Cardiff history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Cardiff has its roots in ancient times. The first settlement on this site was founded by the Romans, who built a fort here around 75 AD to control the local Celtic Silures tribes. Fragments of that Roman stonework can still be seen in the walls of the famous Cardiff Castle. After the Romans departed in the 5th century, information about the settlement becomes fragmentary. A new important stage in the city's history began with the arrival of the Normans. In 1081, by order of William the Conqueror, a castle was founded on the site of the old Roman fortification, becoming the centre of new power and marking the beginning of the medieval town.

Key Factors of Formation

The growth and development of Cardiff were defined by several key factors that changed over time:

• Geographic Location: Its location by the Bristol Channel and at the mouth of the River Taff made Cardiff a strategically important point for both defence and maritime trade.
• Political Power: The Norman castle established Cardiff as the administrative and military centre of the region. Later, in 1536, the town became the county town of Glamorgan.
• Industrial Revolution: The true flourishing of the city began in the 19th century. Cardiff transformed into the world's largest port for the export of coal mined in the South Wales Valleys. The construction of docks and railways, initiated by the Marquess of Bute, provided a powerful impetus for economic and demographic growth.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Before the industrial boom, Cardiff was a small walled garrison town. Its economy was based on local trade and agriculture. Culturally, it was a border town where Welsh and English influences mixed. The Industrial Revolution radically changed its appearance and population composition. The rapid growth of the coal industry and the port attracted many migrants to Cardiff, turning it into a dynamic and multinational hub. It was this industrial rise that allowed Cardiff to gain city status in 1905, and in 1955 — to become the capital of Wales.

Key Milestones in Cardiff's History

The history of Cardiff is a journey from a Roman outpost to the thriving capital of Wales. The city has undergone many transformations, each leaving its mark on its architecture and culture. Below is a chronology of the most important events that shaped the modern look of Cardiff.

• c. 75 AD — The Romans establish a military fort on the River Taff to control local tribes, laying the foundation for the first settlement on the site of the future city.
• 1081 — By order of William the Conqueror, the Normans begin construction of a castle on the site of the old Roman fortification, which becomes the core of medieval Cardiff.
• 1404 — During the Welsh uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr, the town was burned and the castle captured, causing serious damage to its development.
• 1536 — As a result of the Acts of Union between England and Wales, Cardiff becomes the administrative centre of the county of Glamorgan.
• 1648 — During the English Civil War, a major battle takes place at St Fagans, now a district of Cardiff, ending in victory for the Parliamentarians.
• 1839 — The first Bute West Dock opens, marking the beginning of Cardiff's transformation into the world's largest coal exporting port.
• 1871 — Cardiff becomes the largest town in Wales by population, overtaking the industrial centres of Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea.
• 1905 — Due to rapid industrial growth and economic importance, King Edward VII grants Cardiff official city status.
• 1955 — After long discussions, Cardiff is officially declared the capital of Wales, becoming one of Europe's youngest capital cities.
• 1999 — The Millennium Stadium opens, a modern multi-purpose arena that became a symbol of the new, post-industrial Cardiff.
• 2004 — Construction of the Wales Millennium Centre is completed, a major arts centre that strengthened the city's status as a cultural capital.

Major Stages of Cardiff's Development

Cardiff's transformation from a small town into the dynamic capital of Wales is a story of ambition, industrialisation, and bold transformations. Key stages of its development shaped not only the economy but the very appearance of the city.

• Industrial Boom and "Coal Capital" of the World

  In the 19th century, Cardiff experienced explosive growth thanks to the Industrial Revolution. The construction of docks, initiated by the Marquess of Bute, and the laying of canals and railways turned the city into the world's largest coal exporting port. It was at the Cardiff Coal Exchange that global coal prices were set. This period defined the city's economic power for decades to come.

• Architectural Flourishing and City Status

  The economic prosperity of the early 20th century was reflected in grand Edwardian architecture. During this time, the so-called "Civic Centre" in Cathays Park was built, including the magnificent City Hall, National Museum, and University buildings. These structures symbolised Cardiff's growing importance and culminated in it being granted city status in 1905.

• Recognition as the Capital of Wales

  After long debates with other contending cities, on 20 December 1955, Cardiff was officially declared the capital of Wales. This status cemented its administrative and political role, leading to the placement of key national institutions in the city, including the Welsh Government (Senedd).

• Post-Industrial Transformation: Bay Regeneration

  With the decline of the coal industry in the second half of the 20th century, Cardiff's docks fell into disrepair. In the late 1980s, one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in Europe was launched. The Cardiff Bay area was completely transformed: modern housing, offices, restaurants, and cultural venues, such as the Wales Millennium Centre, appeared on the site of former industrial zones.

