Swansea
"A county and parliamentary borough at the mouth of the Tawe, and the second largest port and town in the county. It is supposed to have originated as a Scandinavian settlement, but its real history begins with the Norman castle built by the Earl of Warwick on his conquest of Gower. The ruins of this castle as reconstructed by Bishop Gower in 1330 stand in the centre of the town and show some Decorated arcading. The town itself occupies a fine situation on the shores of its bay, and the suburbs are spread over the adjoining hill side. In spite of its long history it has few antiquities. The chief public buildings are the Town Hall, Royal Institution, and Free Library. The church, though modern, has an ancient chapel attached. The local commerce is immense, and the town possesses some magnificent docks. It is the metropolis of the copper trade and owing to the number and variety of its smelting works it has been termed the metallurgical capital of the world. There are more than 150 furnaces for the treatment of different kinds of ores within four miles of the town. " [From Samuel Lewis'
Topographical Dictionary of Wales, 1838]
Archives and Libraries
- Swansea Heritage.net - is a digitising project designed to aid access to the material evidence held in trust by Swansea Museum Service for the people of Swansea.
- The South Wales Miners' Library
1972-74: description of holdings
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: chapter 3]
- Swansea Library
- See also under History, below
Bibliography
Here is a substantial reading list of books which relate to Glamorgan, either county or parish.
References to the town of Swansea at
An online index to the book Swansea - Reflections in Black and White, compiled by Bernard Mitchell [1983] has been provided by Roger McFenton
An online index to the book Jubilee Swansea - A town in the 1890's, by Gerald Gabb [1995] has been provided by Charlene Morgan
An online index to the book Jubilee Swansea II, by Gerald Gabb [1999] has been provided by Charlene Morgan
A summary of contents to the book Swansea, its Port and Trade and Development, by Alderman Edward Harris [1935], has been provided by Gareth Hicks
The smelting of copper in the Swansea district of South Wales, from the time
of Elizabeth to the present day. Creator - Francis, George Grant,
1881. The complete book is accessible on the Internet
Archive site (click on Texts and then search on Swansea)
Trollope, Glynden. (ed)
The Cambrian, And General Weekly Advertiser For the Principality of Wales 1804 - 1930. Indexed by Gareth Hicks
Business and Commerce Records
- Baldwins Limited, sheet iron, steel and tinplate manufacturers
- 1776-1928: correspondents, accounts, deeds, share register and legal papers
[Hereford and Worcester Record Office, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester WR5 2NP - Reference: 705:775]
- 1863-1948: ledgers, cash books, sales records, wages books, etc
[British Steel East Midlands Regional Records Centre, By-Pass Road, Irthlingborough NN9 5QH - Reference: HMC]
- 1872-1969: staff, property and miscellaneous records
[British Steel Records Centre, Shotton, Shotton Works, Deeside CH5 2NH - Reference: HMC list]
- Bank of Wales
1863-1869: minutes, branch records
[Enquiries to Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, Butler's Wharf, London SE1 2NQ]
- Edward Bevan and predecessor, chemist
1859-1956: records
[University of Swansea Library]
- Frank C Bevan & Company, chartered accountants
1945-1950: time record book
[Enquiries to Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, Butler's Wharf, London SE1 2NQ]
- Bristow Wadley & Company Limited, paint and wallpaper merchants
1954-83: minutes
[Hackney Archives Department, 43 De Beauvoir Road, Hackney, London N1 5SQ - Reference: D/B/BER/6/7]
- Britannia Steam Towage Limited
1935-1972: records
[National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside, Maritime, Archives and Library, Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AA - Reference: B/AT]
- British Copper Manufacturers Limited
- 1924-1942: minutes, plant book
[Birmingham City Archives, Central Library, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3HQ - Reference: MS 1422]
- 1925-1927: directors' reports, balance sheets, correspondents
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: Yorkshire Imperial Metals]
- British Mannesmann Tube Company Limited
1897-1961: minutes, share records, ledger, patents and trade marks, plant records
[British Steel East Midlands Regional Records Centre, By-Pass Road, Irthlingborough NN9 5QH]
- Cambrian Newspaper Company
- 1804-1853: ledger
[Swansea City Archives Office, Guildhall, Swansea SA1 4PE - Reference: Volume 2, section M]
- 1889-92: correspondents, papers, accounts
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records - Reference: NLW MS 2985]
- 19th cent-20th cent: miscellaneous papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service - Reference: Swansea Library (Mansel Collection 720-849)]
- Celtic Studios, designers and manufacturers of stained glass windows
1948-65: design files and other records
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D Cel]
- Consolidated (Swansea) Limited, fishing vessel owners
1918-61: accounts, reports and papers
[North East Lincolnshire Archives, Town Hall, Town Hall Square, Grimsby DN31 1HX - Reference: 387]
- Cwmdu foundry
1881-87: ledger
[Cardiff Central Library - Reference: MS 4.868]
- Cwmfelin Steel & Tinplate Company Limited
- 1886-1919: miscellaneous records
[University of Swansea Library, Swansea - Reference: Paul Jenkins MSS]
- 1889-1918: minutes, etc
[British Steel Records Centre, Shotton, Shotton Works, Deeside CH5 2NH - Reference: HMC list]
- Danygraig Cottage Company Limited
1900-10: records
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea]
- Griffith Davies & Company Limited, building contractors
c1920-75: ledgers, cash and wages account books
[Glamorgan Archive Service, Cardiff]
- John T Davies, chemist
c1870-1950: prescription books
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D Z]
- Dynevor Coal Company
1874-1885: royalty and wayleave account books
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D MC 68/1-4]
