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History of Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Journey back in time to Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Explore Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.Do You Have Swansea Ancestry? Share YOUR Family Story!
Swansea, Welsh Abertawe, city, Swansea county, historic county of Glamorgan (Morgannwg), southwestern Wales. It lies along the Bristol Channel at the mouth of the River Tawe. Swansea is the second largest city in Wales (after Cardiff).
In the early 12th century the Norman Henry de Newburgh built a castle there, which was later destroyed by the Welsh rebel Owain Glyn Dŵr. Up to the early 18th century Swansea was a small market town and a coal port. Thereafter it grew steadily as an industrial centre. Local outcrops of coal were used in the smelting of imported copper after 1717, and the industry prospered so much that by the mid-19th century Swansea’s Metal Exchange was the centre of world trade in copper... Swansea also prospered as a port for the anthracite mines of the western coalfield in South Wales. A canal built along the Swansea valley in 1798 and railways constructed during the 19th century linked Swansea’s port with the coalfield, and new docks built after 1852 increased the port’s capacity... Production of other nonferrous metals developed in and around Swansea, including lead, zinc, nickel, and especially tinplate production, but these sectors declined dramatically during the 20th century.
Aluminum production and metal fabrication developed after World War II. Other late 20th-century additions to the city’s industrial structure include the manufacture of automotive components, engineering products, plastics, and packaging. An oil refinery at Llandarcy on the eastern edge of Swansea processes oil that arrives through a pipeline from Milford Haven, and it supplies a petrochemical plant at Baglan, near Neath...
britannica.com
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Swansea Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Artwork
Swansea Castle
Swansea Castle is a historic medieval fortress located in the city of Swansea in Wales, United Kingdom. It was constructed during the late 13th century by Henry de Beaumont, the first Earl of Warwick, as part of the efforts by the Normans to establish control over Wales. The castle's primary purpose was to secure the strategic area and protect English interests in the region.
The castle was built on the site of an earlier Norman fortification. Its construction began around 1190 and was completed in the early 14th century. The castle was designed as a typical medieval fortification, with defensive walls, a keep, and other structures.
Situated near the mouth of the River Tawe, Swansea Castle provided a vantage point from which to monitor and control maritime and land routes in the area. This made it an important stronghold for maintaining authority over the local population and protecting English interests.
Over the centuries, Swansea Castle changed hands... Read MORE...
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Artwork
View of the Copper Works, Swansea, Glamorganshire
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Artwork
1848 view of Swansea
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Artwork
View of Swansea, 1850
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Artwork
Temple Street, 1860
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Artwork
Swansea Harbour, 1881
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Postcard
Walter Road, 1906
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Postcard
General View, Swansea, 1907
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Postcard
Swansea Sands from the Slip
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Postcard
Castle Square, Swansesa, 1913
Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
Postcard
High Street, 1915
Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to SWANSEA
WALES Roots - Welsh Heritage Coffee Mug - Dragons and Castles
"My ancestors came from Wales. That explains a lot about my obsession with dragons and castle ruins!"
Discover Swansea: History, News, Travel, and Stories
History of Swansea
Swansea was once called Sweins eg or ey, which means Swein’s Island. The island stood at the mouth of the River Tawe. Who Swein was is not known for sure but he may have been a Norseman who built a fort on the island about 1000 AD and used it as a base for raiding the Welsh coast.
The town of Swansea was founded in the early 12th century when the Normans conquered the area. The Norman lord built a wooden castle on the site of Worcester Place. (It was rebuilt in stone in the early 13th century). A town soon grew up by the castle. The garrison of Swansea castle provided a market for the townspeople’s goods. Many of the townspeople were English immigrants.
At some time between 1158-84, Swansea was given a charter (a document granting the townspeople certain rights). King John gave Swansea another charter in 1215.
In Medieval Swansea, the main industries were leather and wool. Leather and wool from Swansea were exported to England so were hides, butter, cheese, and grain.
Like ... Read MORE...
Swansea was once called Sweins eg or ey, which means Swein’s Island. The island stood at the mouth of the River Tawe. Who Swein was is not known for sure but he may have been a Norseman who built a fort on the island about 1000 AD and used it as a base for raiding the Welsh coast.
The town of Swansea was founded in the early 12th century when the Normans conquered the area. The Norman lord built a wooden castle on the site of Worcester Place. (It was rebuilt in stone in the early 13th century). A town soon grew up by the castle. The garrison of Swansea castle provided a market for the townspeople’s goods. Many of the townspeople were English immigrants.
At some time between 1158-84, Swansea was given a charter (a document granting the townspeople certain rights). King John gave Swansea another charter in 1215.
In Medieval Swansea, the main industries were leather and wool. Leather and wool from Swansea were exported to England so were hides, butter, cheese, and grain.
Like ... Read MORE...
1650 - Swansea has a population of about 1,000. Coal and iron are exported from Swansea
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1716 - Copper is first smelted at Swansea
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1750 - Swansea has a population of about 3,000
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1777 - Zinc is first made at Swansea
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1801 - The population of Swansea is 6,831
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1821 - Swansea gains gas street lighting
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1841 - The population of Swansea reaches 16,000
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1864 - A General Hospital is built in Swansea
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1869 - Swansea
This town, claiming to be regarded as the most important in South Wales, is advantageously and beautifully situated, between two lofty hills, on the western bank of the Tawe, which is navigable for ships of large burden, and in the centre of a noble bay to which it gives its name.
