A statue at the western end of Queen Street stands in recognition of Aneurin Bevan (1897 – 1960) who is credited with founding the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The statue was erected in 1987, designed by Robert Thomas.
“Nye” Bevan became Labour MP for Ebbw Vale in 1929, He was an effective public speaker known for his left wing views; he was temporarily expelled from the party twice, one of them for his opposition to nuclear weapons. He became Minister for Health in the post-war Labour government, where he was behind the nationalization of healthcare and founding of the NHS. As Minister for Housing he took steps to solve the post-war housing shortage. Bevan remained MP for Tredegar until his death in 1960.
The statue was commissioned by South Glamorgan County Council. In gold on the front of the pedestal are the words “Founder of the National Health Service”. In 2018 plastic spikes were added to Bevan’s head to deter the visits of seagulls, who had frequently covered Bevan’s head with bird poop. The statue is often used as the focus or starting point of rallies, demonstrations and protests.