- Emlyn Brick Works Limited
19th-20th cent: colliery and brick works records including deeds, plans, financial and employee records
[Carmarthenshire Record Office, County Hall, Carmarthen SA31 1JP - Reference: DB/102]
- David Evans & Company Limited, department store
20th cent: papers
[Glasgow University Archives and Business Record Centre, 13 Thurso Street, Glasgow G11 6PE - Reference: HF15]
- Felix Martin and Company, ship chandlers and instrument repairers, Swansea
1897-1943: ledgers, journals, chronometer rate books, work book
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 26]
- Forky Boring & Shaft Sinking Company Limited
1942-1962: records
[Nottinghamshire Archives, County House, Castle Meadow Road, Nottingham NG2 1AG - Reference: NCB 4/10]
- Glasbrook Brothers Limited, colliery proprietors
1878-1928: ledger, rentals, royalty and wayleave accounts, correspondents and papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB 15]
- Goldenhill Cobalt Company, cobalt manufacturers
1850-1909: agreements, balance sheets, memoranda book and correspondents
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: Yorkshire Imperial Metals]
- Goldstone & Company, antique dealers
1926-33: account books
[Glamorgan Archive Service, cardiff]
- Pascoe Grenfell & Sons Limited, copper smelters
- 1830-1897: directors records incl minutes, office papers, financial records
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: Grenfell MSS]
- c1836-92: smelting and sales records, annual accounts and balance sheets
[Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, County Hall, Hertford SG13 8DE - Reference: D/ERV]
- J Ivor Griffiths, builder and undertaker
1929-1977: cash books, ledgers, salaries book, and bills
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 182]
- CB Haynes, solicitor
1867-90: records
[University of Swansea Library]
- Edward Hughes, carpenter and contractor
18th cent-19th cent: papers mainly receipts
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: Swansea Library (Edward Hughes Paper)]
- ICI: Imperial Chemical Industries, Swansea
1944-1948: management and departmental committee minutes
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: Yorkshire Imperial Metals collection]
- Lewis Lewis, draper
1913-1967: letterpress books, register, balance sheets, buyer's book, correspondents
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 71]
- Millbrook Engineering Company Limited, mechanical engineers, iron and brass founders
1860-1956: title deeds, plans, ledgers, journals, cash and pay books, accounts and correspondents
[University of Swansea Library, Reference: Millbrook Collection]
- Morriston & Midland Tinplate Works Limited
1875-1935: accounts and correspondents
[University of Swansea Library]
- William Padley & Son, timber, wine and general merchants, ironmongers and shipchandlers 1762-1849: correspondents and papers
[University of Swansea Library]
- Prince of Wales Dry Dock Company Limited, ship repairers
1897-1971: minutes, share and financial records, valuations etc
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D X 105]
- Rhondda & Swansea Bay Railway Company
- 1880-1922: board, general and committee minutes, engineers and traffic controllers reports, stockholders address book, contract, papers relating to locomotive and rolling stock, staff book and register, newscuttings, historical files, Board of Trade inspections, accident, property and miscellaneous records [Public Record Office, Kew, London - Reference: RAIL 581, 1057]
- 1885-94: journals, ledgers and papers relating to contract no 3
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records - Reference: Minor lists 1986]
- 1890-1922: stock registers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D PRO/BRB 58-110]
- 1879-1896: letter book of HS Ludlow, company secretary, miscellaneous papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: Swansea Library 458, 963-1037]
- Edward Roberts, grocer and tea dealer
1854-1868: wholesale ledger
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records - Reference: JR Hughes MSS and Papers 128]
- Snell & Sons, music publishers
- 1925-57: copyright ledgers, cash books, ledgers, credit sales account book, corresp and a large collection of original MS scores]
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records]
- 1957-1961: correspondents and catalogues
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records - Reference: Minor Lists and Summaries 1994 (Snell & Sons Records)
- South Wales Gas Light Company
1830-1952: minutes, balance sheets, share register, journals, ledgers, engineers' reports, specifications, wages, books, correspondents]
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D Ga/S]
- South Wales Transport Company Limited
1893-1956: parliamentary and legal papers, ledgers, journals, accounts and correspondents
[University of Swansea Library]
- South Wales Union Bank Limited
1872-1905: corporate and customer records, correspondents
[Midland Bank plc, Archives, LTS 08, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6AE - Reference: V]
- Strick & Bellingham, solicitors
1910-56: letter books, ledgers, bill account books and telegram books
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB]
- Swansea Baths & Laundry Company Limited
records
[Glamorgan Archive Service, Cardiff]
- Swansea Canal Navigation Company
1790-1918: records including general assembly and committee minute books, notices from landowners, survey, ledger, journals, papers
[Public Record Office, Kew, London - Reference: RAIL 876]
- Swansea Gas Light Company
1830-1949: minutes, reports, balance sheets, registers, journals, ledgers, wages book, correspondents, estimates, photographs etc
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D Ga/S]
- Swansea Hotel Company
1896-1936: minute book and other papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB]
- Swansea Imperial Permanent Building Society
1929-68: minutes, financial records, records relating to investors, depositors and borrowers
[Depository currently unknown]
- Swansea Incorporated Chamber of Commerce
1873-1985: records
[Enquiries to Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, Butler's Wharf, London SE1 2NQ - Reference: 449]
