Cardiff The History Of Cardiff

Cardiff - The Capital City of Wales

Cardiff's history reflects the fascinating and often turbulent history of our islands. Many conquerors have recognised the strategic influence Cardiff's location, on the mouth of the River Taff, has on the rest of the region that is now familiar to us as South Wales.

The Romans and the Normans, conquerors both, built settlements here and their fortifications can still be seen as part of the magnificent Cardiff Castle. The town, not declared as the capital city of Wales until 1955, has always been an important trading centre, with its port once being one of the major distribution centres of the world. Although bestowed with a royal charter in 1581 by the then Queen, Elizabeth 1st, Cardiff entered a period of decline in reputation and population until the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries. The rich seems of Coal in the Valleys of South Wales and the international demand for steel led to an massive redevelopment of the area. The second Marquess of Bute, regarded by many as the 'creator of modern Cardiff' developed the first docks at Butetown to facilitate the transport of the metallic ores and fossil fuels. Cardiff eventually became the premier exporter of coal in the world. Around it Cardiff, officially a city since 1905, grew to its present size and over the centuries has developed the architectural elegance seen in all civic centres, most especially that associated with the Victorian era.

The fall in the demand for such basic products as coal and iron meant that Cardiff had to change with the times. It did so and now enjoys the benefits of being the regions centre for finance, technology, government and administration. It is also now the home of the new Welsh Assembly following the devolution of powers from Westminster in London.

So, Cardiff has developed into a modern metropolis. As such it can easily be described as cosmopolitan, diverse, lively and invigorating. More importantly, Cardiff and its population have always been regarded as welcoming and friendly. The city's great sporting heritage, inevitably associated with rugby union, has enabled people from across the globe to sample its culture and hospitality. Almost because of this, Cardiff is renowned as a party destination and certainly cannot be said to be short on pubs, restaurants, clubs and other attractions. You'll be hard pressed to remain hungry or thirsty in this town!

And now, the 'Home Of Welsh Rugby' can welcome the football supporters of England. The new Millennium Stadium, retractable roof and all, is set to be the centre of the great football competitions of these isles. The finals of Football Association competitions, including the League and FA Cups, will be played in this great arena for the next three years. As with the great rugby match days held in this city, there will be tears of joy and sorrow, but be sure that if you have reason to celebrate or commiserate, Cardiff is the placed to be.