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Photo: The cutting at Mumbles Head > with the Pier and Mumbles Train
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The Prince's Fountain
UPDATE
By Carol Powell MA
Perhaps not many realise that the original purpose of the fountain near the Rugby Club at Southend, was to mark the marriage on 10 March 1863, of the then Prince of Wales (later to be King Edward VII) to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. A communal fountain was decided upon for a village that, as yet, had no proper water supplies.
A 'Duck' is also caught in this photo of the Train.
This photo of the Mumbles Train at Oystermouth Station, has also captured an ex American Army 'Duck' (DUWK) on the beach.
More is revealed in this article, with information from Terry Peters.
WHITE ROSE BOTTLING STORES MUMBLES
By Carol Powell
Eastmoor Nursery
Updated March 2004
The Home of The Good Shepherd
and Eastmoor Nursery
'After studying the other photos on this website, I must say the home looked a very loving and well run place.”
and Eastmoor Nursery
'After studying the other photos on this website, I must say the home looked a very loving and well run place.”
The inside of the old Coastguard Hut at Tutt Head, in the 1960s.
Updated March 2024
The old Coastguard Hut, Tutt Head, which overlooked Bracelet and Limeslade Bays. Including details of second world war additions. As well as the Coastguard Cottages at Church Parks and Westbourne Place, Mumbles.
Updated March 2024
In June 1807 West Cross House was advertised as being for sale together with 12½ acres of meadow and pasture land which is now occupied by Grange and St. David’s schools.
The camp on the Mumbles Hill was a big part of my early life from 1939 to 1945, as I was a child living nearby in Michaels Field. I can remember my time with the men on the Hill, where the Royal Artillery manned the Battery.
Oster Skiffs, 'The Snake' and 'The Hawk', off Mumbles Pier. Photo: RJ Lloyd .
'Will they no' come back again?'
by Mumbles News, 1976
by Mumbles News, 1976
What has happened? Why did the oyster-trade decline so rapidly and at last pass away almost entirely?
By 1873, the signs were already very ominous, and the old hands were cautious. The year's haul was only a little over nine million, and two years later it was to drop sharply again to just under four million.
Langland Camps,
Inspired by Penny Hehir
In the late 1920s Redcliffe was the family home of poet Vernon Watkins, a contemporary and close friend of Dylan Thomas. The house stood until the 1960s when it was demolished to make way for the Redcliffe apartments that now overlook the west side of the bay.
Langland Camps,
Updated February 2024
by Joan Gleig
We had a glorious view of the sea and Langland Bay, with the three points—Langland, Caswell and Oxwich reaching out into the water.
When I knew it, each owner had a small hut and a large tent for sleeping, also an earth closet in the garden.. It was a friendly place, which had a sports day every summer which everyone joined in. I remember some of the names—including Dickson, Drury, Pride, Taylor and Searle.
This shelter along the Promenade, at Southend Gardens, is thought to be one of several constructed by Swansea Town Council, around 1930.
Along with a glimpse of the area over the years.
The quay or breakwater at the Village Lane slipway, Southend, was built by the Railway Company, around 1895, to shelter the Oyster Skiffs, but was not maintained by them after sustaining damage in a storm and was slowly allowed to rot away.
Map of the Mumbles Railway land for sale in 1898.
The Mumbles Railway
Today this includes the site of Boots The Chemist, at Oystermouth Square and along to and including Cornwall Place.
The Tennis Courts and Bowling Green were reserved for public use and is maintained by the City and County of Swansea.]
Updated January 2024
by Wendy Cope
This house was possibly built about 1860 on land leased from the Duke of Beaufort. In 1865 it was owned and lived in by 28 year old John Ivor Evans and his wife Henrietta. He was an accountant with an interest in property . . .
West Cross
By Jacky Dodd
We moved into our new home on 22nd December 1952, when houses were still being constructed all around us on West Cross estate.
Medieval Town to Copperopolis: 13
(Town & City Historical Maps)
(Town & City Historical Maps)
The detail is beguiling.
Available in English and Welsh from Swansea Museum and Cover to Cover, Newton Road, Mumbles: at £10.99
by Stuart Batcup
My Scoutmaster Bill Barrington encouraged 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.
The Story of Mumbles www.storyofmumbles.org.uk
The Story of Mumbles Digital Archive is now live to the public following its launch on 17 November 2023.
We are delighted to share the lovely memorabilia we have been inputting on there and would welcome contributions through the website of any photographs etc that you have.
by Carol Powell (née Symmons)
'As I grew older I learned from my mother, more of her grief, the death of her favourite cousin, Flying Officer Trevor Bladen, aged 22, in 1944.'
