your comments
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Leslie Saervold, Sarasota, Florida, USA
I have a book that my father (William H. Price) gave to me that has some writings of Dr Price. I believe that my father has done some research and found himself to be related. I have found this very interesting since I have some beliefs that are very different from the traditional beliefs, and don't know where they come from since I was never taught these ways. But if I too am related then it is nice to know that ... maybe it just runs in the family.
Ann West - London
Dr Price was indeed an amazing character but as far as cremation is concerned he cannot be considered an environmentalist. Cremation, as with all incineration, is now known to be vey polluting and one of the causes of climate change. Burial, especially in a natural burial site, in a coffin made of wicker or similar biodegradeable material does not pollute and has a very low carbon footprint. The Environmental Protection Act is trying to ensure that cremators are fitted with abatement units which are expensive and only change the harmful particulates into another form that is still not benign and has to be disposed of.!
Arnold Rogers, Melbourne, Australia
I well remember being told at school in Bedwas that Dr Price used to frequent the graveyard of Bedwas Church, wearing his foxskin over his head. I think he would have scared a few people, but what a man! Didn'trealise he was born in Rudry, a short distance from Bedwas. He was a man for his time - a trailblazer.
Rob Doc from Nottingham
Lived in the Llantrisant area for a while, find Dr Price fascinating, should be something in the town by the way of a museum for visitors.
Marion Clarke from Norfolk
My mother's maiden name was Price; she was born in Cardiganshire. After her death earlier this year, I found a lady's (or a child's?) fur muff apparently in its original box into which was tucked a cutting from the Western Mail describing an auction of Dr William Price's possessions in Cardiff (not dated). The cutting records "Around 250 people packed the auction room to bid for the items, which included a handful of tickets to his public cremation 93 years ago."
BJ Raines
Talk of my grandparents was that the father of Price used to go around naked cutting down trees on private land. This was at a time when coal mining had removed the need for coppice woodland management. In this context, I consider him as a Victorian environmental activist.
Ian Carleton... Barry
Hello.. i`ve been looking thought the internet on Dr Price and believe there was a film made.. I would be grateful if anyone has a copy or can point me in the right direction... I have a very dear friend whose mum.."now passed away" was in the film so would love to trace it.. Thank you for taking the time to read this... Ian
Val Cardwell from Nantyglo,now london
My great-gran on my father's side was a cousin of William Price. I am a communist, vegetarian environmentalist and want to see Wales seperate from the English. I'm very proud to have a radical like him as an ancestor. I also believe in cremation!
Claire Handley from Cornwall
I am so pleased to have found this site on Dr Price, as he is a grandfather of mine. I have heard many stories about him over the years. He had a brother called Llowellen who thought he was a bit mad. Anyone who could shed more light on this blood line?. Or about the 'Price Jones' or the 'Morrows' or the 'Beebee Morrows' - these are all part of Dr Price's blood line.
Nicola, Devon
Read about him in my guide to Wales while on one of my frequent holidays in the country this week just been. Decided to divert to Llantrisant enroute to our next stop and directed my husband in the camper van up the twisty little hill roads to see the statue. Fascinating guy, well ahead of his time. Would like to read more about him.
Eira Collins, Nottingham
I understand that my great-grandmother Jane Davies[nee Price] was a sister of Dr Price and that my grandmother Rachel Bowen [nee Davies] used to go in his dog-cart with him sometimes.
Sian, Llantrisant am Byth
In Response..I too would like to know if the old building on the top of old Llantrisant, looking over the valley, is where the first cremation took place. It's known as Billy Wynt. Legend has it that that it is the site of the supposed cremation. I'm 7th generation Llantrisant born and bred. Llantrisant has more to offer than a bronze statue of a man with a banana in his hand and a cowpat on his head. My family have their own stories of Dr Price and I don't for one second believe any of them. Regardless, Llantrisant is where I'm from and who I am. I have some wonderful old photographs if anyone is interested.