- Swansea & Mumbles Railway Company Limited
- 1879-1959: ledgers, jouurnals, accounts, correspondents, parliamentary and legal papers
[University of Swansea Library]
- 19th-20th cent: papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB/9]
- Swansea & Neath Railway Company
1861-63: board and shareholders minutes, ledger, accounts, cash book
[Public Record Office, Kew, London - Reference: RAIL 678]
- Swansea Co-operative Society
1954-71: minutes
[Glamorgan Archive Service, Cardiff]
- Swansea & South West Wales Building Society
1950-79: financial records
[Depository currently unknown]
- Swansea Vale Railway Company
- 1845-1876: general, board and committee minutes, letter book, ledgers, journals, financial statements
[Public Record Office, Kew, London - Reference: RAIL 679, 1057]
- 1852-1880: registers of shareholders
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records - Reference: London Midland and Scottish Railway Co]
- Thomas & Evans & John Dyer Ltd, corn and general merchants
1899-1964: minute books, register of directors and members
[Reading University: Rural History Centre, University of Reading, PO Box 229, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AG - Reference: 526-33, 598]
- Richard Thomas & Baldwins Ltd, iron, steel and tin-plate manufacturers and colliery proprietors, of Greater London; Swansea, West Glamorgan; Lydbrook, Gloucestershire
- 1877-1982: purchase journals, registers, legal department records, estate reference books
[British Steel East Midlands Regional Records Centre, By-Pass Road, Irthlingborough NN9 5QH - Reference: HMC]
- 1754-1980: corporate, accounting, production, technical, staff and property records
[British Steel Records Centre, Shotton, Shotton Works, Deeside CH5 2NH - Reference: HMC list]
- 1876-1939: R Thomas & Co, Lydney Tinplate Works leases, schedule and plans
[Gloucestershire Record Office, Clarence Row, off Alvin Street, Gloucester GL1 3DW - Reference: D4880]
- Unit Superheater & Pipe Company Ltd
- 1925-1969: minutes and other corporate records
[British Steel East Midlands Regional Records Centre, By-Pass Road, Irthlingborough NN9 5QH]
- 1937-1983: minutes, ledgers and technical records
[British Steel Records Centre, Shotton, Shotton Works, Deeside CH5 2NH - Reference: HMC list]
- Vivian & Sons Ltd, copper smelters
- Weaver & Company Ltd, millers
1892-1971: minutes, registers, share ledgers
[Reading University: Rural History Centre, University of Reading, PO Box 229, Whiteknights, Reading RG6 6AG - Reference: 200-04, 540-44, 572-85]
- Richard P Weig, brick and tile manufacturers
1918-30: records
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea]
- West Glamorgan plans of abandoned collieries
19th century - 20th century: plans of abandoned collieries
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D PRO/HSE]
- Williams, Foster & Company, copper smelters
1868-1924: financial records, registers of employees, correspondents
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: Yorkshire Imperial Metals]
- Ship Repairer
1877-1879: account book
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB 6/9]
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- David Evans & Company (Swansea) Ltd Records 1912-1995
"In 1899, S. Andrews & Son constructed a building in Swansea on the old Theatre Royal site, at the corner of
Temple Street and Goat Street. It was let to David Evans & Company (Swansea) Ltd, a firm set up by Solomon Andrews, his
son, Francis Emile Andrews and a well known draper called David Evans. The store
opened in October 1900........................................"
Cemeteries
The Glamorgan Family History Society have produced a set of microfiche containing Monumental Inscriptions for the following burial grounds :-
- Crug Glas Calvinistic Methodist Church
Census
Church History
Chapels Database - a list of all
known non-conformist chapels or other non-Anglican religions in the parish
Images and History of :
The Quaker Church
Church Records
- Ancient Parishes (formed prior to 1832):
-
- Modern Parishes & Chapels of Ease (formed after 1832)
- Christ Church, Swansea - Parish formed in 1874 from Swansea St Mary
- Good Shepherd Mission Church, Swansea - In Parish of Swansea St. Nicholas
- Holy Trinity, Swansea - Chapel of ease to Swansea St Mary, formed into a parish in 1888
- St James, Swansea - Chapel of ease to Swansea St Mary, formed into a parish in 1867
- St Jude, Swansea - Chapel of ease to Swansea St Mary, formed into a parish in 1921
- St Mark, Swansea - Parish formed in 1888 from Swansea St Mary
- St Matthew, Swansea - Parish formed in 1886 from Swansea St Mary and St John-juxta-Swansea
- St Thomas, Swansea - Parish formed in 1888 from Swansea St Mary
- Swansea St Gabriel, Brynmill - Parish formed in 1889 from Swansea St Mary
- Swansea St Peter, Cockett - Parish fromed in 1878 from Swansea St Mary
- Swansea St Luke, Cwmbwrla - Chapel of ease to St Peter, Cockett, formed into a parish in 1911
- St. Stephen, Dan-y-graig
- All Saints, Kilvey - Parish formed in 1881 from Swansea St Mary and Llansamlet
- St. Michael, Manselton - Chapel of ease to St. John-juxta-Swansea, formed into a parish circa 1919
- St. Paul, Sketty - Chapel of ease to Swansea St Mary, formed into a parish in 1851
- Holy Trinity, Sketty
- Swansea St Nicholas - Parish formed from St Mary in 1886 and closed in 1920 (but see parish page)
- St Nicholas-on-the-hill, Swansea - Chapel of ease to Swansea St. Jude, formed into a parish in 1933
- Swansea St Barnabas, Uplands - Parish formed from Swansea St Mary in 1914
- St. Barnabas, Waunarlwydd
-
- St Helen's Memorial Church, Port Mead, Swansea "........was established in 1957 on a new housing estate at
Port Mead, Swansea. After the departure of the
minister in 1969 the church encountered problems maintaining effective
leadership and closed in 1970" "Records of St Helen's Memorial Church, 1957-1971, comprising Church meeting
minutes, 1957-1970; financial records, 1957-1971; members' roll, 1957-1969; list
of furniture and effects, 1970."
- Registers for a number of non conformist denominations have been deposited at the National library, Public Record Office, Glamorgan Record Office and West Glamorgan Archive Service.