Norton Air Raid Shelters
In 1940, Mumbles got its first taste of high explosives and incendiaries, probably aimed at Swansea and the docks, raining down on the locality, lasting spasmodically from August 1940 until June 1941.
and Fort
In 1940 a narrow concrete causeway was constructed to connect the mainland to the lighthouse island.
Today some remnants can still be located.
Assembled by Kate Jones and John Powell
Displayed at Oystermouth Library November 2018
'At the going down of the sun . . . '
More: Mumbles at War >
By Carol Powell
Close on one hundred years ago, Robert and Margaret Todd ran a greengrocery-cum-sweet shop, at The Parade.
The displays were gradually and tragically transformed into spontaneous tributes to those who failed to return home, becoming Mumbles' unofficial Memorial.
More: Mumbles at War >
Herald of Wales Newspaper Report The library was opened on 21st, September 1935
By Edna Davies (née Harris) and Doreen Peregrine (née Harris)
on behalf of the Harris familyPrior to the opening of the library, books were very difficult to come by
Oystermouth Library
The Library housed two large paintings by the artist George Dixon Dixon
Updated March 2004
The Post Card Shop, The Parade, Southend
by Kate Jones
There are hundreds of photographs by MA Clare within the A History of Mumbles archive and many are used on this website.
An advertising pamphlet revealed :-
You will see us operating daily on the sands at all Bays. Do not hesitate to stop us and have that snap taken of the little ones, etc.'
On 19 April 1919, while in a heavy fog, the Royal Mail Lines steamer “Tyne”, ran onto the rocks at Rothers Sker, just east of Rotherslade.
But where were they?
by Carol Powell
A trawl through the Victorian censuses of Mumbles reveals a number of addresses not in use today. At that time, people could erect a row of several houses and give it a name of its own. But where were they?
A look back at the place to be seen in the 60s
Across South Wales there are many couples who remember with nostalgia the hip place to meet in the early 1960s.
If you were young and with it the only place to go was Ron's Rendezvous in Rotherslade.
YouTube link https://youtu.be/INPaQknbPqQ?t=1
Mumbles An Amble Through Time >
By John Powell
An Amble Through the village of Mumbles, Swansea:
showing how it looked in Victorian times and the contrast with now. This video includes the changes made to the shoreline, by the extension of the Mumbles Railway to Mumbles Pier and the developments on the land reclaimed from the sea.
The website editor, Carol Powell, viewing The Mumbles Train
The entrance to car number 7, with stairs and drivers cab.
The visit to the upstairs, brought back many memories of travel on the train.
The Mumbles Train at the Swansea Museum 'Tram Shed'
See the Mumbles Train at -
Swansea Museum's tramway annexe >
which houses the last surviving section of a 1929 Mumbles Railway electric car, fully restored. Car No. 7 Archive material and photo graphs add to the display. A continuous video shows the railway in action, as it once was. Please check opening times.
You can also follow:
by South Wales Transport c.1995
The details noted on this 1995 Trail may have changed and should be checked.
Updated
by Wendy Cope
In 1883 a windmill was erected on the hill above Caswell Bay. In conjunction with a series of ropes it was used to pump water from a well at the foot of the cliff to a small reservoir at Summerland Lane. It was part of a scheme to provide a public water supply for Mumbles Coming from a limestone source the water was hard but was otherwise praised.
British Legion Hall in Oystermouth Station Square
By Betty Sivertsen
The Red Gross, together with St, John’s Ambulance, A. R.P Wardens, Car Drivers, First Aiders and a band of wonderful volunteers, who would turn up immediately the siren sounded, at the wonderful old British Legion Hall at Oystermouth Station Square.
With full details of this journey, including some landmarks and people who lived along the road through the years,
by Carol Powell Mor
The route of the 'Old' Road from Swanzey Town to Oystermouth >
A briefer version of the route to Oystermouth Castle
Three Huts were built by the Americans in late 1943,
by John Sutherland
Cliff Edwin Guard
Webpage collection
Passed away peacefully at Hillside Care Home in Uplands, Swansea, aged 99 years. Cliff was born in Swansea and proud to have served in the US Army. He was the recipient of numerous medals including the French Legion d’Honneur following his distinguished service with the US Army throughout WW2.
Cliff also supported a number of veterans groups and causes throughout his life. He was a proud member of the Veterans Association, the American Legion and the Royal British Legion where he was well know for selling poppies every year in Swansea Market. He made other charitable donations to veterans groups, including his share of the proceeds of his biography “G.I. Limey, a Welsh American’s Second World War”.
After earning his degree at Perdue University, he went on to have a distinguished career with the United States Government before returning to his beloved Swansea where he helped to create and establish the Swansea Centre for Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Helping veterans and others overcome their struggles providing him with a tremendous sense of personal satisfaction.
His final resting place is at Arlington National Cemetery, USA, where he is interred with full military honours.