Jennifer Hall (nee Price) NZ
I have discovered I have Price relatives from Tredeger. Would love to share family information and look into this in more detail.This is fascinating!
Anthony Richards from Llwyn Onn, Cwmtaf
Dr Price was a druid, although nobody really knows what the original druids believed and practiced. He was one of those eccentric characters who rebelled against the stifling authoritarianism of the Victorian period. A contemporary of his was the satanist Alestair Crowley who took his anti-authoritarian beliefs a far greater distance. Parallels could also be drawn with other mystics of his day such as Rasputin, Madame Blatvasky and original thinkers such as Darwin and Freud. A statute of Dr Price (perhaps nude) should be erected outside the Zoar chapel where his home once stood as a fitting tribute to this intriguing gentleman.
Jack C, Pontypridd
I also believe he started the first medical services facilities in an industrial setting (Worldwide) in the Chainworks in Pontypridd.
Allan Pritchard from Oakdale
As chair of my local school governors and with an interest in most things Welsh (and Dr Price in particular) I recently visited the school to talk to members of the Welsh Department. I was keen to get local Welsh history interlinked with the teaching of the Welsh language and used the story of Dr William Price as an example. I was a little disappointed to find that this great charater of Welsh history was not known to them, which I think proves my views that history should be introduced through local events and not 1066 and all that which is meaningless to children at primary school. As there were no children present, I sang the teachers a song that I learned many years ago about Dr William Price, which is often sung at certain happy social gatherings amongst a particular political group in the Islwyn and Caerphilly constituencies. It starts: "There was a man called William Price, Who lived on lettuce, nuts and rice..." What an incredible man of his day. I also agree, it would be wonderful if BBC Wales or someone like Sir Anthony Hopkins could get it together and make a film or documentary about his life.
Dean Powell
Sorry a couple of comments on here are not accurate so I hate to disappoint those claiming to be a "Price" and therefore a descendant. He had four legitimate children, and probably plenty of illegitimate ones. Iesu Grist (died 1884 and cremated), Hiarlles, Iesu Grist II (renamed Nicholas) and Penelopen. All have since died and none had children. However, his father Rev W Price had several brothers & sisters as did Dr Price himself, so they may well be connected to the Price family that way. After his death his partner, Gwenllian Llewellyn eventually married John Parry and they had a daughter, Rachel. She lived with Penelopen & Nicholas in East Caerlan Farm. Dr Price's cremation took place on East Caerlan fields near where the farm currently stands. He never lived in this house. His own home was demolished and replaced by Zoar Chapel on High Street. Personally, I think he was a truly unique, superb individual who blazed progress in a dull and miserable Victorian Wales.
Meghan Price from Fairfax, Virgnia (U.S.A.)
I thought it a fantastic coincidence that my paternal grandfather is named William Price. I know that he has done some genealogical work, tracing our family back a ways, but I don't think he made it back far enough to before we crossed the Atlantic. It'd be interesting to see if there's any relation to this eccentric gentleman, or any of the other Prices who've commented here. Please let me know if you have any information.
P Thomas from Maesteg
I to am related to Dr William Price according to my grandmother; Her name before marrige was Price and her father my great grandfather was named William Price. They both lived in abercragan in cymmer. My grandmother is still alive but forgetful. Can anybody throw any light on this.
Gwyneth Smart, Caerphilly
Dr Price - what a character. I should love to have met him. Have bought two copies of "Eccentric", one sent to Yorkshire, the other New Zealand. Thanks Dean Powell, my brother in Yorkshire gave a talk to a local society recently - the English were facinated.
Barry Price, Tredegar
I am a Price and I am pleased to say I am not related in any way to this eccenctric old reprobate. Far better if he had offered the body of son up for medical training.
Mandy from Derbyshire
I would have loved to be around in the 1800s to have met him.
Piers Dudgeon, North Yorkshire
I am fascinated to learn about Dr Price. Did he by any chance know George du Maurier, the celebrated illustrator and novelist, who had a strange regard for the Ancient Religion, died in 1896 (2 years after writing Trilby) and was himself cremated?
