Book claims a Welshman 'probably more responsible than Charles Darwin for developing the theory of evolution'

The Ironbridge Gorge the cradle of the Industrial Revolution? Think again - Wales was the early leader of those events which were to change the world.

These claims are in a new book on Welsh history, in which the author argues that Welsh folk need to draw on their past to give themselves more confidence in the world today.

While the account may bring new pride to the Welsh, it is likely to upset Salopians who are proud of their role in shaping British history.

Highlights from Welsh History, by Emrys Roberts, gives an overview from the Brythonic period to the present day, while presenting a new and alternative portrayal of Welsh history, with the emphasis being on the nation's successes and strengths.

Among its claims is that a Welshman was "probably more responsible than Charles Darwin for developing the theory of evolution" and there was a Welsh woman who was "at least as responsible as Florence Nightingale for developing the nursing profession."

Wales is also presented as the world leader during the early Industrial Revolution, contained the world's first industrial town, and was home to the world's first steam train.

Roberts says: "Our small nation of some three million people has a past of which we can be immensely proud. It pays sometimes to look in the rear-view mirror and I believe that if only the people of Wales were more fully aware of our past – our history, our story – it would give us much greater confidence in facing, and building, our future."

He was inspired to write the book, in both English and Welsh, after a friend confessed that during the Scottish independence referendum in 2014 that he "did not feel very Welsh" and that he "did not know much about Wales" either.

"Wales has made a huge contribution to the world but very few people are aware of it, even people in Wales itself, and that's why I wrote this book - to give us confidence as a nation."

Roberts was born in Leamington Spa in 1931. He began to learn Welsh when his family moved to Cardiff during the Second World War.

He was Deputy President of Plaid Cymru in the late 1970s. He was sent to Cardiff prison in 1952 for refusing to join the British armed forces after MPs in Wales voted against conscription during a time of peace. He was placed in the cells under Westminster after intervening and disrupting a debate from the public gallery.

Highlights from Welsh History by Emrys Roberts costs £3.99 and is published by Y Lolfa. A Welsh version has also been published, titled Ein Stori Ni – Golwg Newydd ar Hanes y Cymry.