Welsh figures among latest additions to Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Prominent Welsh figures including broadcaster Mavis Nicholson and rugby great Phil Bennett are among those newly added to the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.

The latest update, published on 9 April, includes 229 individuals who died in 2022 and have been judged to have made a significant impact on British life.

Phil Bennett, widely regarded as one of Wales’ greatest rugby players, was born in Felinfoel, Llanelli. A fly-half for Llanelli RFC, he made more than 400 appearances for the club and captained both Llanelli and Wales. He won 29 caps for Wales and played a key role in the 1978 Grand Slam. Reflecting on Llanelli’s famous 9–3 victory over the All Blacks, he described it as “the greatest day of my rugby life”.

Mavis Nicholson, who was born in Briton Ferry, rose to prominence as a writer and broadcaster known for her distinctive interview style. Beginning her career as an advertising copywriter, she moved into television after appearing on the Today programme, later hosting her own daytime shows. She also worked in radio and as an agony aunt for The Oldie, and in later life founded the Montgomery Literary Festival.

Other Welsh figures recognised in the update include David Nicholas, a pioneering figure in television news who led ITN during a period of major growth; Eldryd Parry, who worked extensively in Africa and founded the Tropical Health and Education Trust; and jazz singer Tina May, who built a four-decade career after studying in Cardiff.

Further names include entrepreneur Iann Barron, archaeologist Brenda Heywood, and international relations scholar Laurie Martin, who was based at Aberystwyth.

The update also includes a biography of Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in British history, who died in 2022. During her reign, the UK underwent significant political and social change, to which she adapted over time.

Other notable additions span politics, culture and public life, including Northern Ireland’s former First Minister David Trimble, author Hilary Mantel, fashion designer Vivienne Westwood and actor Robbie Coltrane.

The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography is a long-running research project of the University of Oxford and is published by Oxford University Press. Following the latest update, it contains more than 65,000 articles covering nearly 64,000 individuals who have shaped British history.