Lyndsay from Bridgend
Dr William Price had a brother Charles born in 1793, Charles had a son Thomas, who had a son Edwin born 1854, Edwin had a son William born in 1889 who was my grandfather. We have looked in great depth but unable to find the name of Thomas's wife. Can anybody help?
Helen Johnson now Cyprus
I have also been bought up in the belief that Dr William Price is my great-great-grandfather on my father's side.
My grandfather, also William Price, went to live in Australia in 1926. His father also William Price (born 1848 Cwmvotty Farm Crickadarn) from Merthyr Tydfil was a well known and respected bone setter in the area and said to have learned his trade from his father, the famous Dr William Price.
Siana Burt from Cardiff now in Nottingham
Yet another relation to Dr Price - my grandfather on my father's side, Mr William Llewellyn Price, passed away several years ago but he always told me where my roots came from. The 'Llewellyn' has been passed down the generations to my father Gareth Llewellyn John Burt then to my brother Ieuan Llewellyn John Burt. I live in Nottingham but the Price family still live on in Sloper Road in Cardiff.
David Williams
I grew up being told that my grandfather who was a blacksmith in Llantrisant had made the iron coffin for the first cremation by Dr Price. Certainly my grandfather Henry Williams lived in Llantrisant during the same period as Dr William Price.
Becci Page
My dad Phil Page owns one of the Round Houses - we have lived here for over two years now. The Houses are now shadowed by the trees. I would just like to note that unfortunately, we do not allow members of the public into our home. I indeed feel privileged to have such a historical home.
Vicky, Dorset
My grandmother used to say there was a doctor in the family. We later found out it was Dr Price, it was her great uncle (or great great). Apparently his brother went to Australia and lived with the aborigines - not sure if this is true or not. Anybody know?
Chris Quinn
I am a descendant of Dr Price's on my mothers side. I have a lot of his traits + am currently tracing the family tree. According to calculations he is my great great greatgrandfather. Coincidentially he died on the 23/01/1893, I was born in the 1950's on the 22/01.
Susan Davies
I too would like to know if the old building on the top of old Llantrisant, looking over the valley, is where the first cremation took place.
Byron Way from Pontypridd
By reading these comments it looks like Dr Price was a true believer in free love. Fantastic man.
Enid Heneghan, Llambed
Dr Price was one of a few great men of the time. He was a contemporary of Edward Williams - Iolo Morganwg, who saved and catalogued the works of early Welsh Poets. He also 'wrote' some of the works of Dafydd ap Gwilym, he established Gorsedd y Beirdd, held the first Gorsedd on Primrose Hill in London, wrote the Gorsedd prayer, helped to establish the Unitarian cause in South Wales, wrote a number of hymns, set out ideas about a Folk Museum though he didn't fulfil these ideas, had anti-slavery ideals, and believed in the Rights of man. So an all-round good egg - all this and he suffered from asthma, which he treated with laudanum.
Bethan Jones from Caerphilly
I was told by family that Dr William Price was related on my mother's side, he was distant cousins or something like that to my nans' mother whose surname was Price. My Nan (who has now passed) told me of her mother's trips as a child visiting the house. I have no evident proof that this lineage is true but I thought it was worth commenting on. I would appreciate greatly if someone could help me find websites or local areas in Caerphilly that I could go to do some background research.
Lyndsey from Rhondda Cynon Taff
Is everyone related to Dr. Price on here or something ?
Billy Sauder from Ontario Canada
i think william price is really cool and he should be recognized a lot more because he was a great historical figure
Morgan Barrett from Rhoose
I was told that I am a descendant of Dr William Price and that my great uncle Colin Price traced it through our family tree.
Helen Price from Monmouth
If anyone wants to get in touch about Dr william Price,another relative or something, then it would be good. Also, why doesn't anyone punctuate their comments properly? It is so annoying! I'm 11 and can be bothered to respect the English language! Other people should be to!