-
- The following Religious Institutions are covered in the Mormon
International Genealogical Index (IGI) :-
- Swansea, St. John - Christenings (BT's), 1813-1873
- Swansea, St. Mary - Christenings, 1631-1706, 1813-1875, Marriages, 1813-1838
- Swansea, St. Mary Tabernacle Wesleyan Methodist - Christenings, 1825-1837
- Swansea, St. Mary Goat Street Wesleyan Methodist - Christenings, 1807-1837
- Swansea, Castle Street Congregational or Independent - Christenings, 1836-1837
- Swansea, High Street Presbyterian - Christenings, 1753-1785 & 1811-1837
- Swansea, Mount Pleasant, Meeting House Particular Baptist - Births 1811-1837
- Swansea, Trinity Calvinistic Methodist - Christenings, 1808-1837
- Swansea, York Place, Particular Baptist - Births, 1801-1837
- Swansea, On the Burrows, Countess of Huntingdon's - Christenings, 1791-1837
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
Descriptions of the parish from
A Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1833) by Samuel Lewis and
A Topographical Dictionary of The Dominion of Wales by Nicholas Carlisle, London, 1811.
Gazetteer of Swansea and Gower
List of accomodation in the Swansea area
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
Swansea - on the Vision
of Britain through time site
Swansea - on Wikipedia
Directories
Swansea and District Directory (5th ed.) 1913-14 - the complete book is accessible
on the Internet Archive site
(click on Texts and then search on Swansea)
Transcript of name listing for Swansea, from Commercial and Trade Directories, for the years:-
The Bath family of Swansea. A leading family in Swansea's industrial history
History
Neath & Swansea databases contributed
by Lyn Nunn;- Neath Inhabitants 1792
; Neath Milita Roll 1789
; Swansea Militia Roll 1789
Description and images of Swansea Castle at www.castlewales.com by Jeff Thomas
Swanseaheritage.net is a digitising project designed to aid access to the material evidence held in trust by Swansea Museum Service for the people of Swansea.
Royal Insititute of South Wales. "For over 160 years, the Royal Institute of South Wales has played a central role in promoting Swansea's history....."
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- Lower Swansea Valley Project 1936-67 "The Lower Swansea Valley is sited to the East of
Swansea city centre and runs along the valley
floor and valley sides of the River Tawe. It was once an attractive valley but
due to the local reserves of coal it started to attract the copper smelting
industry in the early 18th century. The industry grew dramatically and other
metal industries in turn were attracted to the valley, for example those of
zinc, nickel, iron and steel and tinplate. However following steady decline, by
the early 1960s almost all of the industrial activity in the valley had ceased
and a landscape of industrial decay - derelict works and mills, spoil heaps and
severe pollution was left behind. The Lower Swansea Valley Project was born out of the desire of
Swansea Council and other interests after World
War Two, to remove the industrial dereliction and pollution of the valley and
return the area to active use. ................................................."
- Swansea Statistical Survey Collection
1837-1839 "The Swansea Statistical Survey was established
by the Committee of the Royal Institution of South Wales in 1838 to prepare a
complete statistical survey and account of Swansea to be published in the annual report of the
Royal Institute of 1839. The Statistical Committee also studied the coal trade,
population and the weather amongst other things."
- The Swansea Tontine Association was a financial scheme by which
subscribers to the common fund each received an annuity during their life
which increased as the number of members diminished by death. This meant the
last survivor enjoyed the whole income. The result of this scheme was the
row of houses on Tontine Street situated at the top end of High Street, near
St John's Parish church, Swansea" 1791-1792
- Swansea Volunteers Collection 1801-1882
" ...... raised in 1796, with the specific responsibility to defend Swansea. At this date it was commanded by Captain John
Beavan and other officers included Captain William Jones and Captain John
Landeg. .......................The
Corps was disbanded in 1802. However by 1859 the Government became increasingly
aware of Britain's vulnerability to attack. It was decided to revive the
Volunteer Movement. It was the responsibility of the Lord Lieutenant of each
county to form the volunteer corp. C. R. M. Talbot the Lord Lieutenant of
Glamorgan established the Local Volunteer Rifle Corp during 1859. George Grant
Francis put forward the case for an artillery corps and took command of the 1st
(Swansea) Corps, Glamorgan Artillery Volunteers
in the same year"
Goodall, Peter.
For Whom the Bell Tolls. Published by Gomer, site intro; "From its original location in Swansea Castle to its present home on a patch of land still known as Cox's Farm, Swansea Prison has had a long and colourful history. ............ Peter Gooodall charts the most dramatic moments in the history of the prison, and tells the stories behind the fifteen executions which took place there between 1858 and 1958. .......... this volume is packed with riveting tales of the crimes committed by Swansea's most wanted men, whose lives were brought to an abrupt and often emotional end at the gallows.......... "
Harris, Edward
(Alderman).
Swansea, its Port and Trade and their Development, 1935, published by Western Mail & Echo Ltd
. Here are substantial extracts from this book, and other material contributed by Gareth Hicks. Here is also a separate Timeline based on the book
Land and Property
- Calland family, landowners and industrialists: Lower Swansea Valley
1836-1924: deeds relating to property in Lower Swansea Valley
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 218]
- Grenfell family, Barons Desborough: Swansea
1828-92: deeds and estate papers
University of Swansea Library - Reference: Grenfell MSS]
- Illtyd Thomas family of Swansea
1781-1954: deeds, family and estate papers
[University of Swansea Library]
- Richardson family of Pantygwydr, Swansea and Glanbrydan Park, Carmarthenshire
1776-1971: deeds, papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB 14]
- Somerset family, Dukes of Beaufort, Swansea estate
18th cent-20th cent: records
[Glamorgan Archive Service, Cardiff]
- Vivian estate
16th-20th cent: deeds and rentals
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea]
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- Singleton Abbey "Singleton Abbey estate was the Swansea home of
the Vivian family, originally from Cornwall but who came to Swansea after extending their copper concerns into
South Wales during the early nineteenth century. The family established the
company of Vivian and Sons who operated the Hafod and the White Rock Copper
Works in the Lower Swansea Valley during the
nineteenth century and early twentieth........................................."
