Cardiff, the thriving capital city of Wales, holds a fascinating history that many are unaware of. Before the 19th century coal industry boom, the city was a modest town with fewer than 2,000 residents. Streets were unlit and unpaved, livestock roamed freely, and rural landscapes dominated areas beyond the city’s limits. The Hayes, now a bustling hub, was once gardens and enclosures.
From Roman Villas to Iron Age Forts, Cardiff is rich in historical sites that have stood the test of time. One significant event was the Merthyr Rising in 1831, leading to arrests, deportations to Australia, and public executions in Cardiff Market. A Roman villa once stood on Ely playing fields, unearthed in the 1920s, shedding light on ancient life in the area.
During World War Two, Cardiff had a mooring point for a barrage balloon near Fitzalan High School, adding an interesting wartime element to the city’s history. The punishing Taff hanging chair and Cardiff’s lesser-known Morgraig Castle serve as reminders of past practices and structures in the city.
The city’s history also includes intriguing details like the ‘Death Junction,’ where Catholic priests were executed in the 17th century, and mysterious bullet holes on Lansdowne Road bridge from World War Two strafing. Cardiff’s Victoria Park was once a zoo, adding a touch of the exotic to the city’s past.
Cardiff’s forgotten past also includes the Battle of St Fagans, mass graves uncovered during construction in 1967, and the American contribution to Whitchurch Common during World War Two. Bullfighting at the Aneurin Bevan statue location, Ivor Novello’s birthplace, and public executions on St Mary Street are all part of Cardiff’s hidden history.
The city’s lost suburbs, like Temperance Town and Marments department store, serve as reminders of bygone eras. The remnants of Cardiff’s slums, like Jones Court, and the medieval town walls offer glimpses into the city’s past living conditions and defences. The hidden tunnels under Cardiff and Roman walls at Cardiff Castle add layers of mystery to the city’s historical fabric.
As Cardiff continues to evolve and grow, exploring its forgotten history provides a deeper appreciation for the city’s heritage and the resilience of its people through the ages. Delving into these intriguing slices of Cardiff’s past offers a new perspective on the bustling capital city and its journey through time.