The Stonemasons Art in and around Mumbles by Stuart Batcup

The Boats and Boots in the Walls

We were very taken with the stonework in the front wall of Keith Harris house No 2 (now 156) Higher Lane as when it was built in 1940 the stonemason had incorporated into the design not only a Rugby Boot, but also a Rugby Ball. We were fascinated by this and by the sailing dinghy alongside. They are still there.

The Armada, at Slade Road

n my teenage years my Scoutmaster Bill Barrington encouraged me to look out for such things to enable me to earn my ‘Observer Badge’, and I’ve been on the lookout for other such shapes in the stone walls around Mumbles ever since. There is another Soccer Boot and Round Ball in the wall of 11 Caswell Road, probably created by the same stonemason. There are also at least two dinghies in the wall of 61 Higher Lane, at least five in the wall of Gilberts Cliff at Langland Corner, and a veritable Armada of very sophisticated yachts in the high wall in front of 3 Slade Road. 

Another Soccer Boot and Round Ball in the wall of 11 Caswell Road. 

A rugby boot and ball in the wall at 156, Higher Lane

An armada of Yachts can be seen at 3, Slade Road

Two dinghies at 3, Slade Road

A very definite Fish at No 5 (now 150) Higher Lane

More Yachts at 61, Higher Lane

I have taken some photos of these to help you find them. My most recent discovery was a very definite Fish in the lower part of the wall at No 5 (now 150) Higher Lane alongside the present Post Box! Bill Barrington would have been very pleased. 

This Yacht was found at 170, Mumbles Road

The latest find -

This HEAD, an example of stonemasons art was found at Mumbles Pier, on the old Toilet block.

The old Toilet block at Mumbles Pier, where the HEAD was found. 

Still known to many as, 'The Monkey House >,' the Victorian toilet block has been closed for many years.

Up until the 1930s, it is said that one or more monkeys were kept in a cage on the viewing terrace at the top of the toilet block, It is said that they were owned by Captain Twomey, The Piermaster, but this has not yet been confirmed.

As more are found, we will add them here.

Let me know if you find others, The editors will send me a message! >

Note: The book by Norman L. Thomas,  "The Story of Swansea's Districts and Villages", mentions the 5 ships at Langland Corner on page 286.