The Historical Association - Swansea Branch

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The Historical Association - Swansea Branch Swansea Branch of the Historical Association

The ‘catchment area’ of the Swansea Branch is south-west Wales (anywhere that has an SA postcode, in fact, and sometimes a little beyond), and our aim is to bring together people who share an interest in, and love for History. If you’d like to contact us, our e-mail address is:
[email protected]

And our postal address is:
The Historical Association, Swansea Branch, c/o The National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, The Maritime Quarter, Swansea, SA1 3RD. Officers:

Colin James (Chairman)
Liz McSloy (Secretary)
Ray Savage (Treasurer)

Executive Committee
Non McSloy
Irene Thomas
Ray Collier
Nigel Robins
Jeff Stewart
Lucy Jeffrey
Peter Thabit Jones

16th October 1915 South Wales Weekly Post. OPENED AT LAST. THE NEW SLIP BRIDGE. BETTER SECURITY ON MUMBLES ROAD. ‘Though...
16/10/2026

16th October 1915 South Wales Weekly Post. OPENED AT LAST. THE NEW SLIP BRIDGE. BETTER SECURITY ON MUMBLES ROAD. ‘Though the summer is not immediately before us, yet the new Slip bridge at Swansea, which, was formally opened on Thursday afternoon, will be welcomed if only for the satisfaction that in future people need not wait upon the increasingly-dangerous Mumbles-road before crossing on to the beach. It was in June, 1911, that the Corporation bought out the Dickson rights on the foreshore at cost of £2,500, and placed the control of the sands under the Parks and Open Spaces Committee. The way was now paved for the construction of a foot-bridge over the Mumbles-road and abutting railways, and in March, 1912, the Council recommended the construction of a ferro- concrete structure. The subsequent inquiry showed that such a bridge was not likely, to receive official approval, and the Council in July, 1913, decided to proceed with the construction of a steel bridge, for which purpose Mr. Howard Humphreys, London, was called in as consultant engineer. In the following February tenders were accepted for the structure as follows: Iron work, Messrs. Rees and Kirby, Morriston, £ 1,268; stone work, Messrs. Muirhead and Co. £ 3,199; total, £4,457. The bridge was begun in June 1914, and the contract time for completion was May, 1915, but owing to the war and other causes the structure is only now finished. It is hoped the bridge is merely the first instalment of a larger scheme. which comprises a pavilion pier on the foreshore. Quite a large gathering of the townspeople witnessed the opening ceremony, and this in spite of a cold east wind. The new bridge had been profusely set off with bunting comprising the flags of all nations, and the ceremony took place at the foot of the structure on the Victoria Park side. Councillor J. H. Lee, in declaring the bridge open, said they had there one of the finest bridges in the Principality. The Mayor, proposing a hearty vote of thanks, said there were croakers about who spoke of the “terrific extravagance" of the Swansea Corporation and asked, ‘What use was the new Slip footbridge?” In reply, the Mayor alluded to the abnormal crowds of women end children who in times past were kept waiting on the dangerous Mumbles-road for the trams to pass, and said that as Swansea grew the sands would become even more popular, so that it was the bounden duty of the Corporation to provide a proper and safe access to the beach.’ Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service West Glamorgan Archive Service Slip Bridgea

15th October 1913. Cambria Daily Leader. YMCA TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY. MAGNIFICENT NEW PREMISES FOR YOUTH OF THE TOWN....
15/10/2026

