00:00185 years ago, roughly 3,000 men from across South Wales marched together in what could
00:07arguably be called the most important event in Newport's history. The Chartist uprising
00:12is often called the start of democracy in the UK, and the city played a huge role in
00:16that story. Back then in 1839, only a select few could vote, including those who owned
00:22land for example. But people wanted to see that change, and grant voting for all men
00:27over a certain age. John Frost and a group of his closest allies decided to march into
00:31the centre of Newport, which at that point was the biggest city in the area, and demanded
00:36the right to vote outside the Westgate Hotel. It led to a stand-off with officials, with
00:41gunshots and arrests made, but the importance of that day lives long in British democracy.
00:47Newport prides itself on its democratic history, with organisations still celebrating the occasion,
00:52and a festival taking place in the city following the route of the marches, remembering what
00:56Newport gave all those years ago.
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