The population of the parish amounts to 33,972; of the borough to 41,606. The town has risen, with a rapidity unequalled in the history of the principality, from a comparatively insignificant place to a high degree of commercial and manufacturing importance; being indebted for its advancement and prosperity, not less to the mineral treasures abounding in its neighbourhood, than to its highly advantageous maritime situation. The number of tons of copper-ore smelted annually in the kingdom is estimated at about 200,000, nine-tenths of which are supposed to be manufactured in Swansea and its vicinity.
The situation of the port is admirably adapted for carrying on an extensive commerce; and for its... Read MORE...
This town, claiming to be regarded as the most important in South Wales, is advantageously and beautifully situated, between two lofty hills, on the western bank of the Tawe, which is navigable for ships of large burden, and in the centre of a noble bay to which it gives its name.
The population of the parish amounts to 33,972; of the borough to 41,606. The town has risen, with a rapidity unequalled in the history of the principality, from a comparatively insignificant place to a high degree of commercial and manufacturing importance; being indebted for its advancement and prosperity, not less to the mineral treasures abounding in its neighbourhood, than to its highly advantageous maritime situation. The number of tons of copper-ore smelted annually in the kingdom is estimated at about 200,000, nine-tenths of which are supposed to be manufactured in Swansea and its vicinity.
The situation of the port is admirably adapted for carrying on an extensive commerce; and for its... Read MORE...
1871 - The first public library opens in Swansea
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1901 - The population of Swansea is 134,000
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
1906 - Swansea
Swansea, a seaport and municipal, parliamentary, and county borough of Wales, within the territorial LImits of Glamorgnshire, on the W. side of the Tawe, at its mouth in Swansea Bay, an inlet of Bristol Channel, 28 miles WSW. of Merthyr-Tydfil. It is picturesquely situated and well built in the modern style. Its principal objects of interst are ruins of the old castle, comprising the dungeons and hall, now used as barracks; the church of St. Mary's; the guild-hall; the royal institution of South Wales; and the fine market. The harbort is formed by masonry piers jutting out in to the bay. Swansea is situated in a rich coal region, is one of the most important copper-smelting centres in the world, and is the chief seat of the tin-plate industry in Great Britain. Pop. in 1891, 90,349 in 1901, 94,537.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
Swansea, a seaport and municipal, parliamentary, and county borough of Wales, within the territorial LImits of Glamorgnshire, on the W. side of the Tawe, at its mouth in Swansea Bay, an inlet of Bristol Channel, 28 miles WSW. of Merthyr-Tydfil. It is picturesquely situated and well built in the modern style. Its principal objects of interst are ruins of the old castle, comprising the dungeons and hall, now used as barracks; the church of St. Mary's; the guild-hall; the royal institution of South Wales; and the fine market. The harbort is formed by masonry piers jutting out in to the bay. Swansea is situated in a rich coal region, is one of the most important copper-smelting centres in the world, and is the chief seat of the tin-plate industry in Great Britain. Pop. in 1891, 90,349 in 1901, 94,537.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906
1934 - A new Guildhall is built in Swansea
localhistories.org
localhistories.org
Here's a list of the best places to visit and things to do in Swansea:
Swansea Bay: Start your visit with a stroll along Swansea Bay's promenade. The picturesque bay stretches for miles and is perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or cycle. The iconic Mumbles Pier is a highlight of this area.
Mumbles: This charming coastal village, often referred to as the "gateway to Gower," is a must-visit. It's known for its quaint shops, cafes, and beautiful seafront. Don't forget to try some delicious ice cream from Joe's Ice Cream, a local institution.
Gower Peninsula: Swansea is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower offers stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and scenic countryside. Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay are particularly popular.
Oystermouth Castle: Explore the medieval ruins of Oystermouth Castle, perched on a hill in Mumbles. The castle offers great views of Swansea Bay and provides a glimpse into the region's history.
Swansea Marina: Stroll around Swansea Marina, a vibrant... Read MORE...
Swansea Bay: Start your visit with a stroll along Swansea Bay's promenade. The picturesque bay stretches for miles and is perfect for a leisurely walk, jog, or cycle. The iconic Mumbles Pier is a highlight of this area.
Mumbles: This charming coastal village, often referred to as the "gateway to Gower," is a must-visit. It's known for its quaint shops, cafes, and beautiful seafront. Don't forget to try some delicious ice cream from Joe's Ice Cream, a local institution.
Gower Peninsula: Swansea is the gateway to the Gower Peninsula, the UK's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower offers stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, and scenic countryside. Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs Bay are particularly popular.
Oystermouth Castle: Explore the medieval ruins of Oystermouth Castle, perched on a hill in Mumbles. The castle offers great views of Swansea Bay and provides a glimpse into the region's history.
Swansea Marina: Stroll around Swansea Marina, a vibrant... Read MORE...
Discover YOUR Roots: Swansea Ancestry
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales
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