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  4. Cardiff, The Library 1896

Cardiff, The Library 1896
Photo ref: 38710
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Photo ref: 38710
Photo of Cardiff, The Library 1896
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A bust of Minerva sits proudly atop the grand Hayes façade of the library extension, probably pictured at the time of its opening in 1896. Interior space was at a premium - the premises included a museum and schools of both Art and Science. Established in 1882 in its first purpose- built home, the early adoption of the Free Library concept stood testament to Cardiff's municipal pride and foresight.

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A Selection of Memories from Cardiff

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Cardiff

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Posh Building, Poor Times
My mother was from Newtown in Cardiff, near the docks. It was a community of very poor Irish immigrants. My great grandmother had a job cleaning the City Hall. She would walk through Cardiff in the early morning and do her work which included polishing the steps then walk all the way back home again, a good few miles. On the way she would stop at her friend's house and her friend would make her a cup of ...see more
Cardiff, City Hall, Law Courts 1906
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Added 07 April 2013

Death Of A Stone Mason
Our great grandfather was a stone mason named William Jones. His daughter, our grandmother, told us many years ago that her father was killed in a fall while working on the construction of the City Hall. It had to be after January 1900 as he was present at Grans' wedding in Jan 1900. I have been unable to confirm the happening of this accident. Can anyone help me? I now live in Western Australia so it ...see more
Cardiff, City Hall, Law Courts 1906
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Added 12 August 2012

My Great Grandfather James
My Great Grandfather James Miles died in the Infirmary, aged 40. He was a Labourer in the Cardiff Ironworks. I never knew any of my family, but when I read of where they lived, and worked and died, I feel so proud of them.
Cardiff, the Infirmary 1893
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Added 19 April 2010

Grandparents
My Grandparents William Garside and Evelyn Bowden were married on 29th February 1896 in Cardiff and Grandad lived in Roath prior to his marriage. I imagine they may have also stood in this spot when courting, looking quite similar.
Cardiff, Couple by Roath Park Lake 1896
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Added 28 August 2008

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Genealogy & Research Images

Despite over 20 years’ work on the archive, these scans have still not been individually checked and may prove to be damaged, faded, or not of sufficient quality to ever be offered in our full product range. However, if you would particularly like to buy one of these please get in touch quoting the Frith negative number,(s) the town name and size of print you would like to buy. On receipt of your enquiry our archivist will check the scan and advise you if the quality is good enough.

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