"Singleton estate weekly pay book, detailing payments on account of farm, garden,
house, shooting etc. together with some weekly receipts 1882-1886; sheets giving
weekly payments on account of farm, garden etc. 1884; records of deliveries from
Singleton Farm to Abbey for weeks ending August 8th, August 15th and August 22nd
1884; record of deliveries from Singleton Farm on the stables account: for week
ending August 22nd 1884."
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
View maps covering the area of this parish and places within its boundaries
Map of the Contributory Borough of Swansea from the Report of the Boundary Commissioners for England and Wales. Printed by Eyre and Spottiswoode, London, 1885.
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
Swansea Mariners. Bryan Richards's database of merchant seamen of Swansea registered ships
National Waterfront Museum
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- Swansea Pilotage Authority Collection 1925-1951
"Prior to 1766 pilotage existed and was operated by fishermen and local seamen
with special knowledge of the area. Bristol controlled all pilotage in the
greater part of the Bristol Channel. Bristol exercised this power for pilotage
into the ports of South Wales. Swansea obtained
independent control in 1791 due to the Swansea
Harbour Act. The Swansea Pilotage Authority was
therefore formed in 1791. The Pilot House served the needs of Swansea's sea pilots for the greater part
of the 20th century. Pilots have been working out of Swansea ever since sea trading routes were established
in the early Middle Ages, although they were not properly established by
committee until the Swansea Harbour Act, 1791."
- H. M. Customs and Excise, Swansea, Records ".......
including collectors' books, 1934-1953; declarations of ownership of the ship
Pioneer, 1965-1968; bonds for the performance of conditions and payment
of duties by railway companies, 1851-1869; correspondence, 1864-1963."
Names, Personal
- John Richard, architect and surveyor
1892-1930: diaries and papers
[National Library of Wales, Department of Manuscripts and Records]
Newspapers
The Cambrian was the first English language newspaper to be published in Wales running from 1804 - 1930. Swansea Library Service has a computerised index to the contents freely available to search online
- Journal Company Limited, newspaper publishers
1888-1986: articles of association, board and general meeting minutes, share certificate book
[Enquiries to Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, Butler's Wharf, London SE1 2NQ]
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
The Swansea Vale Railway Society
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway Co. Records "Records, 1883-98, relating mainly to a case of alleged breach of contract
between the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway
Company and William Jones of Neath, building contractor. They include the
records of the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway
Company, 1878-1894, mainly financial; account books of William Jones of Neath,
one of the contractors involved in building the Rhondda tunnel, 1884-1898, and
papers relating to the breach of contract, 1884-1896, brought by William Jones
against the company"
- Central Wales Railway (Swansea-Shrewsbury),
papers 1962-75 "..........
The Central Wales Railway was built between 1839 and 1868 by several different
companies and later became part of the London and North Western Railway. It now
forms part of the Heart of Wales Line between Shrewsbury and Swansea."
- National Union of Mineworkers (South Wales Area): Swansea District "Minutes 1917-1968; minutes and reports of joint meetings NCB/NUM 1947-1970 and
undated; financial records 1924-1967; District Officers' Correspondence and
Papers 1919-1975; correspondence with colliery managements 1905-1971;
correspondence with Lodge Secretaries 1937-1975; compensation case-papers and
correspondence 1924-1981"
- National Union of Vehicle Builders (Swansea Branch) 1938-1948
"The National Union of Vehicle Builders was first formed as the United Kingdom
Society of Coachmakers in 1834. Prior to this date there were many small
societies and unions for coachmakers throughout Britain. However, a strike in
the 1830s by the Liverpool Coachmakers Society and the Manchester Coach Makers
Society had shown how successfully the different societies could work together.
This led to the creation of a single organisation, the Society of Coachmakers................................"
- Amalgamated Engineering Union, Swansea 1907-1939 "The Amalgamated Engineering Union was formed on 1 July 1920. ...................................."
- Amalgamated Society of Engineers, Swansea 1917-1925
"The Amalgamated Society of Engineers, Machinists, Smiths, Millwrights and
Pattern-makers was formed in 1851 when a number of engineering unions decided to
amalgamate. These included the Journeymen Steam Engine, Machine Makers and
Millwrights Friendly Society (the 'Old Mechanics') and the Smiths' Benevolent
Sick and Burial Society...................................."
Politics and Government
- Mumbles and District Conservation Society, Swansea
1971-1977: minutes
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 21]
Roberts, R O. Financial Crisis and the Swansea 'Branch Bank' of England, 1826 .
National Library of Wales journal Vol XI/1 Summer 1959.
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
Swansea Union Workhouse -
on Peter Higginbotham's site
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- Swansea Union Board of Guardians Records 1842-1960
"............ including minutes, 1849-1948; correspondence, 1859-1869; Master's records,
1842-1948; Chaplain's books, 1854-1888; workhouse administration records,
1836-1948; financial records, 1866-1950; inmate registers and records,
1858-1954; valuation lists, 1863-1931; Cockett Cottage Homes records, 1878-1950;
County Borough of Swansea Social Welfare and
Public Assistance Departments records, 1941-1948; Workshops for the Blind
records, 1940-1960; Swansea Rural Sanitary
Authority records, 1874-1901; plans of public assistance institutions,
1860-1939."
Postal and Shipping Guides
- Swansea shipping registers
1825-1954: registers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea]
Probate Records
Swansea Wills Index: 1564-1858 (Index Of Original Testators Will/Abstracts St Davids Diocese), provided by R James.
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- Swansea Borough Police Force records ".....