15th October 1913. Cambria Daily Leader. YMCA TODAY’S OPENING CEREMONY. MAGNIFICENT NEW PREMISES FOR YOUTH OF THE TOWN. ‘Today the new building of the Y.M.C.A. in St. Helen’s Road was formally opened by Lord Kinnaird, President of the Y.M.C.A. It is the crown and fruition of a great scheme, enthusiastically launched nearly seven years ago. In the early part of its career, the Y.M.C.A confined its energies to operations of a specifically religious character, and the aim now is to meet the social, intellectual, and physical needs of young men. In I906 the growth of the organisation demanded more accommodation and in 1910, the committee completed negotiations for the purchase of the valuable freehold site on which the present fine building stands. It was decided to erect an entirely new building, with all the latest improvements, scientifically planned to meet the varied and ever-growing activities of the Y.M.C.A. A bold scheme was planned to secure the sum of £12,000 in twelve days and late on the last night of the memorable twelve days, it was announced that the £12,000 had been secured. On July 9 1912, foundation stones were laid by Lady Mond, Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Messrs. Roger Beck (hon treasurer) and T. P. Cook (chairman of the Building Fund). The new building ranks in many respects, as unique even among the largest and most modern Y.M.C.A. buildings in the country. Bounded on three sides by streets, the site has enabled Mr Glendinning Moxham, FRIBA, the capable local architect, to arrange a building with ample light and air. The building as designed is of Georgian character, with its red brick walls, relieved with dressings of Portland stone and a heavy stone cornice and parapet, the principal corner being carried up to form a clock chamber. The chief entrance to the building commands an important corner, and is of a bold and effective character, with large entrance lobbies having oak-panelled walls and mosaic floors. The total cost of the site and building has been £ 20,548. A tremendous long list of notable functions have been arranged to occur during the next eight days.’ YMCA Swansea Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Swansea Museum Swansea Libraries

Our next free talk is this Saturday, 17th October, at 11:00 am, in Swansea’s Waterfront Museum, when Jeff Childs will be...
14/10/2026

Our next free talk is this Saturday, 17th October, at 11:00 am, in Swansea’s Waterfront Museum, when Jeff Childs will be speaking on “Manchester and its Making” - From Roman outpost to the world’s first industrial city, to today’s modern, diverse, post-industrial global city and dynamic economic hub.

Publications, including the new addition of ‘Chronicle’, will be available for sale. A reminder for members - please bring your membership card with you to get your copy of ‘Chronicle’ at the special members price, but please remember, we are a cash only organisation.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Saturday.
Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Swansea Museum Swansea Libraries

14th October 1929 South Wales Daily Post BLASTING AT THE MUMBLES - Big Improvement Scheme in Progress - Removing Danger...
14/10/2026

14th October 1929 South Wales Daily Post BLASTING AT THE MUMBLES - Big Improvement Scheme in Progress - Removing Dangerous Corner. ‘Six men - the first of a large number to be engaged from the Labour Exchange - began work on Monday morning on the widening of Bracelet Cutting at the Mumbles. When the road was made it was not thought that the huge volume of traffic which now passes through the cutting would ever use it. The abnormal increase in road traffic has resulted in the cutting being too narrow for safety. It is intended to widen the road at the corner nearly 25ft and the middle of the cutting will be widened by 12ft. The blind corner will be taken away and the risk of accident will be considerably diminished. Speaking to the foreman in charge of the work, a “Daily Post” reporter learned that the work will take several months. Blasting operations will be necessary to remove limestone rock which forms the cliff. An AA Scout, who was on duty said, ‘It will be a great boon to motorists, and cars will be able to come round the bend without changing down. There will be less risk of accident, as the driver will be able to take a sharper turn, thus avoiding the people who walk down to the pier. When the work is finished it is expected that heavy vehicles like charabancs and auto-buses will be allowed to go through on to the Limeslade-road, thus alleviating to some extent parking difficulties at the Mumbles.’ The Story of Mumbles Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Swansea Museum Swansea Council

Sorry our website has been down for the last few days - but we’re back again at www.haswansea.org.uk and looking forward...
13/10/2026

Sorry our website has been down for the last few days - but we’re back again at www.haswansea.org.uk and looking forward to our next event on Saturday 17th October at 11:00 am at the Waterfront Museum - more details tomorrow.

13th October 1922. Western Mail. SWANSEA’S NEW STATION £340,000 SCHEME TO BE EXPEDITED. ‘The Great Western Railway are e...
13/10/2026

13th October 1922. Western Mail. SWANSEA’S NEW STATION £340,000 SCHEME TO BE EXPEDITED. ‘The Great Western Railway are expediting the question of constructing the new station at Swansea. Legal representatives of the company have just visited the town in connection with the acquisition of properties in the vicinity of the station and the necessary developments. The new station is to cost £340,000 and the Swansea Housing Committee have agreed to sell to the company 24 houses on the Town Hill to replace the same number to be demolished in Bethesda Street near the station.’
NOTE: Twelve years later, in October 1934, the same newspaper reported that the new station buildings at Swansea, ‘now nearing completion, mark the culmination of an extensive scheme of improvements which was commenced by the company some years ago. The main facade facing Ivey-place and the quadrant facing High-street with its abutment is faced with Portland stone, in the character of modern Renaissance giving the whole a dignified and pleasing appearance. The buildings are on two floors, with a third floor over the portion forming the main entrance. These upper floors consist entirely of offices, well lit, heated and ventilated, which will be occupied by the company’s staff. The corporation had long felt that when the Company completed the frontage it should be on a more imposing scale, and that the station yard … should be enlarged to suit traffic developments. This could only be done by the corporation purchasing a considerable portion of High-street with all the premises in Ivey-place, and demolishing these properties.’ Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Swansea Museum

