Aneurin Bevan 1897-1960

Born Tredegar, Monmouthshire. Began work at 13 in the Tytryst colliery and by the age of 19 had become chairman of his Lodge. In 1919 due to winning a scholarship he attended the Central Labour College in London. A member of the Labour Party, Bevan became MP for Ebbw Vale in 1929.

He campaigned along with others against the rise of fascism and toured Spain during the Spanish Civil War, a stance that led to him being expelled from the Labour Party for a brief period. In 1946 Bevan was appointed Minister for Health and was instrumental in bringing about the National Health Service as we know it today. He became deputy leader of the Labour Party in 1959.

FURTHER READING:

Smith, Dai. Aneurin Bevan and the world of South Wales. (Cardiff : University of Wales, 1993.)

Foot, Michael and Brivati, Brian. Aneurin Bevan : 1897-1960.(London : Gollancz, 1997.)

Brome, Vincent. Aneurin Bevan : a biography. (London : Longmans, Green, 1953.)

All items listed in the further reading are available for consultation in either the South Wales Miners’ Library or the Library and Information Centre, University of Wales Swansea. Click here to link to the library catalogue.