1874-1971, including: reports and special reports of the Chief Constable to the
Watch Committee, 1879-1929; annual reports to the Licensing Committee,
1962-1967; Police Federation of England and Wales, minutes of branch boards,
1928-1969; general orders, 1921-1963; Swansea
Borough Council, treasurer's accounts, 1914-1919; list of cases to be heard at
the Swansea Borough Police Court, 1874, 1876;
occurence books, 1959, 1965-1968; lost and found property books, 1962-1965;
counterfoils of certificates issued to police on leaving Swansea Borough Police Force, 1942-1959, 1966-1969;
Swansea war reserve, disciplinary book,
1940-1947; and personnel files prior to 1969 (unlisted)."
- Swansea Constabulary Records "
........... established in 1836. The Borough, and from 1889 County Borough, of Swansea retained its own constabulary until 1969, when
it combined with several other forces to form the South Wales Constabulary"
"..........
comprising Chief Constable's annual reports, 1933-1969; typescript of Seven
tall men: the history of the County Borough of Swansea Constabulary by M. L. Sinnott, [1989]."
- City and County of Swansea Electoral Registers
Records 1997-2003
- City and County of Swansea, Planning Department,
Miscellaneous Records 1748-1998
- County Borough of Swansea Children's Committee,
records " ........... , comprising adoption registers, 1945-1974; indexes of Swansea adoption orders, 1949-1966."
- County Borough (from 1969, City) of Swansea
Borough Engineer and Surveyor c.1924-1987
- Estates Department of the County Borough/ City of Swansea records and correspondence
1822-1986
- Rate books for Swansea Borough "Rate books for Swansea Borough and parts of
neighbouring authorities, 1845-1975, comprising poor rate books for the Town and
Franchise of Swansea, 1845-1904; rate books for
individual parishes, 1882-1918, including poor rate books, 1882-1917, borough
rate books, 1892-1894, water rental books, 1911-1918, special expenses rate
books, 1886-1905, and joint poor and special expenses rate books, 1907-1918;
Oystermouth UDC general district rate books, 1898-1908, and poor and general
district rate books, 1909-1917.............................................."
- Swansea City Council Records "........
including electoral registers, 1975-1996."
- Swansea Corporation property title deeds 1706-1854
"The ancient borough of Swansea consisted of
Burgesses.The borough was made autonomous from the surrounding county of
Glamorgan in 1889 and became a county borough. In 1969 the borough was granted
city status. Following local government reorganisation in 1974 boroughs and
county boroughs ceased to exit. Swansea retained
the title of City.In September 1835, Swansea's
old corporation was replaced by a new municipal corporation"
- Swansea Corporation records catalogue "Borough charters, 1234-1836; Common hall books and council minute books,
1547-1852; financial and estate records, 1530-1857, comprising of Common
Attorney's account books 1617-1762; estate rentals and account books 1802-1857;
Borough and church lease book 1530-1787; leases 1737/8-1835; vouchers 1764-1824;
church and poor law records 1558-1836, including account books and rate books
1558-1842; Poor house minute book 1788-1793; House of Industry vouchers
1821-1836; settlement certificates and bonds 1636-1719, and apprenticeship
indentures 1625-1709. Also paving and lighting records 1809-1850; Swansea Grammar School education records, 1813-1894;
........................................."
- Swansea Corporation Water Works Records 1899-1979
- Swansea County Borough Council Valuation Lists 1899-1934
- Records of Swansea Brecon and Carmarthen Prisons ".............
comprising nominal registers, 1884-1952, Governor's journal, 1929-1938,
calendars of prisoners tried at Quarter Sessions and Assizes, 1856-1903,
Visiting Committee minutes, 1912-1931, Prison rules and orders, [n. d.]; Brecon
Prison nominal registers, 1879-1915, and registers of previous convictions,
[1914]; Carmarthen Prison nominal registers, 1879-1922."
Religion and Religious Life
- Church of England Mens Society: Swansea and district
1910-23: minutes, accounts, correspondents
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: Swansea Library 446-457]
- Swansea Gospel Mission
1872-1908: records including minutes
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea]
Schools
The University of Wales, Swansea
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- University of Wales Swansea Records 1921-80 "The University College of Wales,
Swansea is now known as the University of Wales Swansea.
The College received its charter on 21 January 1920. In 1921, Henry Lewis became
Professor of Welsh Language and Literature. For further administrative
information consult The University of Wales, 1839-1939 (1997) by J. Gwynn
Williams."
- Bishop Gore School/ Swansea Grammar School
Records " .......... including minutes, 1888-1894; school magazines, 1932, 1940-1955, 1973;
commemorative and promotional material, 1897-1969, including papers relating to
the school's 250th anniversary, 1932"
- Brynmill School, records "
.......... opened in September 1896. Brynmill Secondary Modern closed in about 1969."
"..........
comprising a log book (girls), 1896-1969; admission registers, 1910-1969; papers
relating to the closure of the secondary modern school, 1969-1970;
correspondence and photographs relating to the school honours boards, 2000."
- Brynhyfryd School, Swansea, Records "..........attendance registers (infants), 1980-1981"
"...... Brynhyfryd Junior School is located on Llangyfelach Road, Brynhyfryd"
- Christ Church School, Swansea, records
" ......... Christ Church School, Sandfields, Swansea,
Glamorgan, was established in 1861 as an infants school. It became Christchurch
Voluntary Aided Primary School in 1999."
".......... comprising log books, 1864-1922; brochure outlining the school's history, [1992"
- Craig-y-Nos School, Swansea 1921-1956 "Craig-y-Nos Preparatory School, Sketty Road, Swansea. The records largely date from the period when
J.E. and J.P Lloyd were joint owners of the school, in the mid-twentieth
century."
- Cwmbwrla School, records "......
opened in 1875 but closed again in 1877 pending the completion of a new school
building. It reopened in 1879."