12th October 1907 Weekly Mail. REFUGE FOR THE BLIND - TOUCHING GIFT BY MR. GLYNN VIVIAN. ‘Erected by R. Glynn Vivian to ...
12/10/2026

12th October 1907 Weekly Mail. REFUGE FOR THE BLIND - TOUCHING GIFT BY MR. GLYNN VIVIAN. ‘Erected by R. Glynn Vivian to the Glory of God and for the benefit of his fellow-sufferers. In memory of the dear father who left the land, and of many happy, youthful days spent among the rocks and bays of this our beautiful coast, from the Mumbles to the Worm's Head. “ Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened.”—Isaiah ###v., 5. Such was the pathetic inscription above the door of the Glynn Vivian Home of Rest for the Blind, which has been erected and furnished by Mr. Glynn Vivian for those in similar affliction to himself on the hills between Langland and Caswell Bays, near Swansea, and which was formally opened, in the presence of a large company, on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Vivian has provided the land, erected the building, and endowed it to the extent of £1,000 towards the upkeep. It is very picturesquely situated, and its tennants will be able to enjoy the delightful, balmy air of this part of the Gower coast. The building is a long bungalow, with gables and deep overhanging eaves, while the roof is of red tiles, giving a pleasant contrast to the green of the surrounding fields. The building has been erected by Mr. Henry Billings, from the design of Mr. Glendinning Moxham. The latter presented Mr. Vivian with the gold key with which he opened the building. Mr. Vivian thanked the company for their presence, he had erected it to the memory of the best of fathers, to the memory of his many happy days, and as a thanksgiving for the fifty-six years of sight vouchsafed to him. In conclusion, Mr. Vivian expressed the hope that that home might be a source of great help and comfort and enjoyment to those who, like himself, were suffering from loss of sight.’ Glynn Vivian Art Gallery Swansea Museum Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Friends of Hafod Morfa Copperworks

11th October 1899 The Outbreak of the Anglo Boer War - (Report from South Wales Daily Post - October 1899.) PATRIOTIC SW...
11/10/2026

11th October 1899 The Outbreak of the Anglo Boer War - (Report from South Wales Daily Post - October 1899.) PATRIOTIC SWANSEA. THE WELSH FUSILIERS' PASSING. ENTHUSIASTIC SCENES AFTER MID-NIGHT. AFFECTING FAREWELLS AND INCIDENTS. ‘It would be difficult to imagine a more inspiring scene than the one that presented itself an hour after Sunday midnight when the Royal Welsh Fusiliers passed through Landore Station from Pembroke Dock for Southampton, en-route for the field of hostilities in South Africa. A monster concourse of people of all shades of political, religious, and social stand- but Britishers one and all to the core, crowded the platforms, and in right royal patriotic fashion honoured the brave lads. It was a unique, and in many respects an impressive, spectacle, and the brave fellows who were leaving their native land to uphold, in a distant sphere, the liberty-loving traditions of the race were manifestly pleased at the demonstration. People began making for Landore long before midnight; and they came from far and near, in some instances a cheerful little eight or ten mile walk being insufficient to damp the ardour of their patriotic enthusiasm and their love for the soldiers of the Queen. Manly men waved their hats and shouted themselves hoarse; scores, if not hundreds, of women joined in, and the gallant redcoats, most of whom had been enjoying the balms of slumber, were instantly on their feet, and crowding the windows, and vigorously returning the friendly greetings. There were also scenes taking place that damped the joy of those who witnessed them. Pale and anxious faces of women and men— were scanning and examining each carriage— hoping against time to be able to clasp the loved one before the train began to depart. Considering the hour of the night, the demonstration was of a singularly patriotic kind, and Swansea will now follow with enhanced interest the doings of the gallant Fusiliers.’ NOTE: The picture is of the Swansea’s 3rd Glamorgan R***e Volunteers, taken before leaving for South Africa in 1900.