Dan from Brentwood, Essex
Quite a few people on here have said that they're related to William Price, including me! However, my family have actually got some bits and pieces that prove it, but would be interested in maybe meeting up with anybody else who may also be related in some way? If anyone is interested in finding out more about this, my e-mail address is 'dangooner1977@gmail.com'. Please feel free to get in touch, look forward to hearing from people.
harry price from Gwent
He was cool!
Helen Price from Monmouth
Dr William Price was a reletive of mine and everyone says that I am like him. Dr William Price Was a proper Dude!!!
nicola smith
My mum who sadly passed away last year is a great great niece of dr price ,this i know to be true as it was traced back in our family tree ,we are from merthyr tydfil .I dont belive he had any mental health illness ,but paved the way for not only the right to choose ,but also ,in time space for burials would have become a major problem .
nicola smith
Chris Williams - Mwyndy
I have a view of Dr Price's Llantrisant home from the rear of my house. I believe it was called Ty Clettyn when he lived there, possibly East Caerlan Farm now? I think it's a tribute to the man's herbalist approach to medicine that he lived to 92 and enjoyed good health until the end of his life - this at a time when the average life expectancy in Great Britain was probably <40yrs.
I recently found out from my neighbour that her great-grandfather, who lived in my house in the 1880's, used to hide many of Dr Price's books in my attic. His writings were subject to seizure by the authorities, who would burn them - so he hid his books amongst friends & trusted acquaintances. I'm told he almost certainly visited my house on his travels. Another neighbour in her 90's describes her elder sisters recollection of being cured of warts by Dr Price, he was an almost 'Santa Claus' like figure, respected and almost adored by those he served as a Doctor. He was followed by a column of local children whenever he left home. If you were unable to pay for medicine, he'd treat you anyway - this long before the NHS came into being.
He was such an amazing guy, surely it's about time someone made a dramatisation of his life story?
Chris
Colleen Roderick (nee Price) from Ammanford, Carma
Is there anyone who can help me prove - or disprove - my late father's claim that our family is related to Dr William Price? My father's father, Robert Price, would have been born around the time of his death. I would like to know more details of Dr Price's descendants, and his brothers descendants, and also what became of Gwenllian, Iarlles, Penelope and Iesu Grist the second.
John Wride, Naples, Florida. USA
Where is the site of the first cremation, is it in Llantrisant? I was told that the round stone structure on the hill, above the Talbot Green/Tonyrefail road was the actual site used by Dr. Price. Is this correct?
Andrea Preston (nee Williams) in Glastonbury
My father, Rev Arthur J Williams always said that he was a cousin of Dr Price and we believed that the connection was through his Grandmother, Jane price. My father's family were noted for their eccentricity, and my father in particular for his more radical views. Dr Price appears to have had a strange influence on our family. As you will note, I now live in Glastonbury and the fact that I am related to Dr Price causes a stir in some parts. Strangely enough, I was not much older than Dr Price's infant son when I too ended up in the fire sustaining first degree burns. When I was five I heard a man calling my name. More recently programmes relating to Dr Price have occurred when a family member was in danger. We think that it was Dr Price who recently hurled a wooden celtic shield down our stairs. Why? Because my stepson is about to rejoin the army (there is more to this tale). You will note that my father's name was Arthur, and recently it has been discovered that a branch of the Williams' family are descended from the King of Glamorgan, Arthry's. Comparing the image of my aunt with that of King Arthrys we note a strange resembelence. The question is do we now have Merlin (Dr Price) and Arthur combined in one!
Lori Foster, Pennsylvania
I have a book that was once my grandfathers. The book is worn but is rather informative on Dr.Price and his work as a Physician in the Invalids Hotel, A Model Sanitarium and Surgical Institute, which was located in Buffalo, New York. The Original Invalids Hotel was built in February of 1881 and was destroyed by fire. They had a full staff of Eighteen Physicians and Surgeons.
