A TV documentary to be shown on Sunday will depict the story of the Chartist uprising in Newport 175 years ago.

S4C’s Gwrthryfel Gwent, Stori’r Siartwyr (which translates to The Gwent Rebellion, The Story of the Chartists), will follow the story of the ordinary Welsh workers who took a stance for democracy.

In the programme, historian Dr Elin Jones will ask why the movement is still so relevant in today’s society.

On November 4, 1839, in Newport, the last armed rebellion against authority took place on British soil, when up to 7,000 Chartist supporters, including a large number of miners, marched into the town.

The intention was to release fellow protesters, including the inspirational Chartist leader John Frost, who had been imprisoned at the Westgate Hotel.

During the protest 22 people were killed when soldiers started firing at them. The leaders were later charged with treason and transported overseas to be exiled.

Dr Jones, from Ystrad Mynach near Caerphilly, said researching and presenting the programme had been a real eye-opener.

She said: “I have studied and taught the Chartist rebellion for many years, but I was surprised to discover how little we know about the rebellion and especially the story’s deep links with my own area.”

The documentary will visit the Senedd in Cardiff to meet Newport West MP, Paul Flynn, who has always embraced the Chartist tradition.

It will be shown on Sunday, November 23, at 7pm on S4C.