10th October 1929 Western Mail. LOSS TO WELSH INDUSTRY MR F W GILBERTSON DEAD. One of the best known and most highly res...
10/10/2026

10th October 1929 Western Mail. LOSS TO WELSH INDUSTRY MR F W GILBERTSON DEAD. One of the best known and most highly respected figures in the industrial life of Wales, particularly West Wales Mr Frank W Gilbertson JP., Dl., chairman and managing director of the firm of W Gilbertson & co, steel and tin-plate and sheet manufacturers of Pontardawe, died during Tuesday night at his home at Bishopston, Gower, aged 55 years of age. He was the first president of the University college of Swansea, which office he held at his death and had the honour of presiding over the stone-laying ceremony on the occasion of the King’s visit to Swansea in July 1920. He did a large amount of spade work in connection with the founding of the University College of Swansea. The considerable support which the iron and steel industries gave and continued to give to the college was due almost entirely to the efforts of Mr Gilbertson. He was also a member of the court of governors and council of the University College, and founder and for some years chairman of the Education Board of South Wales Manufacturers.’ NOTE: W Gilbertson & Co began at Pontardawe in 1861 by leasing a tinplate works. The company gained a reputation for quality and was awarded the contract to supply roofing sheets for the West Wing of the White House in Washington. A largely paternalistic employer, the Company constructed a new Public Hall in Pontardawe (now the Arts Centre), for which Frank Gilbertson led the fund-raising and the Company were the lead subscribers, it was opened in 1909 by Adelina Patti. The Company was also the supplier of electricity to Pontardawe, running one generator for the village and one for the works. Along with sanitation provision for the firm’s tenants, the Company provided employees and their families basic health care with a works nurse, doctor and ambulance service, subscriptions being collected toward medical care locally and donations made to Swansea Hospital. Source:
https://collections.swansea.ac.uk/s/Swansea-2020/page/frank-gilbertson-one #?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0
https://collections.swansea.ac.uk/s/Swansea-2020/page/frank-gilbertson-two #?c=0&m=0&s=0&cv=0
Swansea University Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Swansea Museum Friends of Hafod Morfa Copperworks Swansea Valley History Society

9th October 1933. Western Mail BIG LINER AT SWANSEA Mishap on Trip to India ‘The City of Paris, one of the largest li...
09/10/2026

9th October 1933. Western Mail BIG LINER AT SWANSEA Mishap on Trip to India ‘The City of Paris, one of the largest liners of the City Line, which was bound from Liverpool to India with 211 passengers aboard and general cargo, put into the King's Dock, Swansea, on Sunday morning for repairs to her engines. The trouble developed on Saturday en route to Marseilles prior to making for Bombay. Temporary repairs were effected, and after communication by wireless with the owners it was decided to make for Swansea, the nearest port with extensive dry-dock facilities. The liner was able to proceed slowly under her own steam, and reached Mumbles Head about three a.m., docking at a suitable state of the tide some five hours later. It is understood the trouble relates to the auxiliary condenser and some of the steam pipes, and that it is likely to occupy until Wednesday night to rectify. Repairs are being effected without the liner having to put into dry-dock, so that it has not been found necessary for the passengers to leave the ship. TRIPS FOR PASSENGERS Everything is being done by the owners, whose local agents are Burgess and Co., Ltd., to meet the convenience of passengers, and short-notice trips around the Swansea district are among the things being arranged for their entertainment. Conversation with the passengers, many of whom are returning to India with their families, showed that the mishap had occasioned no alarm. The weather was calm and there had been no real inconvenience. The call of the vessel at Swansea occasioned considerable interest, for she presented a pretty sight, brilliantly illuminated, while riding at anchor in the bay awaiting the tide. The City of Paris is a vessel of 10,902 tons gross and 6,855 tons net. NOTE: ‘The City of Paris’ was built in 1922. The ship’s history is a chequered, less than ten days after she docked in Swansea she ran aground in the Mediterranean. During WW2 she was used as an evacuation ship and a troop ship and was damaged after she struck a German mine. She returned to commercial use in 1947 but was scraped in 1956. Amgueddfa Genedlaethol y Glannau - National Waterfront Museum West Glamorgan Archive Service Swansea Museum Swansea Libraries

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C/o The National Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Road, The Maritime Quarter
Swansea
SA13RD

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