10 things you might not know about WALES

WALES became the first part of the UK to go back into a full lockdown on Friday.

It went into a “short, sharp” national lockdown which will last until November 9.

People will be told to stay at home, while pubs, restaurants and non- essential shops will shut.

Authorities there have battled to keep the ancient and poetic land safe from COVID.

But what do those of us, not lucky enough to live there, really know about Wales?

Here are some facts you may not known… 1

FELINFOEL Brewery in South Wales – the oldest in Wales – was the first outside the US to sell beer in cans in 1931.

2

THE aeroplane was invented in Wales. Inventor Bill Frost took to the air in his ‘ Flying Machine’ at Saundersfoot near Tenby in 1895, a full eight years before the Wright brothers. After 500 yards, Bill crashed into a tree.

3

WALES has more castles per square mile than any other European country.

4

CONTRARY to what many people think, Llanfairpwllgwyngyllg ogerychwyrndrobwlll lantysiliogogogoch in Anglesey is not the longest place name in the world. That honour belongs to Taumatawhakatangi hangakoauauotamatea turipukakapikimaunga horonukupokaiwhenu akitanatahu in New Zealand.

5

THE first international rugby game took place in 1881 between Wales and England.

6

ONE of the world’s most famous Welshmen is Max

Boyce. The singer, writer and comedian has been Club President of Glynneath Golf Club, where the “Max Boyce Classic” is held every two or three years.

7

THE Corgi dog – the Queen’s favourite – originates from Wales, and means dwarf- dog or cor- ci. 8

JOSEPH ‘ Job’ Daniels from Aberystwyth, West Wales, emigrated to the US in the 18th century. His grandson Jack went on to create the world- renowned Jack Daniels whiskey. 9

AT one point, 40% of all coal exported by the UK was mined in

South Wales.

10

AL Capone’s accountant Llewelyn Humphreys, aka Murray the Hump, was Welsh. His family came from Powys.