Like most major cities, there are blue plaques showcasing the famous people and their notable buildings, giving passers-by a glimpse into the area’s history. Here’s where you can find the blue plaques in Cardiff.
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A blue plaque is a sign attached to a house where someone famous once lived. Or a place where a notable event took place or attached to a remarkable building in another way. Cardiff has many blue plaques. However, they aren’t as widely known as the blue plaques in London, blue plaques in Manchester, or the blue plaques in Liverpool.
Unfortunately, there isn’t an official list of the blue plaques in Cardiff. But, I have put this together by piecing information together and the blue plaques I pass regularly. This article will be updated periodically, as I take pictures of them on my travels. It is my understanding that some plaques have been stolen or missing and have not been replaced. Some are on private residences, so please be respectful if you go to find them.
Blue Plaques in Cardiff Bay
Penniless Point, Roald Dahl Plass
Opposite the Wales Millennium Centre on the Sainsbury’s building is Penniless Point. This area was just outside the dock gates, and sailors who needed a ship to work on waited here in the hopes of getting a job.
The Exchange, Mount Stuart Square
Firstly, the Coal Exchange is drenched in history. It’s even where the first million-pound deal in the world was done. It opened in 1886 and became the commercial centre of Cardiff and neighbouring ports. Before this, business was done on the streets around the Pier Head Building or local pubs. It has since been a live music venue and now a luxury hotel.
Black GI’s, Bute Street
Over 30,000 World War II African American Service Personnel were based in Wales on the lead up to D Day. To commemorate black service personnel’s role, the blue plaque has been erected. It says Black GI’s risked their lives to be part of Tiger Bay.
For instance, the US army was separated by race at the time. Back in the US, African Americans could not travel in the same railway carriages, drink from the same water fountains or eat in the same cafes due to segregation. American GI’s were disappointed that the Welsh welcomed their black countrymen, especially in the multicultural Cardiff.
Tommy Letton, Bute Street
On Bute Street at the railway underpass is the Tommy Letton blue plaque. It reads, Tommy Letton fed Tiger Bay from here. Known as “The Fish”, he would get his catch from the trawlers in the 1920s. After that, from his barrow with the slogan ‘Eat More Fish’ he would sell fish to the people of the docklands. Often giving them away on credit, so families wouldn’t go hungry.
Blue Plaques in Cardiff City Centre
West Gate, Bute Park
The plaque was erected in 1975 on the inside of the restored West Gate. Unfortunately, the plaque is in the area of Cardiff Castle that’s not accessible to the public, which is an incredible shame. It is believed to read:
“The West Gate was one of probably five city gates in the old town wall, part of the Norman fortifications of the borough. The gatekeeper lived above it and was responsible for closing all the gates at curfew and re-opening them each morning when the bells of St John’s church lifted the curfew. For doing this, the gatekeeper was paid the equivalent of one penny a day. The gatehouse was restored in 1451 after the Welsh uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr. Dismantled in 1781 to ease traffic congestion, the West Gate was again restored in 1921.”
Roman Forts of Cardiff, Cardiff Castle
The blue plaque used to be outside the main entrance to Cardiff Castle but was removed during improvement work in 2000. Currently, its location is unknown. Cardiff was occupied by the Romans as early as 55AD. For nearly 900 years, the Roman past remained hidden and forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1888 when the 3rd Marquess of Bute decided to build a new tower.
Blounts Gate, Womanby Street
On the side of the NCP multi-storey car park on Quay Street and the junction of Womanby Street is the blue plaque for Blounts Gate. It was known as Wales Gate until the mid-18th Century when it was renamed after its keeper Blount. The gate was demolished in 1785.
Golate
Golate is a lane that connects St. Mary Street and Westgate Street. It is believed to be one of the oldest streets in Cardiff. How it got its name is up for debate. For instance, the most popular is; boats leaving the quay would head downstream towards Golate, and people who were “running late” for the boat could jump in. Hence, “go late”.
Medieval and Georgian Town Hall, High Street
This plaque is attached to the outside of Zizzi’s restaurant on High Street. The former occupants of the building Lloyds Bank Plc. donated this plaque in November 1993. It is now illegible but is believed to have read:
“The first town hall, known also as Bothall, Guildhall or Town House, was built c.1338 facing the castle on a site in the centre of High Street granted by the Lord, William la Zouche. In 1578 it was described by Rice Merrick (Rhys Meurig) as comprising a great chamber above for court and municipal business and a shambles (meat market) and cwchmoel (prison) below. To the rear were the town cross and stocks. A turret, town bell and clock (preserved) were added later. Rebuilt in 1742-7 in Georgian style but major repairs were required by 1774. Replaced by St Mary Street town hall in 1854. Used for other municipal purposes until demolition in 1861. Statue of second Marquess of Bute erected in front in 1853. Moved to the monument site at the south end of St Mary Street in 1879”
Town Hall, Guildhall Place
The former Town Hall and Julian Hodge Bank on Guildhall Place is now luxury apartments. The town hall included the assizes, county courts, post office, police station and fire brigade until the opening of City Hall in Cathays Park in 1905.
