The history of Cardiff Bay has played a significant part in Cardiff’s development. Not only during the Industrial Revolution but over the last 20 years too. The history of Tiger Bay, as Cardiff’s docks were originally known, has given me one of my favourite facts to quote. “The first million pound deal in the world was done in the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay in 1904.” Here’s what its history means to me.
Cardiff Bay during the Industrial Revolution
Cardiff came alive in the late 18th Century. The second Marquess of Bute built up the Cardiff dock area. As well as the railway lines from the South Wales Valley’s, to export coal to the rest of the world. The town grew rapidly from the 1830s, at a rate of 80% per decade. The area was originally called Tiger Bay. It is now known as Cardiff Bay, which has funky bars, shopping, boat trips and visitor attractions.
A major part of Cardiff’s development was exporting coal from the South Wales Valley’s to the rest of the world. The coal mining industry helped Cardiff become the capital city of Wales. The Third Marquess of Bute, who owned the docks, became the world’s richest man at the time.
As the Cardiff dock’s exports grew, so did its population. Dockworkers and sailors from across the world settled in neighbourhoods close to the docks. Known as Tiger Bay, the community came from up to 50 different nationalities. Including Norwegian, Somali, Yemeni, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean and Irish. It helped create the unique multicultural character of the area – which still exists today.
By the 1880s, Cardiff had transformed from one of the smallest towns in Wales to the largest. Its port was handling more coal than any other port in the world. On the eve of the First World War in 1913, coal exports reached their peak at over 13 million tonnes.
The notorious Cardiff Bay
Home to a vibrant mix of multi-racial communities, it also had a compelling character of its own. It had a notorious reputation for its red-light district, illegal gambling dens, rowdy pubs and opium bars. Tiger Bay’s seedy and criminal side tended to be along Bute Street. It did mean that all of the residents would be stigmatised. Even though there were social problems in other areas of Cardiff, the docks unjustly carried the worst reputation.
Not much has changed in modern times. There are still those old enough who remember the area as being somewhere you should avoid. Away from the main hustle and bustle, ladies of the night can still be flagged down late at night.
The Cardiff Race Riots
The Cardiff Race Riots are almost forgotten in the history of Cardiff Bay. It shook Cardiff to its core and made headlines across the country. However, you won’t find any statue or plaque in the Welsh capital that recognises the shocking events of 1919. That summer, four days of rioting brought murder and mayhem to the streets of the city. They were sparked by racial tensions. Servicemen, who had returned from the war, found themselves competing for jobs. This was with mostly black and Asian men, who were also desperate to make ends meet.
On 11th June 1919, those tensions boiled over. A confrontation between a group of black men and a white crowd triggered mass rioting in the docklands. At first, the violence centred on the multi-ethnic neighbourhood of Tiger Bay. It quickly spilled over to other parts of Cardiff.
The redevelopment of Cardiff Bay
After the Second World War, most of the industry closed down and became derelict. By the early 1980s, Cardiff Bay had become a neglected wasteland of derelict docks and mudflats. Its population suffered from social exclusion and had above-average levels of unemployment.
In 1999 new life was injected into the area by the building of the Cardiff Bay Barrage. It was one of the most controversial building projects of the day but also one of the most successful. There was opposition from environmentalists and wildlife organisations. The mudflats at the mouths of the River Taff and River Ely were inundated with a loss of habitat for wading birds.
The Barrage has, however, created several new habitats for freshwater species with the transformed freshwater lake. Several boat tours now operate from Mermaid Quay, allowing you to understand the history and fauna of this exciting and upcoming area.
The modern, cosmopolitan, Cardiff Bay
Today you can find a great mix of attractions, entertainment and events. Coupled with vibrant bars and shops that create a truly unique atmosphere worthy of any capital city. Many visitors come to the Bay just to stroll along the water’s edge and soak up the atmosphere. If you’re looking for places to visit, there are plenty of choices. The Bay has a wide range of free and paid attractions to keep you entertained throughout the year.
Visitor attractions in Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay is home to many attractions. For families, Techniquest Science Discovery Centre. The Pierhead building and the Norwegian Church where Roald Dahl used to worship. Plus, the Wales Millennium Centre, a stunning international arts centre. The Red Dragon Centre provides further options for family entertainment, including a cinema, bowling and arcades.
My history with Cardiff Bay
So, I somehow keep getting drawn back to The Bay. Could it be because of my ancestors? For instance, my 3rd great-grandfather was a Swedish sailor and moved to Cardiff with his young, large family. He landed in Bristol and moved his way along the ports to Cardiff. The next generations also worked here as general labourers and dock workers.
I have had my fair share of jobs here too. I worked in a food bar called Turquoise (now Hubbox) before I started my career in radio. When temping after a redundancy, I worked in an office on Mount Stuart Square. These buildings are now listed and can be found opposite the beautiful St Stephen’s Church. As well as Marketing positions at the Foster Care Co-operative, and now Future Inn Cardiff.
Of course, there was The Wharf, too, my second home. Working behind the bar here still brings back a lot of fun memories. I loved working on the function bar, doing hundreds of weddings, birthday parties, charitable fundraisers, and so much more.
I’m sure my history with The Bay is not over yet…
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