Tracey Richards
My Aunt Megan Price, daughter of mordecai Price told me we were related to dr price when i was a child, while I lived on the bryn in llanelli. Didnt really take much notice then. Now I'm intrigued! It explains alot, my family are colourful to say the least. Be great to chat to others who may have more info.
Carla Scrivens, Bridgend
I work in East Caerlan Farm as a mental Health nurse and have been wondering what Doctor Price had to do with Caerlan Farm?
Dan Price from Brentwood, Essex
Quite a few people on here have said that they're related to William Price, including me! However, my family have actually got some bits and pieces that prove it, but would be interested in maybe meeting up with anybody else who may also be related in some way?(Editor's Note: If Dan gives us his postal address, we'll publish it here for people to write and get in touch directly.)
Dean Powell from Llantrisant
My biography of Dr Price, called Eccentric, is now on sale.
Philip Jones, Oslo, Norway
My Grandfather Walter Jones, who was the local blacksmith in Talbot Green was contracted by Dr Price to build an iron coffin to be used for Dr Price's own cremation.
Two models of the coffin were also made, one of which is on display in the Welsh Folk Museum in St Fagans. The remaining model together with other memorabilia remain with the family.
David Henry, Kingston-upon-Thames
I grew up in Gorseinon, Glamorgan. My mother was a Price - but kept from me until my teenage years that she was descended (I know not the details) from Dr William Price: her family felt ashamed of the connection. I, naturally, was chuffed to bits to find out I was connected to such a colourful and, in many ways, modern character. It also helped explain the eccentricities in my own immediate family!
Dan Price, Essex
Just found out that Dr William Price is my great-great-grandfather. Didn't really know much about him but seems a pretty cool guy!
William Price from East Sussex
What a namesake! Something to live up to.
Paul Stephens, Llantwit Major.
I believe that "cremation was illegal" is incorrect. There was, rather, an "assumption" that the dead were to be buried in accordance with the rites of the church. The case against Price was brought as a "test case" - and the right to cremate was established. There is not now, and as far as I am aware, there never has been, a legal requirement to bury the dead. Jeremy Bentham is a case in point: he died in 1832, his body was embalmed, and is now "on display" at University College, London.
Andrew in Alaska ex llangefni
A Shaman type person...He did his bit to heal people, tribe and country...thats a Shaman in Wales too.
Jayne Browne chesterfield
My grandmother Milys Leaworthy nee Owen from Southgate, Llantrisant use to tell me she remembered Dr Prices daughter who seemed to be as eccentric as he was!
Terry Powell, Newbridge
I have a bound copy of a type-written manuscript entitled "A Burnt Offering" by Jack Jones which is a novel based on the life of Dr Price. Did it ever get published? Perhaps under a different title? It begins with Price at age 12 and follows his life. In the preface the author admits to taking certain liberties in the text, including adding a few mistresses and there are a number of corrections made to the type-written material.There is also reference to "Off to Phile....." so it must be dated later than that.
John Mainstone Ilkeston ex.Trealaw
Always wondered if the crematorium at Glyntaff was built near Dr Price's round houses was of any significance.
Peter Davies, Hawthorn, Pontypridd
My great aunt (Pentrebach Road) told me this tale when as a young lad I asked her if she knew Dr. Price:
Price was looking at furniture in a Pontypridd shop, when the manager aproached him and asked him if he would like the suite of furniture. The good doctor said "yes" and the furniture was delivered. Dr Price later refused to pay for it on the grounds that the manager didn't ask him if he wanted to buy it, only if he'd like it.
Cheryl, Penarth
I have been very interested in Dr Price for a long time as I believe he may be related to my family. My great grandmother was a Price before she married and a story passed down to me when my grandmother was alive was that a Sgt Price who was in the police force at the time of the cremation, was demoted for refusing to arrest Dr Price. I believe that Sgt Price was my great grandmother's brother. I don't know my great grandmother's name but she had a sister, Nance Price who lived in Rhys Street, Trealaw and my grandparents and mother all lived in Rhys Street before moving to Cardif. I would very much like to find out more.
