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Historical Society

THE next lecture in the society’s programme will be held on Tuesday, 9 October, in the Memorial Hall, starting at 7.30pm.

It is entitled Wales and the Australian Gold Rushes in the Mid 19th Century.

Prof Bill Jones will discuss the spectacular gold rush in the Australian colony of Victoria, which began in the summer of 1851 and which was an event of immense world importance.

Between 1851 and 1860, Victoria produced 20 million ounces of gold, over one third of the world’s output and worth many, many millions of pounds in today’s prices.

The gold rush was also a significant event in Welsh history. It generated unprecedented public interest in Wales and stimulated extensive emigration to Australia, as shown by the establishing of Welsh churches and the holding of eisteddfodau and St David’s Day celebrations in the colony.

The talk will feature the history of some Meirionnydd people who participated in this momentous rush for gold.

Prof Jones is Emeritus Professor of Welsh History at the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University.

He has published widely on the history of Welsh emigration and of Welsh people overseas in the 19th and 20th centuries. He is originally from Carmarthenshire.

Light refreshments will be served following the talk. Visitors are welcome, £2 entry on the door.

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