County Gaol, St Mary Street
The County Gaol used to stand on St Mary Street, now Cardiff Indoor Market. It was there for over three hundred years, where there was often brutal punishment. Hangings also used to happen here. One of the most famous was Dic Penderyn. Better known as Richard Lewis, the 23-year-old allegedly wounded a soldier during a worker’s rebellion in Merthyr Tydfil. However, his miscarriage of justice was pardoned in 2015, and the blue plaque is dedicated to him.
General Post Office, St Mary Street
So, most Cardiffian’s run into Sainsbury’s, on the ground floor of Hodge House, to grab a drink or quick lunch. It was in 1853 the General Post Office opened. It was vacated in 1897 when the post office moved to Westgate Street. Today it is offices owned by Legal and General.
Gasworks, The Hayes
The first gasworks in Cardiff is now St David’s Hall. The plaque was attached to the outside of the building, but currently, its location is unknown. It is believed to have read,
“A gas-holder was erected in 1821 in the Parish Clerk’s Garden to supply 48 street lamps. These were apparently unpopular with the Cardiff criminal fraternity, and it was necessary for constables to patrol them, for twelve shillings a week. In 1828 the town’s gas supply was diverted to inflate the balloon of famous aeronaut Charles Green. The Castle was one of the first buildings in Cardiff to be lit by gas. Although electric street lighting arrived in 1894, some streets remained gas-lit until 1960.”
Wood Street Congregational Church, Wood Street
Opposite the new brand new BBC buildings on Wood Street is Southgate House. The blue plaque here explains the Congregational Church, or Temperance Hall and Music Hall, was founded in 1868 by Reverend William Watkiss. The final service was held in 1971 before being demolished along with offices in 1973.
Captain Scott, The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel is on St Mary Street. On 13 June 1910, Captain Scott and the men of the Antarctic Expedition had their last public banquet before departing on the SS Terra Nova. However, the journey was ill-fated. They tramped over 850 miles of glaciers and ice fields in an attempt to become the first men to reach the South Pole. Unfortunately, they were beaten to the summit, the party died on their return.
Old Saint Mary’s Church, Great Western Lane
On the side of the Prince of Wales pub is the outline of the old building. Visitors miss it, and even some Cardiffians don’t realise it’s there. The church was severely damaged when the River Taff flooded in 1607. Accounts state that a mini tsunami swept up the Bristol channel.
Before it became a pub, it was a theatre, which would show live performances and films. In the 1960s, it began to specialise in erotic films until it closed in 1984. After that, it was a bingo hall before becoming a pub. The blue plaque was on the multi-storey car park further up the lane. However, I know that there has been a lot of building work there and the car park is no more. I’m unaware of where the plaque has been moved to.
South Gate, Great Western Lane
At the end of the lane is the Great Western Pub. The blue plaque here is unreadable; the writing has completely faded away. It originally read,
“The South Gate of the Norman defences of the town stood at the southern end of present day St Mary Street. It was later known as Portllongey (Shipgate) and Moorgate. Destroyed by Owain Glyndŵr, the town defences were restored in 1451 by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, ‘the kingmaker’. In 1802 the gate was removed at the expense of parishioners to make way for the construction of a new road.”
Old Custom House, Custom House Street
The Old Custom House is opposite the Clayton Hotel and the street behind Mill Lane. The blue plaque is still attached to the boarded-up building but has been vandalised. It originally read,
“After the completion of the Glamorganshire Canal in 1798, the maritime commercial centre moved from the town river quay to the canal wharf in this area. This building was erected in 1821 but became isolated by the rise of the Bute Docks from 1839 onwards. It was replaced as Custom House in 1898 by a third Custom House at Pierhead. During the twentieth Century the building has had many uses and at one point almost became a multi-storey car park. It avoided this fate and is now a Grade 2 listed building. It has been restored by the Land Authority for Wales and is currently their headquarters.”