" .......... log books, 1875-1925"
- De la Beche Girls School/ Swansea Municipal
Secondary School for Girls, records " "
............ comprising a log book and attendance register, 1928-1942; copies of The
Dragon school magazine, 1933-1940"
- Dyfatty School, Swansea, records "
.... opened in 1875. The school buildings were destroyed by enemy action in February
1941. A nursery school was opened in 1969 but became part of the infants school
in 1974." "............
including log books, 1875-1974; managers' minutes, 1974-1979; admission
registers, 1881-1979; admission and transfer forms, 1970-1979; medical and other
reports, 1971-1977; order books, 1968-1978; petty cash books, 1972-1979;
telephone call records, 1976-1979; records relating to school meals, 1974-1979;
records relating to buildings and furniture, [c. 1970]-1979; map of
school catchment areas, [c. 1970]; circulars and reports, 1970-[1975]."
- Dynevor School, Swansea, records "...........
began as a higher grade elementary school in Trinity Place in 1883, transferring
to new premises in Dynevor Place in 1894. In 1907 it became the Swansea Municipal Secondary School for Boys. The
buildings were extended in 1929 but were extensively damaged during the 1941
Blitz. From 1944 to 1971 the school was known as Dynevor Grammar School, then
became a senior comprehensive. ................................"
"............
including admission registers, 1900-1982; attendance registers, 1907-1946;
financial records, 1893-1954; certificates, 1899-1979; papers relating to school
examinations, 1912-1944; school magazines, 1940-1979; newspaper cuttings and
scrapbooks, 1897-[1990s]; plans, 1929, 1957; photographs of staff, pupils,
sports teams, events, school buildings, school trips and other subjects,
[1910s]-[1990s]; programmes and ephemera, 1935-1983; former pupils' journals,
2002-2003; correspondence concerning Dynevor School Roll of Honour, 2000; Swansea High School for Girls [Llwyn-y-Bryn Girls
School?] certificates, 1939-1945, and photographs, [late 1960s]."
- Gendros School, records "..........
opened in 1898 as Gendros Board School. From 1929 the school catered
specifically for senior girls and junior mixed pupils, with a separate infants
school. In 1949 the senior girls became a separate school based at the former
Cwmbwrla Boys' School"
"......... comprising log books (senior girls to 1949 only), 1898-1995; admission registers
(mixed and infants), 1912-1981"
- Glanmor Central School, Swansea " Log Book
1922-1930."
- Glanmor Grammar School for Girls, Swansea,
Records ".........
was located on Glanmor Hill, Swansea, Glamorgan,
except for the duration of the Second World War when its buildings were
requisitioned by the Army."
"............. comprising school magazines, 1947-1972; programmes for school concerts, plays
and eisteddfodau, 1930-1965; plans of a proposed elementary school for girls at
Glanmor, 1914."
- Gors School,[infants] Cockett, Records "........
log book (infants), 1920-1927"
- Hafod School, Swansea, Records "
.......... in the parish of St John's, Swansea, Glamorgan,
opened in about 1863 as Hafod Copperworks School. It is now Hafod Primary School"
"..........
comprising log books, 1863-1980; admission registers, 1876-1965."
- Oxford Street School, Swansea, records "..........
opened in about 1863, was originally a school for boys, girls and infants. The
infants department closed in 1932 and the boys and girls departments became
senior schools. It was closed temporarily in 1940, owing to the outbreak of war,
and reopened in 1947 as a secondary modern school"
"...........
comprising log books, 1863-1940; admission registers, 1873-1906; summary
attendance registers, 1900-1936; correspondence, 1923-1940; photographs of
school opening after rebuilding, 1910; copy of The early history of the
National Schools, Oxford Street Swansea by
Duncan John Webber, 2000."
- Parklands [primary]School, Sketty, Records "............
comprising log books, 1981-1992; admission registers, 1976-1988."
- Rutland Street School, Swansea ".....
boys' log books, 1883-1937"
"............. an elementary school originally for boys, girls and infants. The boys'
department closed in 1937."
- Sketty School "
......... was an elementary school located in Sketty" "History of Sketty School by Betty Walker, 1998"
- St Helen's School [primary], Swansea, Records "............comprising log books, 1874-1969; admission registers, 1940-1969; attendance
register, 1971."
- Swansea Parochial School, log books 1863-1928
" ....... established in about 1863"
- Plans of Schools in the Swansea Area "Plans, 1877-1957, relating to Brynhyfryd Boys' School and Girls' Infants School,
1903-1955, Brynmill Infants' School, 1894-1914, Brynmill School, 1915-1955,
Cadle Primary School, 1909-1949, Cwm School, 1877-1950, Cwmbwrla Boys' School
and Girls' Infants School, 1898-1955, Cwmbwrla Girls' and Infants' Schools,
1913-1914, Cwmrhydyceirw Temporary School, 1925, Danygraig Infants' and Junior
Schools, 1911-1954, Dunvant Secondary and Infants' Schools, 1909-1936, Dyfatty
Elementary School, 1897-1923, Gendros Schools, 1909-1954, Graig School,
Morriston, 1912-1939, Mayals Primary School, 1954-1957, Townhill School,
1923-1925, and Ynystawe School, 1919."
- Terrace Road School, Swansea, records "...........
located in the Townhill area of Swansea. The
school began in 1881 as Town Hill Board School. It reopened in new premises on
Terrace Road in 1888. It was renamed Terrace Road School in 1898, when it was
refurbished to accommodate a further 500 pupils in addition to the existing 600.
Terrace Road was a mixed school until 1901, when separate boys and girls
departments were created. From 1895 it also had a separate infants' school. It
returned to being a mixed school in 1947. By 2004 Terrace Road Primary School
had about 300 pupils"
" ..... comprising log books, 1881-2000; admission registers, 1893-1991; attendance
registers, 1967-1970; albums of class photographs, 1958-1968; albums of general
photographs, 1959-1972; photographs and other records mainly relating to a
hundredth birthday exhibition in 1988, 1881-1988"
- Three Crosses School, records "... log books, 1875-1963. " "..........an elementary school in the village of Three Crosses, Swansea, Glamorgan. It was later known as Crwys School."
