I picked up this booklet at a postcard fair a few years ago as it looked quite interesting. I don’t have a particular interest in transport history but I found the story of “electric traction” in Cardiff fascinating. May 2022 marks 120 years since the first electric tramcar was driven by the Mayor from the … more…
The Tongwynlais Historical Society was formed in March 2020 with my fellow co-founder Rob Wiseman. The initial aim was to create a self-guided audio trail along the historic sites in the village from the Ironbridge, through the village to Castell Coch and loop back passed Ivy Cottage and back to the Ironbridge. We wanted to research interesting historical snippets from different aspects of the life and times of the people who once lived in the village. From the long forgotten railway station, the vineyard, the mill, lime quarry, local shops etc. with an aim to bring local history back to life for visitors and residents alike.
Terence Soames (Cardiff) Ltd was founded in 1946 and specialised in aerial photography. National Museum Wales have two particularly good images from 1957 and 1973. The company were based at 22 Dumfries Place, Cardiff and they moved to St John’s Chambers, High Street Arcade in 1962. I couldn’t find any information about Terence Soames but … more…
I have another fantastic image of Tongwynlais looking across the River Taff from Pentyrch. In the foreground are buildings from the Pentyrch Steel and Tin Plate Works. The bridge across the River Taff is Ynys Bridge, which was built in 1808 and is Grade II listed. Ynys House, in the centre above the bridge, is … more…
Tongwynlais railway station was opened in March 1911 but only operated for 20 years. It was closed in July 1931 and converted into a private house. Mrs Hagget and her son Graham lived there until its demolition in 1969. There are several photos of the station in various local history books. Most of these are … more…
Several houses on the north-west end of Merthyr Road were demolished in 1968 for the construction of the A470. A reader has very kindly sent me a photo of one of these houses and some information about their history. There were six terraced houses on the other side of Birth Hill, shown in the image … more…
I've just discovered this website and found the railway article was fascinating. Looking forward to learning more about the history…