Richard Burton’s Granddaughter Unveils Bench in Honour of the Actor
The granddaughter of legendary Welsh actor Richard Burton, Charlotte Ritchie, has recently unveiled a bench in memory of the actor outside Bethel Chapel in Pontrhydyfen. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Charlotte Ritchie and Sian Owen, Burton’s niece, who cut the ribbon at the chapel, where a service was held in 1984 following the actor’s passing. The community organisation Burton Bont Festival Group initiated the idea for the bench to commemorate Burton, who was born and raised in Pontrhydyfen.
Charlotte Ritchie, who has spent her life in New York and Los Angeles, recounted her deep connections to Wales, where her relatives shared stories of the valleys and Burton’s impact. She expressed her pride in her South Welsh heritage and emphasised the importance of Wales in preserving Burton’s legacy. Ritchie is set to study sociology and education at Cardiff University, further cementing her ties to her Welsh roots.
The bench unveiling also saw Sian Owen, Burton’s niece, in attendance, who described the bench as fabulous and spoke fondly of her memories with “Uncle Rich.” The bench is part of a series of events planned by Burton Bont Festival Group to celebrate the centenary of Burton’s birth next year. The group aims to honour Burton’s legacy through various activities, including a gala concert and heritage weekends.
The bench outside Bethel Chapel is inscribed with the words “To begin at the beginning” from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood, a fitting tribute to Burton’s enduring impact on Welsh arts and culture. These initiatives reflect the community’s desire to preserve and showcase its rich history, ensuring that stories of figures like Burton are cherished for generations to come.
In addition to the bench unveiling, the Burton Bont Festival Group has undertaken various projects to honour Burton, including a mural at The Miners Arms pub, where his parents met and married. As plans unfold for the centenary celebrations, the group continues to engage with the community to pay tribute to Burton’s lasting legacy.