- Tirdeunaw School, records " ..... log books, 1864-1959; women's evening school log book, 1894-1910"
" .........
began as a mixed school. It became a junior mixed school in 1948 following a
reorganisation, with senior pupils being transferred to other local schools. A
women's evening school was opened in the infants schoolroom in 1894 and taught
reading, writing, arithmetic, needlework and cookery."
- Townhill School, records ".......... comprising log books, 1923-1979; admission registers, 1927-1974; attendance
registers, 1971-1973, 1977; photographs, 1938-1977; plans, [1927]; Swansea Schools Athletic Sports Championship shield
with plaque, 1900-1939"
".........
opened in 1923 as a mixed and infants school. It reopened in new premises in
1927 as separate boys, girls and infants classes. The boys school became a
secondary school in 1947, as part of a reorganisation, and then a junior
comprehensive in 1970. A nursery school was opened in 1941 as a result of the
bombing of Nelson Terrace Nursery School."
- Treboeth School, records "Treboeth School infants department log book, 1878-1903"
- Waun Wen Schools Records " .........
comprising log books, 1873-1970 (Carmarthen Road Boys School, 1873-1875);
admission registers, 1902-1972; History of Waun Wen Schools, 1875-1975,
by W. K. Crabbe, [1975]."
"..........
opened in 1875. It succeeded an earlier school, known as Carmarthen Road Boys
School. The school's headmaster from 1974 to 1982 was W. K. Crabbe. Waun Wen
Primary School is now located in Lion Street, Waun Wen"
- Waunarlwydd School, Waunarlwydd "
...... including log books, 1864-1981; HMI reports, 1948-1959; ephemera, 1964-1969;
copies of The Graphic illustrated newspaper, 1883."
"
.........opened as a British school in 1864, in a building in Swansea Road. A separate infants department was
established in 1883. This merged with the junior school once again in 1967 to
form a primary school. A new school building in Brithwen Road was opened in 1969"
- York Place, later Vetch Field School, records "........log books, 1872-1925."
"..............
originally situated in York Place, Swansea. It
moved to temporary premises at the Vetch Field in 1914. The senior girls classes
were further moved to premises in the Bible Christian schoolroom after Vetch
Field was damaged by fire in 1919. The school finally closed in 1925 when the
Vetch Field was transferred back to Swansea
Football Club"
Social Life and Customs
- Southend Hotel, Mumbles
1924-1952: visitors book
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: Swansea Library 459]
- Swansea Festival 1948-1993: administrative records including minutes and correspondents, programmes and press-cuttings
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 59]
The Gathering the Jewels site has much material for Swansea, use the onsite search box
Cule, John. Some Early Hospitals in Wales and the Border.
National Library of Wales journal. 1977, Winter Volume XX/2. The article contains a detailed reference commencing with;-
"On the site of the Hospital of the Blessed David, Swansea, Glamorgan there stands a hostelry known as the Cross Keys Inn. Henry de Gower's Charter of Foundation and Endowment of his hospital at Swansea, dated 1332 A.D., established here a hospital for blind, decrepit or infirm priests and other poor men............"
Details of extant records on Archives Network Wales for the following;
- "Cwmdonkin Shelter, Swansea was established in
1887. The shelter's objective was to provide temporary shelter for friendless
women and girls in Swansea and to offer
protection to those in vulnerable positions and exposed to potential danger. The
women who were admitted were sent on to suitable homes if necessary for the
long-term, or had suitable positions found for them. Others were enabled to
return to their communities. Women of any religious denomination were accepted
into the shelter at any time of day or night. The shelter originated in a house
in Cwmdonkin Park which was let to the shelter by Swansea Corporation at a nominal rent. However due to
the distance from the city centre and the expense of maintaining the premises
the shelter moved to Clifton Hill in 1921 and again at a later date to
Heathfield. From May 1967 Cwmdonkin Shelter was known as Cwmdonkin House."
Societies
- Swansea Literary and Scientific Society
1844-1921: records
[Enquiries to Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, Butler's Wharf, London SE1 2NQ - Reference: no 432]
- Swansea Medical Society
1879-92: minute books, accounts and papers
[University of Swansea Library - Reference: p150]
- Swansea Metallurgical Society
1919-59: minute books, accounts and papers
[University of Swansea Library, Swansea - Reference: pp150-51]
- Swansea Orpheus Choral and Orchestral Society
1929-1936: minutes
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: Swansea Library 1086]
- Swansea Scientific and Field Naturalist Society (formerly Literary and Scientific Society)
1844-1956: records
[Enquiries to Business Archives Council, The Clove Building, 4 Maguire Street, Butler's Wharf, London SE1 2NQ - Reference: no 432]
- Swansea Shiplovers Society
19th cent - 20th cent: memorabilia
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D SB]
- Swansea Theatre Tontine Society
1805-1891: minutes, accounts, papers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: Swansea Library (Mansel Collection 623-716)]
Town Records
- Swansea Harbour Trust
- 1854-1920: parliamentary papers, engineers' reports, pilotage records, contracts, historical files etc
[Public Record Office, Kew, London - Reference: RAIL 1057]
- 1893-1923, nd: share registers
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D/D PRO/BRB/84-110, 127]
- 1908-1910: warrant book
[West Glamorgan Archive Service, Swansea - Reference: D. 195]
- Swansea Turnpike Trust
- records n.d.
[Glamorgan Archive Service, Cardiff]
- 1825-1833: correspondents, vouchers, wages ledger
[Glamorgan Archive Service, Cardiff - Reference: CL/BUTE XVII]
Hamlets, Towns and Villages
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Swansea
[Last Updated : 15 Feb 2008 - Gareth Hicks]
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