In celebration of International Women’s day, it seems fitting to delve into Brecon’s history and draw attention to an incredibly inspirational woman who sought to break the societal boundaries of womanhood during her time by giving courage and creating opportunity for women locally, nationally and even globally. Gemma Schiebe has been researching the Life of Gwenllian Morgan and talks to Councillor Marie Matthews about her experiences as a town councillor now as well as the impact that Gwenllian Morgan made and her ongoing legacy.
Gwenllian Elizabeth Fanny Morgan was born in Penpentre, Defynnog 9th April 1852. Growing up in rural settings meant that she was acutely aware of a sense of care and support within close knit communities, something she carried forward when she moved into 2 Buckingham Place, Brecon after her father’s death in 1868. Gwenllian had a love of learning and research. She was an antiquary and published books about her areas of study and had a major interest in the history of her town and the county. She was an incredibly selfless woman, devoted to benefiting others and helping those in need and gained the trust of the people. In the early 20th Century, an act was passed that meant for the first time women were eligible to stand for local government and the people of Brecon saw a suitable candidate in Gwenllian Morgan. In 1907, a large number of local people signed a letter of request, calling for Gwenllian to contest an election seat, it was practically unheard of for a woman to do so. She was successful, the first woman in Wales to be elected to take part in local government and serve on a borough council. In 1910, the opportunity of Mayor presented itself. Even though they wanted to, there was no means by which the council members could stop Gwenllian Morgan, and in a momentous victory for women everywhere, she became the first woman not only in Brecon but in the whole of Wales to fill the Mayoral Office from 1910-11, a triumph and a pivotal moment in history for the future progression of women in society.
Gwenllian gave the women of Brecon a voice, enabled them to grow, to be taken more seriously and for their strength and capabilities to be realised amongst male counterparts. By the end of Gwenllian Morgan’s Mayoral Year, there was an overwhelming feeling that the people’s appreciation must be communicated to her. Over 900 women came together to pay to commission Artist Isaac Cooke to paint a portrait of her in oils to be presented to her. The painting is still part of the Brecon Town Council’s collection and hangs in The Guildhall today, marking a key moment in the history of Brecon and reminding people of the huge impact Gwenllian Morgan had on life not only in Brecon but in the country going forward. It wasn’t until 1929 that she ceased to be a member of the council.
Fast forwarding to the present day, current Brecon Town Councillor Marie Matthews describes the position as “a great opportunity for women to make a huge difference to the quality of life of local people and how local issues are dealt with”. It is interesting to hear the perspective of a female town councillor now and to listen to her talk about the significant work of Gwenllian Morgan who paved the way for women councillors. As Marie says: “local government led the way on women’s suffrage” so the impact that lives on is monumental.
Similarly to Gwenllian Morgan, Councillor Marie Matthews has never succumbed to gender stereotypes spending most of her life in traditionally male roles. From her background in catering, being a head chef, a single mum to two boys, currently a town councillor and the Brecon Town Crier! Marie Matthews has lived in Brecon for over 40 years and is in her own right a highly inspirational woman. Marie loves engaging with people and is passionate about empowering them, voicing their concerns and giving back to the community. Marie is an advocate for women being able to achieve their full potential and in terms of council states “we all need to encourage women to stand and give them the support they need”.
For more background information about Gwenllian Morgan, please click here
References: Welsh Journal titled “Brycheiniog” Volume 12, 1966/67. Online Journal Published by The National Library of Wales. Pg 93 – 111. Gwenllian Fanny Elizabeth Morgan by Elsie Pritchard.
B&W Image: Gwenllian-Elizabeth-Fanny-Morgan credit National Portrait Gallery