David Gwynn

Much has changed in Swansea over the years and this short but comprehensive history chronicles the development of the city from the earliest times to today. The Little History of Swansea traces the growth of the medieval town, the rise of the Port of Swansea, the industrial heritage of the area and the fate that befell the town during the Second World War. Here you can read about the odd and unusual happenings, as well as the more traditional history that has made the city what it is today.

Swansea’s history goes back to the foundation of a Viking trading post at the mouth of the River Tawe, on the south-west coast of Wales. The town grew following the Norman conquest when it was granted a charter giving it the status of a borough. Swansea was an important port for the area and during the Industrial Revolution it became the world’s leading copper-smelting area. Nicknamed ‘Copperopolis’, it grew into Wales’ second largest town. Although copper production declined in the 19th century, other industries took over, including porcelain, mining and quarrying, leading to the construction of the world’s first fee-paying passenger railway. During the 20th century, Swansea’s fortunes changed with the decline of heavy industry. In 1969 Swansea was granted city status and although much of the fabric of the old city has changed, with many of its docks closed or converted into other uses, the city has rebuilt itself with the expansion of the university and redevelopment of its extensive coastline around Swansea Bay. Many visitors also come for the city’s cultural heritage, particularly the poet Dylan Thomas, who was born and raised in Swansea, which was marked by the opening of the Dylan Thomas Centre in the old Guildhall in the Maritime Quarter. Celebrating Swansea chronicles the proud heritage of Swansea, its important moments and what draws so many to this diverse city today. Illustrated throughout, this fascinating book offers a marvellous and refreshingly positive insight into Swansea’s rich heritage, its special events and important moments. Celebrating Swansea will be a valuable contribution to the history of the city and provide a source of many memories to those who have known it well over the years.

Now centered on Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, the Triad was home to one of North Carolina's earliest brewery operations in the Moravian community of Bethabara. Easy access by rail and then highways attracted national breweries, and starting in the 1960s, the region began producing beer for companies like Miller and Schlitz. The passage of the Pop the Cap legislation led to an explosion of craft beer and brewpubs, and in 2019, three of the top five producing craft breweries in North Carolina were anchored in the area. Local beer historians Richard Cox, David Gwynn and Erin Lawrimore narrate the history of the Triad brewing industry, from early Moravian communities to the operators of nineteenth-century saloons and from Big Beer factories to modern craft breweries.

Now centered on Greensboro, Winston-Salem and High Point, the Triad was home to one of North Carolina's earliest brewery operations in the Moravian community of Bethabara. Easy access by rail and then highways attracted national breweries, and starting in the 1960s, the region began producing beer for companies like Miller and Schlitz. The passage of the Pop the Cap legislation led to an explosion of craft beer and brewpubs, and in 2019, three of the top five producing craft breweries in North Carolina were anchored in the area. Local beer historians Richard Cox, David Gwynn and Erin Lawrimore narrate the history of the Triad brewing industry, from early Moravian communities to the operators of nineteenth-century saloons and from Big Beer factories to modern craft breweries.

Much has changed in Swansea over the years and this short but comprehensive history chronicles the development of the city from the earliest times to today. The Little History of Swansea traces the growth of the medieval town, the rise of the Port of Swansea, the industrial heritage of the area and the fate that befell the town during the Second World War. Here you can read about the odd and unusual happenings, as well as the more traditional history that has made the city what it is today.

Swansea’s massive expansion during the Industrial Revolution and its aftermath can still be seen today. The world’s leading copper-smelting area, its docks were conveniently situated for the South Wales coalfields and copper mines in Cornwall, and the whole lower Swansea Valley was criss-crossed by railway lines. Thousands were drawn to live and work in the city, but the heavy industries declined in the twentieth century. Swansea was devastated by aerial bombardment in the Second World War and much of the city centre, docks and old industrial Swansea has been rebuilt in subsequent decades, with the regeneration continuing today. Lost Swansea presents a portrait of a city and a way of life that has radically changed or disappeared today, showing not just the industries, buildings, people and street scenes that have gone, but also many popular places of entertainment and much more. This fascinating photographic history of lost Swansea will appeal to all those who live in the city or know it well, as well as those who remember it from previous decades.

Swansea was the second Welsh borough to be granted city status in Wales, following the investiture of Prince Charles in 1969. From obscure beginnings as a probable Viking encampment, the city has undergone many changes over the years; it has been a Norman stronghold, a Regency spa-town, the centre of the world copper trade, a major coal-exporting port, a Second World War Blitz victim, a seaside resort and now a modern regional centre. This book intends to capture much of that change through some 200 images, which compare the borough of the past with the city of today. Each image is accompanied by an informative caption from local historian David Gywnn, who aims to portray to the interested visitor and the curious resident just how fascinating Swansea's history really is.

This compilation of over 200 evocative images traces some of the changes that have taken place in this unique area over the last century. While for many the Gower Peninsula is indicative of beaches on hot summer days, walks in the woods or across the cliff tops of surfing, the area is also home to many people who live and work in this beautiful place. The reader is taken on a tour of Gower as it was before the internal combustions engine came to dominate everyday families and communities worked together for the benefit and enrichment of all. Each image is accompanied by supporting text providing a wealth of local colour and historical detail. This comprehensive pictorial record will re-awaken memories among older residents, whilst bringing to newcomers an opportunity to look at how things used to be.

Wales is the home of three National Parks and five areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty; its landscape is enchanting, attracting over 13 million visitors each year. Drawing upon his eclectic postcard collection, David Gwynn offers a fascinating glimpse into the Golden Age of Welsh Postcards, perfectly capturing the beauty of this country in 180 colour photographs. The book opens with a brief history of Wales to put this specific time period into context. A carefully selected succession of images helps to illustrate every aspect of Welsh life and the beauty of the local countryside. Wales from the Golden Age of Picture Postcards will be of great interest to anyone with an interest in Welsh heritage, or anyone who is a lover of the Welsh and their countryside.

A history of Sketty.

The famous Mumbles area of Swansea is no a thriving and popular suburb, with pretty villages and attractive bays. At the beginning of the nineteenth century, the need for a railway to transport coal and iron ore to Swansea meant that the once-distant fishing communities became more accessible. With the creation in 1804 of the first railway in the world to carry fare-paying passengers, Mumbles soon became a popular tourist destination. Illustrated with over 200 old photographs and postcards, all aspects of life are explored here. Images of working life, shops and trades, schools, religion, recreation and tourism all combine to create a vivid picture of times past. Sure to delight older residents of Mumbles, this volume will also fascinate newcomers and those who have holidayed there.