Penarth
Penarth maps (2 available)
Map of South Glamorgan
Beautifully hand-drawn and coloured, dating from around 1840
See this old map of South Glamorgan
Personalised maps
Create an historic map centred directly on any postcode!
Penarth books (4 available)
- 39 photos on Penarth appear in 3 Frith books - View photos of Penarth
- Read extracts and see photos from these books on Penarth and South Glamorgan
Penarth memories
Read and share memories of Penarth and South Glamorgan inspired by Frith photos
Halcyon days
I remember the excitement of seeing the hovercraft as a child. We used to spend many days on the beach at Penarth usually at the Pier end but when the Hovercraft visited we of course congregated at what we called the 'landing stage' end near the yacht club.
The photo shows a boat in the background and I remember a service to Flat Holme run by a Mr Noel or Knowle. We called it 'Knowles boat'. For many years I craved a journey to Flat Holme on Knowles boat but never made it. I eventually got there a few years ago so it only took me 40 years. it was well worth it though.
Does anyone remember Knowles Boat and ...read more here
Contributed by michael evans
South Glamorgan memories
Halcyon days
I remember the excitement of seeing the hovercraft as a child. We used to spend many days on the beach at Penarth usually at the Pier end but when the Hovercraft visited we of course congregated at what we called the 'landing stage' end near the yacht club.
The photo shows a boat in the background and I remember a service to Flat Holme run by a Mr Noel or Knowle. We called it 'Knowles boat'. For many years I craved a journey to Flat Holme on Knowles boat but never made it. I eventually got there a few years ago so it only took me 40 years. it was well worth it though.
Does anyone remember Knowles Boat and ...read more here
A memory of Penarth contributed by michael evans
Grandmother's home
I think my grandmother grew up in Rose Cottage. I hope to learn more about the area and one day visit. She told such beautiful stories about this town.
Any info? womanwiththeheadofroses@hotmail.com
On the Street where I lived
The photo shows the bottom of Highwalls Avenue, I lived half way up round the corner. It was a steep climb when i was litlle but got easier as I grew. I was born in this road and had such a happy time.
A memory of Dinas Powys contributed by Clive Turner
Extracts From Penarth & South Glamorgan books
Penarth has achieved status both as a sought-after suburb of Cardiff and also as a
summer resort. Here we can see the busy beach scene complete with the 19th-
century pier.
An extract from from"South Wales Photographic Memories".
This is almost the same scene as in photograph 32690, page 23, but here we look eastwards. The two shots together provide an almost panoramic view of the coastline. Here the young boys explore the boat, whilst a lady appears only too aware of the photographer. This is the interim period of the seafront – most of the Esplanade had been in situ for a decade, but we are still one year away from the commencement of building the pier.
An extract from from"Around Penarth Photographic Memories".
For many years hoards of revellers would descend on the beach from Cardiff via cheap ferry trips. By the 1870s, Robert Forrest knew that he could not stop the ‘rabble’ and their use of the beach, which he deemed ‘not legitimate’. He did realise, however, that upgrading the facilities would attract a better class of visitor – cultured, refined but above all wealthy and willing to spend freely.
An extract from from"Around Penarth Photographic Memories".
Penarth was, until quite recently, merely the marine residence and bathing resort of the well-to-do inhabitants of Cardiff; now, however, it bids fair to become of far more than local importance. Of late, considerable improvements have been made. Frequent steamboats ply across the harbour when the tide serves. On the breezy cliff, fine pleasure grounds have been laid out. The Windsor Gardens, above the esplanade, afford pleasant walks and views.
An extract from from"50 Classics - Seaside".
A busy scene rich in period detail. In the foreground people access the beach via a slipway. In the distance a crowd gather to be entertained – could it be minstrels or a Punch and Judy show? A little closer, a group of donkeys await their rides. How ironic that only a decade earlier the resort had been disparagingly referred to as ‘Donkey Island’ – a withering appraisal of its coarse visitors and plebeian attractions.
An extract from from"Around Penarth Photographic Memories".