Dic Penderyn - Aftermath

Aftermath

In 1874, a man named Ianto Parker confessed on his death bed, in the United States, to the Reverend Evan Evans that he stabbed Black and then fled to America fearing capture by the authorities, thus exonerating Dic Penderyn. Another man named James Abbott, who testified against Penderyn at the trial, also later admitted that he lied under oath.

Interest in the case has remained strong. Harri Webb wrote a booklet on it. In 1972 Alexander Cordell wrote the popular novel The Fire People, set against the background of the Merthyr Rising. Cordell did considerable research and an appendix to the book presents evidence suggesting he may have been unjustly condemned to be hanged. The book added to the interest in the case. In 1977 a memorial to a ‘Martyr of the Welsh Working Class’ was unveiled at Merthyr public library by the general secretary of the TUC, and sections from Cordell's book were read out.

After reading Cordell's book, Welsh singer/songwriter Martyn Joseph wanted to write a song telling the story of Dic Penderyn. Cordell warned him to be sure to do Penderyn justice. Upon completing the song, Joseph sent the song to Cordell, who said that he had done "a beautiful thing." Huw Pudner and Chris Hastings have written a folk song called The Gates Of Cardiff Gaol about the Merthyr Uprising and the execution of Dic Penderyn.