Colin Crosby Heritage Tours

Cardiff

Cardiff is the capital city of Wales, on the River Taff, 130 miles from London. Its Welsh name is Caerdydd.

Originally the site of a Roman fort, Cardiff was a small fishing village until the 19th century, when it became one of the world`s busiest ports for the export of coal.

Cardiff Castle contains the keep of a Norman castle, where Robert of Normandy, eldest son of William the Conqueror was kept prisoner from 1106 until his death in 1134. Most of the castle, though, was built as a mediaeval fantasy palace for the Marquess of Bute by the extraordinary architect William Burges.

In Cathays Park are most of the public buildings, including the Welsh Office, University of Wales College, Temple of Peace, Law Courts, City Hall and National Museum of Wales.

St. John`s Church has a slender 15th century spire.

Cardiff Bay is a huge waterfront development, based on the notorious Tiger Bay. It includes the striking Cardiff Bay Barrage.

Llandaff, with its cathedral, is a mile away.

Among the prominent people born in Cardiff are Dannie Abse, author; Shirley Bassey, singer; Jeremy Bowen, TV presenter; David Broome, showjumper; Hugh Cudlipp, newspaper editor; Dave Edmunds, rock singer; Merlyn Evans, artist; Ryan Giggs, Wales footballer; Ivor Novello, songwriter and playwright; and Howard Spring, novelist.

The former Prime Minister Jim Callaghan was M. P. for South East Cardiff.