Chris from Cardiff
I was once told that the cremation site can be seen up on top of the mountain to your right as you drive down the link road from M4 toward Llantrisant. Is this correct? I was informed this was so many years ago (before link road was built) and tell whomever my passenger is at the time. Just like to have this confimed.
Kathryn Price, Massachusetts
My father says Dr. Price is an ancestor of ours, however I haven't seen enough of the genealogical information to be certain of this. If anyone has done a genealogy of Dr. Price's descendants, I would love to see it.
Alyson Llewellyn from Penarth
This man was my great great great grandfather, my dad is Chris Price, his father was Archibald Price; the connection with the names has carried on through the generations.
Liz, Nottingham
I have just moved to attend college in Nottingham but I moved from High Street in Llantrisant opposite the Dr William Price statue. I found it interesting to see the comments put forward also to see the name Dean Powell of the observer. I have found this website very useful for an IT project. Thankyou!!!!!
Tony Rees, Matlock
When I was a boy in Penygraig, Mrs Thomas (I think it was) kept a little shop opposite our house on Llanfair Road. She told us that she had been a maid in Dr Price's house when she was a girl. Makes you realise how close the past is when you think in terms of people.
Dean Powell, Llantrisant
I'm about to publish Price's biography, so any additional information you have would be greatly appreciated. You can reach me at the Pontypridd & LLantrisant Observer.
Rog of Pontypridd
Roland Davies of Miskin would find that the 'Round Houses' are in private ownership as homes - one has recently been on the market. I would suggest he visit the houses and asks the current residents of the houses but be prepared for a negative answer.
They used to be easily visible from the vally but as trees have grown in the quarry area below them, they are now largely obscured except in the winter.
They are accessed from the A470 exit for the University of Glamorgan and then follow the signs for the crematorium. On entering Cemetery Road take the immediate left turn up the hill, pass the church and then turn left again. They are about 400 yards up on the left hand side.
Roland Davies Miskin, Pontyclun.
I am interested in Dr. Price and have not long moved back to the area. I would like to visit Dr. Price's "round houses" , are they open to the public?
Peter williams from Delaware USA
Dr Price was not the first to cremate a human being in Britain, for in 1769 the body of Honoretta Pratt was burned in an open grave in Hannover Square, London, following her request.
Carrie Anne Lewis
I am seaching for any further information that people may have as I have recently discovered that Dr William Price was my great great cousin. I would be most grateful for any further information. Many thanks.
Baz, Caerphilly
Any man who calls his son Jesus Christ Price is more than worthy of a hall of fame entry as far as I am concerned.
Rog from Pontypridd
Stuart might also be interested to know that his mistress was also his housekeeper - see http://www.red4.co.uk/Folklore/trevelyan/glimpse/eccentric.htm
Rog from Pontypridd
For more on Dr Price, Stuart Cameron should try the Pontypridd Museum (Tel.01443 490748 or Fax. 01443 490746) for help or perhaps the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth at holi@llgc.org.uk
I'm sure one or the other could point him in the right direction
Stuart Cameron from Cwmbran
Does anyone have any information regarding those who would have worked for Dr Price?
Roger Cheeseman, Pontypridd lad in Kuwait
Dr Price was a major player of 19th century South Wales life. A rebel son of a minister who died (supposedly) insane, his Chartist fight for the lower orders plus his colourful druidic leanings make him an exceptional character. His 'round houses' in Glyntaf, Pontypridd, are testament to his eccentricity. His most most famous exploit of cremating his son 'Jesus Christ' and the following court case make him one of Wales' important, larger than life characters.
What's your opinion of Dr Price?
Please note we're no longer publishing messages from people claiming to be related to Dr Price or trying to trace relatives
Radical figure who pioneered cremation
