Tag: history

The Iconic Whitford Point Lighthouse
Natural and man-made beauty
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Capturing the Beauty of the Gower.

Located in Wales’ Gower Peninsula and dating back more than 150 years, Whitford Point Lighthouse is a unique and beautiful building standing in an area of breathtaking natural beauty. Since it is the only intact wave-swept cast-iron tower in the UK, it has a great historical significance for the area.

The lighthouse was constructed in 1865 to guide the vessels navigating the treacherous waters around Whitford Point. It was designed by John Bowen, an engineer and architect who had already built several lighthouses in the UK.

Impressive structure
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Whitford Point Lighthouse was built on an outcrop, which was exposed during low tide. The cast-iron structure was designed to withstand the battering of the waves during high tides and storms. The lighthouse had a light that was powered by gas, and it was visible for over 14 miles out to sea.

The lighthouse was manned by a keeper, who would ensure that the light was always lit and functioning correctly. In 1922, the lighthouse was automated, and the keeper’s cottage was demolished. The lighthouse continued to guide ships until 1969, when it was decommissioned.

Looks more like Namibia than Wales
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After being decommissioned, the lighthouse fell into a state of disrepair, and it was almost demolished in the 1980s. However, a local group of volunteers, the Gower Society, campaigned to save the lighthouse, and it was eventually restored.

Today, Whitford Point Lighthouse stands as a symbol of the maritime history of the Gower Peninsula. The surrounding area is a beautiful place to take a holiday, with stunning coastal views and a range of outdoor activities to enjoy.

Something a little more arty
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Visitors can walk out to the lighthouse, although it’s a bit of a trek for the hardy rambler. The lighthouse is also a popular spot for photographers, who come to capture its unique structure against the backdrop of the sea.

Whitford Point Lighthouse remains a significant piece of the Gower Peninsula’s history and continues to draw tourists from across the world.

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15th Feb 2023
An Abbey Adventure
Good morning all ye history buffs, and welcome to the wild west of Wales… I mean Neath Abbey! I’ll be your tour guide for today, and we’ll be taking a time machine back to medieval times to check out this ancient ruin.

Ruins, Rulers, and Remains
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As we stroll around, I’ll tell you all about Neath Abbey, from when Richard I de Grenville, one of the Twelve Knights of Glamorgan, was feeling generous and gave 8,000 acres of his estate to some Savigniac monks from western Normandy. We’ll explore all the way to the Abbey’s role in the industrial revolution, where it was used as a factory and a quarry.

Let’s start with the impressive gatehouse, added in the late 14th century. It was like a giant “come at me bro” sign for visitors back in the day. Can you imagine arriving here and being in awe of its grandeur?

Next, we have the church ruins, once one of the largest in Wales. This was the heart of religious life, where the monks would spend hours in prayer and contemplation… or napping.

We then have the cloister ruins, where the monks would spend most of their time. A peaceful and secluded area surrounded by gardens and fountains… because who doesn’t love a good fountain?

And last but not least, we have the refectory remains where the monks would chow down. A large and airy room, with tall windows to let in all the light and fresh air… unless it was raining, then it was just a big, damp mess.

During the industrial revolution, Neath Abbey played a significant role in the heart of South Wales. By 1730, some of the buildings were being used for copper smelting and in the 18th and 19th centuries, the site was basically used as a quarry, providing stone for the construction of many new factories and workers’ homes.

Despite all that, much of the abbey still stands today, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. So, take a moment to imagine what it was like to live and work here hundreds of years ago and let’s continue our journey back in time!

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Echoes of the Past
Discovering Porthclais Harbour
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Thomas had always been fascinated by the harbour and its rich history. He loved to explore the area and imagine what life might have been like in the days when Porthclais harbour was a thriving port.

One summer’s day, as Thomas was walking along the harbour wall, he suddenly felt a strange feeling come over him. He looked up and saw that the sun had disappeared behind a cloud, and the sky had become dark and stormy. The muted colours made Thomas feel as though he had stepped back in time, to a different era.

