Aneurin Bevan 1897 - 1960
- occupation:
- Miner, Politician
- Nationality:
- Welsh
- born in:
- Tredegar, Caerphilly, Wales, United Kingdom
Aneurin 'Nye' Bevan was born in the South Wales Valleys in the late-nineteenth century. He left school at 14 to work in the local mine, before becoming involved in local union politics. He joined the Labour Party, and in 1928 was elected the MP for Ebbw Vale, a seat which he held for the rest of his life (31 years).
Bevan was appointed the Minister for Health in 1947. Inspired by the Tredegar Medical Aid society in his hometown, Bevan lead the campaign for a National Health Service in the UK, free at the point of need. The National Health Service Act 1946 was passed, and from 1948 nationalised over 2,500 British hospitals.