Royal Glamorgan Militia Barracks, Wharton Street
Another barely legible plaque is on Wharton Street on the side of House of Fraser. It read,” The Royal Glamorgan Militia was raised in 1760 in response to the Militia Act of 1757, by the Earl of Plymouth, Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan, and saw service in Ireland and South Africa (during the Boer War). The original barracks stood on this site, but it became part of the commercial frontage of St Mary Street in 1843 following the erection of Longcross Barracks in Newport Road. The early Baptists from Herefordshire worshipped at the Armoury and Bethany Church which had been built on the same site in 1621, part of which can still be seen within James Howells department store. “
St Piran’s Chapel and Shoemaker’s Hall, High Street
On the Royal Bank of Scotland building opposite Cardiff Castle, the next blue plaque is on High Street. St Piran is believed to have been born in Ireland in the 5th Century and spent his youth in South Wales. Most importantly, it is thought that his chapel was here. Shoemaker Street, a lane was also here. Legend also has it that he was chaplain to King Arthur later in life. Unfortunately, the wording has faded and the plaque has been defaced.
Jack Peterson, St John Street
Head to number 6-7 St John Street, in between Coral and the neighbouring shop, you’ll see a blue plaque dedicated to Jack Peterson. The Whitchurch born boxer amassed 22 unbeaten run in front of crowds of up to 50,000 at Ninian Park. He was the first Welshman to win the British and Empire light heavyweight boxing championships in the 1930s. Above all, he won 33 of his 38 professional fights.
East Gate, Queen Street
On Superdrug, opposite New Look and the Queen’s Arcade, is the site of the East Gate. This was the gate those travelling from Swansea or Gloucester would arrive at. The town hospice also used to be outside the gate. At the beginning of the 20th Century, the area was known as “The Pillars”, which is the name of a nearby restaurant.
North Gate, Kingsway
The Kingsway is opposite The Hilton. Here is where the North Gate of Cardiff was, which was built in the 11th Century. However, it was demolished in 1787. The gatekeeper lodged in the upper storey.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Canton
Ivor Novello’s House, 95 Cowbridge Road East
The legendary Welsh composer Ivor Novello was born on Cowbridge Road East on 15 January 1893. Famous as both a composer and Welsh actor, he is remembered for the song he wrote during World War One, called Keep the Home Fires Burning. He also has a blue plaque in London and in Maidenhead. The inscription says, “This boy became a Ruritanian King, who gave his people dreams and songs to sing.”
Howard Spring, Cowbridge Road East
At 241 Cowbridge Road east, on the side of Barclays Bank (which is now permanently closed), is a plaque dedicated to Howard Spring. He was an author and journalist. The most successful book was Fame Is The Spur in 1940, adapted into a film and later a TV series.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Roath
Cardiff Royal Infirmary, Newport Road
Another of the blue plaques that has been lost or stolen. It was to commemorate the site of the first infirmary and the first university building. It is believed to have read, “The Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Infirmary (subsequently renamed the Cardiff Royal Infirmary) was built on this site in 1837. The infirmary moved to the former Longcross Barracks site in 1883, where it stands today, and the original building was occupied by the University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, for which it served as the main building until 1909. It has since housed the Schools of Medicine, Biology, Geology, and at present Engineering.”
Mansion House, Richmond Crescent
One of Cardiff’s most prestigious homes is the Grade II listed building on Richmond Road. Firstly, the Mansion House was originally built for James Howell, founder of the famous department store in the city centre. In addition, it was acquired by Cardiff Council in 1913 as a residence for the Lord Mayor. Today it hosts exclusive wedding days, or you can book an afternoon tea.
Death Junction, Cwrys Road
Five roads meet at Death Junction – Albany Road, City Road, Crwys Road, Mackintosh Place and Richmond Road. The location was once where people were executed. The blue plaque is dedicated to Father Phillip Evans and Father John Lloyd for exercising their priestly duties. Both priests were accused of treason; they wanted to overthrow King Charles II with his Catholic brother James. Both were hung, drawn and quartered on 22 July 1679. In conclusion, they were made saints by the Pope in 1970.
Roath Court, Newport Road
Roath Court is now James Summers Funeral Care. The company donated the blue plaque that is on the building today. The mansion house was improved by John Wood in the early 19th Century before being acquired by Alderman Charles Crofts Williams. He was five times Mayor of Cardiff. His descendants lived there until 1952.