• Becoming a Cultural and Sports Hub

  At the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, Cardiff established itself as an important centre for culture and sport. The opening of the Millennium Stadium (now Principality Stadium) in 1999 and other modern venues made the city a host for major international rugby and football competitions and other mass events. This strengthened its reputation as a vibrant and welcoming European capital.

The architectural appearance of Cardiff is a visual history of the city, where medieval fortifications coexist with Victorian splendour and bold modern structures. The city's development from a Roman fort to the dynamic capital of Wales is reflected in its diverse buildings and urban planning solutions.

The Middle Ages and Gothic

The starting point in the city's architectural history is Cardiff Castle. Founded by the Normans in the 11th century on the site of a Roman fort, it represents a mixture of styles. The Norman Keep is a classic example of medieval military architecture. Later, in the 19th century, the castle was radically rebuilt by architect William Burges in a lavish Gothic Revival style, turning into a fairytale Victorian residence. Another important medieval structure is Llandaff Cathedral, whose history spans over 900 years.

Victorian and Edwardian Eras: Industrial Flourishing

The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century turned Cardiff into the world's largest coal port and radically changed its appearance. This period of prosperity left behind a rich legacy of Victorian and Edwardian architecture.

• Shopping Arcades: One of the city centre's calling cards is the covered shopping arcades of the Victorian era, such as Castle Arcade and High Street Arcade. These elegant galleries with glass roofs and original storefronts remain popular destinations for shopping to this day.
• Civic Centre in Cathays Park: In the early 20th century, a magnificent ensemble of public buildings was created in Cathays Park, considered one of the finest examples of Edwardian architecture in the UK. The buildings of City Hall, the National Museum of Wales, and Cardiff University are executed in Edwardian Baroque and Neoclassical styles, symbolising the ambition and wealth of the city at that time.

Modernity and Postmodernism: Bay Regeneration

With the decline of the coal industry in the second half of the 20th century, a new stage in Cardiff's development began, culminating in the massive regeneration project of the Cardiff Bay area. A new business and cultural hub with striking examples of modern architecture emerged on the site of former docks and industrial zones.

• Wales Millennium Centre: Opened in 2004, this performing arts centre is an outstanding example of modern architecture. Its façade made of bronzed steel and Welsh slate, featuring poetic lines in two languages, has become a new symbol of the city.
• The Senedd Building: The Parliament of Wales sits in this building. Built to the design of Richard Rogers, it is distinguished by transparency and environmental sustainability, symbolising the openness and democratic nature of power. Its huge undulating roof and glass walls make it one of the most recognisable modern structures in the UK.

Distinguished Figures in Cardiff's History

Cardiff has given the world many talented people whose achievements have left a mark on culture, sport, and history. From world-renowned writers to industrial magnates who changed the face of the city, here are some of the most iconic figures associated with the capital of Wales.

• Roald Dahl

  Writer, screenwriter. One of the greatest children's authors of the 20th century, creator of masterpieces such as "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Matilda", and "The BFG". Roald Dahl was born in 1916 in Llandaff, which is now a district of Cardiff. His Norwegian roots and childhood in Wales were reflected in his work. Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay is named in his honour.

• Shirley Bassey

  Singer. Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire, one of the most successful British female artists in history. Shirley Bassey was born in the Tiger Bay area of Cardiff in 1937. She became famous worldwide for her powerful voice and performance of title themes for James Bond films, including "Goldfinger" and "Diamonds Are Forever".

• John Crichton-Stuart, 3rd Marquess of Bute

  Industrialist, patron of the arts, scholar. Although not born in Cardiff, he is considered the "creator of the modern city". In the 19th century, being one of the richest men in the world, he invested colossal funds into the construction of docks, turning Cardiff into the planet's largest coal port. His passion for architecture led to the fairytale reconstruction of Cardiff Castle and Castell Coch, which are today the city's main attractions.

• Ivor Novello

  Composer, singer, actor. One of the most popular stars of the British stage and cinema in the first half of the 20th century. Ivor Novello was born in Cardiff in 1893. He was a public idol, creating successful musicals and starring in films. The prestigious British Ivor Novello Awards, celebrating the best achievements in songwriting, are named in his honour.

• Gareth Bale

  Footballer. One of the most titled and famous Welsh footballers in history. Born in Cardiff in 1989. Bale became famous for his incredible speed and powerful strike, playing for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, with whom he won the UEFA Champions League five times. He is the top scorer in the history of the Wales national team.

• Ken Follett

  Writer. World-famous author of historical novels and thrillers, born in Cardiff in 1949. His books, such as "The Pillars of the Earth" and "Eye of the Needle", have been translated into dozens of languages and sold over 160 million copies, making him one of the most successful writers of modern times.

• Terry Nation

  Screenwriter. A native of Cardiff who gave the world some of the most recognisable villains in the history of science fiction — the Daleks from the series "Doctor Who". His work had a huge influence on British pop culture, and the series "Doctor Who" today is strongly associated with Cardiff, where its main filming studios are located.