George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys (1648–1689), hanging judge
Ernest Jones (1879–1958), psychoanalyst

Harold Lowe (1882-1944), Llanrhos-born Fifth Officer of the RMS Titanic which sank on April 15, 1912, during its maiden voyage. Widely praised for saving numerous lives during the sinking
Walter Map (c.1137–1209), medieval raconteur
Howard Marks (1945−2016), international drug-smuggler and author
Angus McBean (1904–1990), photographer
Godfrey Morgan, 1st Viscount Tredegar (1831–1913), Member of Parliament, land-owner and benefactor
Henry Morgan (c.1635–1688), privateer
Edward Williams (1747–1826), a.k.a. Iolo Morganwg, antiquarian
Marcus Piggott (born 1971), fashion photographer, half of duo Mert and Marcus
Dr William Price (1800–1893), eccentric physician
Arwel Richards (born 1982), columnist and businessman
Bartholomew Roberts (1682–1722), pirate (Black Bart or Barti Ddu)
William Salesbury (c.1520–c.1600), lexicographer, phonetician and comparative linguist
James Sommerin (born c. 1978), chef
John Tabatabai (born 1987), professional poker player
Robert Vaughan (c.1592–16 May 1667), antiquary
Bryn Williams (born 1977), chef
John Tudno Williams (born 1938), theologian
William Richard Williams (1896–1962), theologian
Glyn Wise (born 1988), Big Brother 2006 runner-up
Thomas Wynne (1627–1691), surgeon, Quaker and friend of William Penn
Mike Young (born 1945), TV producer, creator of SuperTed

Andrew House (born 1965), President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment (2011–2017)

HALL OF FAME

POLL: 100 WELSH HEROES

Back to HOME PAGE