As he walked along the deserted quayside, Thomas could hear the sounds of people and animals all around him. He looked to his left and saw a group of merchants, loading sacks of wool onto a ship. To his right, he saw a group of fishermen, mending their nets and chatting. In the distance, he could hear the clanging of the blacksmith’s forge and the lowing of cattle.

The history of Porthclais Harbour is a
tapestry woven from the stories of those
who lived and worked there.
Anthony

Thomas was so engrossed in the scene that he didn’t even notice when the storm had passed, and the sun had returned. When he finally looked up, he saw that the quayside was once again deserted, and the sounds had vanished. He rubbed his eyes, wondering if he had just been dreaming, but when he looked back, he could see the old buildings, the harbour wall, and the sea, just as they were in the present day.

From that day on, Thomas often visited Porthclais Harbour, and each time he felt that strange feeling, he would imagine what life might have been like in times past. He would picture the ships sailing in and out of the harbour, and the merchants and sailors going about their business. And he would wonder if the spirits of those who had lived and worked there in the past still lingered, and if they were trying to tell him their story.

Years passed, and Thomas grew old, but his love for the harbour never faded. He would often sit on the quayside, watching the sea and the clouds, and imagining all the tales that might have unfolded there over the centuries. And he would smile, knowing that the harbour would always be there, a reminder of the rich history and the endless possibilities of the past.

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30th Jan 2023
Hereford Cathedral
Centuries in the making
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Hereford Cathedral is a beautiful and historic building located in the city of Hereford, England. The cathedral dates back to the 7th century, with the current building having been built in the 11th and 12th centuries. It is surrounded by lush green gardens and ancient trees and the river Wye is nearby which is beautiful to walk along.

One of the most striking features of the cathedral is its central tower, which rises to a height of nearly 200 feet. The tower is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, and is a prominent feature of the city’s skyline. As can be seen in this photo, the cathedral is particularly beautiful in mist, when the ancient stones seem to glow in the soft light.

Hereford Cathedral is home to several important and unique artifacts that are worth seeing. The most notable is the Mappa Mundi, a mediaeval map of the world that is considered one of the greatest treasures of the cathedral. The map is made on vellum and dates back to the 13th century. It is a large circular map, measuring 1.58 metres in diameter, and it is considered one of the finest examples of mediaeval cartography in the world. The Mappa Mundi is a unique representation of the mediaeval worldview and it is richly illustrated with illustrations of people, animals, and monsters from around the world.

Amongst the renowned mediaeval chained library is the Hereford Gospels, which is a 10th-century illuminated manuscript of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The manuscript is considered to be one of the finest examples of Anglo-Saxon calligraphy and illustration.

The cathedral also has a significant collection of medieval stained glass windows, many of which have been restored and are on display. The windows depict scenes from the Bible and from the lives of the saints.

Additionally, there are several tombs and monuments that are worth seeing, including the tomb of St. Thomas de Cantilupe, who was the Bishop of Hereford in the 13th century and was canonized in 1320. The tomb is made of alabaster and is considered to be one of the finest examples of medieval sculpture in England.

Hereford Cathedral is a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, art, and architecture. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit and is open to the public year-round.

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28th Jan 2023
Carreg Cennen Castle
A Castle With a View
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Carreg Cennen Castle is a mediaeval fortification located in the picturesque village of Trapp, near Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The castle is set on an isolated limestone outcropping overlooking the River Cennen and is considered one of the most spectacularly located castles in Wales.

The castle was built in the 12th century by the lords of Senghennydd and was later taken over by the Welsh princes of Deheubarth. The castle was then captured by the English in 1277 and was subsequently rebuilt and strengthened in the 14th century.

One of the most notable features of Carreg Cennen Castle is its impressive curtain wall, which is built on the cliff of 90m(300ft), and stands over 9m (30ft) tall in places. The castle also has a great hall, a chapel, and a number of towers, including the impressive twin-towered gatehouse.

Despite its formidable defenses, Carreg Cennen Castle fell to the forces of Owain Glyndwr in the 15th century during the Welsh Revolt. After that the Castle was abandoned and left to ruin.

Today, the castle is in the care of Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service, and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the ruins of the castle and take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is also a popular spot for picnics and walks, and is a great place to learn about Wales’ rich history and culture.

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11th Jan 2023