**The Mystery of Ship Names Carved into a Sea Wall in Wales**
As you take a leisurely stroll along Swansea Bay, you may come across a series of names etched into the sea wall near the Meridian Tower. Among these names are Zeta, Ianthe, and Chelhydra, quietly engraved into the stone barrier that overlooks the coastline. While many passersby may not pay much attention to these names, they hold a deeper significance – each one represents a ship that once set sail from Swansea on daring voyages across the seas.
These ships were no ordinary vessels; they braved the treacherous waters of Cape Horn to transport copper from Chile for smelting at Swansea’s copper works. The sailors who crewed these ships were often Welsh, hailing from rural areas and esteemed within the sailing community for their courage and skill. Navigating sturdy copper ore barques designed for resilience rather than speed, these sailors undertook perilous journeys to ensure the smooth transport of valuable cargo.
One of the notable names carved on the sea wall is Zeta, a copper ore barque owned by Henry Bath and Sons. This particular ship holds a special connection to Hollywood actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, as it was once captained by her great-grandfather. In a nod to this maritime history, Zeta-Jones’ grandmother was even named after this flagship of Swansea’s copper export fleet, highlighting the enduring legacy of these seafaring ventures.
Adjacent to the sea wall, two sculptures – The Copper Flame and the Zeta Mnemonical – stand as tributes to Swansea’s pivotal role in the global copper trade. Crafted by artist Robin Campbell, these sculptures serve as poignant reminders of the city’s rich maritime heritage and contribution to international commerce. Complementing these artworks, the Riverside Walkway in SA1 features over 100 ship names etched into the paving slabs, dating back to 1824.
This expansive art installation spanning 300 meters was a collaborative effort by senior fine art lecturer Craig Wood and artist Perry Roberts, completed in 2013. Drawing from Swansea’s shipping archives, the creators meticulously selected ship names that incorporated people’s names, forming a rhythmic narrative as visitors traverse the path along the waterfront. Each name commemorates a vessel that was registered in Swansea, underscoring the city’s enduring ties to seafaring traditions.
The intricate detailing of these ship names serves as a poignant homage to Swansea’s maritime roots and the brave sailors who navigated the world’s oceans in pursuit of trade and adventure. By immortalizing these vessels on the sea wall and walkway, Swansea pays homage to its seafaring past, preserving a vital part of its history for future generations to appreciate and reflect upon.
In a blend of artistry and storytelling, the names etched into the sea wall and the sculptures that stand sentinel along the waterfront weave a compelling narrative of Swansea’s maritime legacy. These enduring symbols stand as testaments to the city’s enduring connection to the sea and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to chart unknown waters in the pursuit of commerce and exploration.