THE FIRST part of a Neath Port Talbot heritage scheme has been announced with blue plaques set to recognise renowned Hollywood actor Richard Burton and his adoptive father, Philip Burton.
The commemorative blue plaque scheme was launched in Neath Port Talbot in 2025 to celebrate notable people, places, and events that have taken place across the county borough.
It was approved by local councillors in October 2024, with the first of the plaques announced during the Richard Burton Centenary, celebrating 100 years since the iconic performer was born.
The scheme currently has a budget for two plaques each year from the local authority as well as the option for local groups or individuals to fund a blue plaque for themselves.
A council spokesperson said: “The campaign to get blue plaques for both Richard and Philip Burton was sparked by the local community, including the Burton Bont Festival Group who work to celebrate the community and heritage of Richard Burton’s birthplace in Pontrhydyfen.”
Richard Burton’s granddaughter, Charlotte Burton, added: “We are so excited that two blue plaques will be unveiled in honour of Philip and Richard Burton. Thank you to the local community and the Neath Port Talbot council for making this possible.”
The plaques will now be installed during the Richard Burton Centenary Week in November 2025, subject to a three-day call-in period which ends on July 16.
The process for self-funding a plaque can be done by submitting an online nomination to the Heritage NPT Team’s selection panel with the panel’s recommendations then being reported to cabinet members before a final decision is made.