Jimi Hendrix Island, Roath Park
Jimi Hendrix visited Cardiff twice in 1967. Urban legend has it that he may have slept on an island in Roath Park on 26 April after a night out. There is no evidence either way, but a blue plaque can be found in the middle of Cardiff’s most famous park.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Splott
CWS Biscuit Factory, Vale Road
On Vale Road, near Horwood Close and Moorland Road, is the former site of Spillers Nephews, then C.W.S. Biscuit Factories (1921-1970 and Leo’s Supermarket (1971-1986). The red brick building has now been demolished, but the blue plaque is on the side of the new residential building. This one has a significant meaning to me; my grandmother worked in the biscuit factory.
Moorland Hotel, Moorland Road
Now flats, The Moorland Hotel, or The Moorlands as it’s known locally, was in operation between 1896-2004. It is on the corner of Moorland Road and Carlisle Street. When it was a pub, it was said to be haunted by former landlord Mr Pugh who is said to have hanged himself before World War 2. Check out some of the ghost stories from Cardiff.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Llandaff
Gate Keeper’s Lodge, Fairwater Road
The Gate Keeper’s Lodge was part of the original Dahl mansion house. Roald Dahl, the famous author, lived here. In fact, he was born in the house on 13 September 1916. The blue plaque is on the front wall and was put there to mark 100 years of his birth. When the Dahl family lived there, it was called Villa Marie. Today it’s called Ty Gwyn.
Elm Tree House, Palace Road
The former primary school of Roald Dahl is Elm Tree House. He attended the school with his sisters Alfhild, Else and Asta. Apparently, he would joyfully ride his tricycle here everyday and speed around corners on two wheels. Dahl left the school aged 7.
The Cathedral School, Cardiff Road
The Cathedral School, now Howell’s School, there is another blue plaque dedicated to Roald Dahl on the gatepost. He moved here in 1921 when it was called Cumberland House. The move was plagued by grief. In 1920 his older sister Astri died from an infection after a burst appendix. Dahl himself was so overwhelmed by grief he went down with pneumonia. Weeks later, his father died.
Roald Dahl, High Street
Now a Chinese takeaway, the blue plaque is on the site of Mrs Pratchett’s sweetshop. For instance, it is mentioned in Roald Dahl’s autobiography Boy. It is believed to have inspired Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Twits and Matilda.
Idloes Owen, Station Road
The blue plaque has been put on the former home of the founder of the Welsh National Opera, Idloes Owen. On 40 Station Road in Llandaff North. He moved from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff to become a composer, arranger and conductor. At the time, he was considered one of the finest singing teachers in Wales.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Rhiwbina
Iorwerth Cyfeilog Peate, Lon-y-Dail
On number 29 Lon-y-Dail is the blue plate dedicated to Iorwerth Cyfeiliog Peate. Above all, he was the first curator of St Fagans National Museum of History, plus an author and poet. Between 1929 and 1948, he lived in the house.
Kate Roberts, Lon Isa
So, Kate Roberts lived in Rhiwbina between 1929 -1931, at number 6-8 Lon Isa. She was one of the foremost Welsh-language authors of the 20th Century and is known for her short stories. In addition, Kate married Morris T Williams in 1928, who she met at Plaid Cymru meetings. The couple lived in Rhiwbina between 1928 and 1931.
Edgar Leyshon Chappell, Y Groes
In honour of one of the first residents in Rhiwbina village is the blue plaque for Edgar Leyshon Chappell. He lived here between 1914-24. From 1912, Edgar was the Secretary of the Welsh Housing Association. Moreover, as a life-long Socialist, he was active in local government. He even was elected to represent Whitchurch as an independent member of the Cardiff Rural District Council.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Radyr
Ty Mynydd Lodge, Radyr
Ty Mynydd Lodge is in the village of Radyr and was originally a gatehouse. It was also the summer home of Roald Dahl’s family. Today it is a family home that has been extended to create guest bedrooms and a guest house. Did you know, you can plan your next staycation with Tripadvisor.
Elsewhere in Cardiff – Nantgarw
Nantgarw China Works
Finally, the last of the blue plaques in Cardiff is on the border of Cardiff and Rhondda Cynon Taff. Crochendy Nantgarw China Works is now a museum. The 18th Century farmhouse is alongside the remains of the Glamorganshire Canal. For instance, the porcelain produced here is regarded as some of the finest in Europe. The blue plaque says William Billingsley, Samual Walker and Thomas Pardoe produced the world-famous Nantgarw porcelain here between 1813 and 1822.
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Map of the locations
Not sure where the locations are? They are all on this handy map. Zoom in or expand, and plan your route to discover the Blue Plaques in Cardiff.
Getting around Cardiff
Cardiff is a compact city, and it is effortless to get around. With stops in The Valleys, Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, the train stops at Queen Street and Cardiff Central in the city centre. You can also get to Cardiff Bay. Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
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