Richard Burton’s Granddaughter Unveils Bench in His Honour
The granddaughter of the iconic actor Richard Burton, Charlotte Ritchie, recently unveiled a bench dedicated to his memory outside Bethel Chapel in Pontrhydyfen. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Charlotte Ritchie and Sian Owen, Burton’s niece. The bench, located where a service was held after Burton’s passing in 1984, was the brainchild of the community organisation Burton Bont Festival Group. This group is organising events to commemorate the centenary of Burton’s birth next year.
Charlotte Ritchie, who has spent much of her life in New York and Los Angeles, reminisced about her visits to Wales and shared how her grandmother, Sybil Christopher, Burton’s first wife, took pride in her Welsh heritage. She expressed gratitude to Pontrhydyfen, Port Talbot, and Wales, highlighting Burton’s simple pleasures. Among those present, Miss Owen, Burton’s niece, described the bench as fabulous, emphasising its beauty and simplicity.
Miss Owen, raised in Pontrhydyfen, fondly remembered Burton as “Uncle Rich” and shared childhood memories of receiving gifts from him. The bench unveiling is part of the Burton Bont Festival Group’s efforts to preserve the village’s heritage. The group, with the support of local funding sources, plans to host various events celebrating Burton’s life and career, including a gala concert.
In addition to the bench outside Bethel Chapel, another bench commemorating actor and singer Ivor Emmanuel has been installed in the village. The inscription on Burton’s bench, “To begin at the beginning,” pays homage to Swansea playwright Dylan Thomas, whose work Burton famously brought to life through his recordings. Born in 1925, Burton passed away in 1984, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of many.
The ceremony, attended by hundreds, took place at Bethel Chapel, now transformed into a café and events space by Richard Bowen and Jackie, former steelworkers. The love and respect for Richard Burton continue to thrive in Pontrhydyfen, as evidenced by the community’s efforts to honour his memory through these meaningful tributes and events.
As plans unfold to celebrate Burton’s enduring influence, the people of Pontrhydyfen and beyond are poised to come together in remembrance of a beloved figure in Welsh and global cinema history. The bench outside Bethel Chapel stands not only as a physical symbol but also as a testament to the profound impact Richard Burton had on those who knew and admired him.
Sources:
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/local-news/richard-burtons-granddaughter-charlotte-ritchie-33028178