Cliff Guard (GI Limey)
17/09/1923 - 12/05/2023
Cliff Guard on active service during WW2
NEW DISCOVERY -
Mumbles Primary Mixed Church School (No date or names).
Fancy Dress - 'The House That Jack Built.'
Thought to be dated around the 1930s.
If you can help supply and names or memories: please contact us
King Charles III and Camilla, waving from from Buckingham Palace Balcony, 6 May 2023
Coronation of Charles III and Camilla
Took place on 6 May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. Charles acceded to the throne on 8 September 2022, upon the death of his mother, Elizabeth II.
At the outbreak of war in 1939, the tunnels took on another role precious items from Swansea were removed to a place of safety, using the sewage scheme access tunnels and other locations.
Few people know what lies behind the doors protecting these tunnels. Large quantities of stone were mined from Mumbles Head and much of this used to create the Bracelet Bay car park and fill in the old Iron Mine on Mumbles Hill.
Also known through the years as: The Promenade, Sea Wall, Foreshore, Footpath, Cycle Path, Rail Track, The Concrete and Burrows or Dunes.
by Carol Powell M.A.
Ystumilwynarth, meaning a wooded bend is the Welsh name for the Oystermouth area and describes its most notable feature of long ago-its heavily wooded nature.
My grandparents kept ’The Fulton’ public house on the corner of Oxford Street and Portland Street. On the third night of the blitz, a fireman told her that she had better move, because the whole place would soon be up in flames and she just had time to get me out . . .
by Edith E Robinson
By Sarah Monks
Born in 1954, here, I am with my parents, Ivor and Jacqueline at the Higher Lane bungalow
by Carol Powell
The building of the cutting was a way for the village to commemorate and benefit from Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887. Until that time, one would have had a steep climb up over Mumbles Hill or sail round the Headland to reach Bracelet and beyond.
His book 'Didn't Quite Make It!' is a treasure trove of memories.
It is with great sadness that we heard the news that Grafton Pearce Maggs has passed away on 13th November 2022.
Beloved husband of Wai Chow and the late Irene and the late Maureen. Loving father Neil, Glen and Lyn (Bobby), dear father-in-law to Heidi and Cath, proud grandfather to Richard, Alex, David, Georgia and Josie and great grandfather to Joe, Caitlin, Seb, Scarlett and Finlay. Cherished brother of Colin and dear uncle to David, Roger, Nigel and Sarah. Grafton will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends in the Mumbles community.
An amazing person, a local Mumbles Boy, who led a long and eventful life. He has left behind so many stories, which could make you laugh and cry. His book 'Didn't Quite Make It!' is a treasure trove of memories.
Edited by Carol Powell
NEW
By Neil Norman
The cliffs near Langland
or
Tom Nicholls' Hole and Ginny's Gut by Malcolm Webborn
The hazardous journey down into Ginny's Gut, Langland, leads to the forbidden depths of 'Doctor's Mine,' an iron mine, which extended up into the fields off Higher Lane, Thistleboon.
Mumbles Pier
More photos: The Copperfish Restaurant and the old Cinderellas Dance Hall/Disco were totally destroyed in a fire around 11am on Wednesday 31st August 2022.
Mumbles Pier: Past and Present >
Mumbles Pier was opened on 10th May 1898, along with an extension of the railway, from Oystermouth to Mumbles Head.
by Carol Powell
WHEN Charlie Cottle, the last keeper of the Mumbles lighthouse, finished in 1934 at the age of 61, the event was considered important enough for the popular national daily, the Sketch, to devote nearly two pages to the story and pictures.
The American Army in WW2
Louis Amundson, a GI with 11th Port of Embarkation at Swansea
Fanny Catherine Davie celebrated her 104th birthday
Fanny Davie was born on 21 May 1852 and died in Mumbles on 8 February 1957, aged 104.
Photo: South Wales Evening PostWOULD you say there is over a hundred years difference in the ages of these two persons in the photo?
Fanny Catherine Davie, Mumbles, celebrates her 104th birthday. At her side is 3 year-old Michael Beynon, her great-great-grandson. Mrs. Davie is also proudly displaying a basket of fowers sent her to mark the occasion.
Thomas & Co, Draper, The Dunns
Wendy Cope
by Pauline Belton, nee Phillips
Includes a pictorial journey of The Dunns down the years
The Elms, Photo: Stuart Bishop
by Doreen Peregrine, née Harris
Doreen was born in Village Lane in 1923 and says,
'There can't be many people who have been as lucky as I have been - a husband in a million together with a mother who to this day everyone speaks about with love and affection. Neither of them will ever be forgotten
What more could I want!'
by Jeanette MacAdam
Jeanette's father, William MacAdam, was a firman, known as 'Bill Mac, who was well known as a house painter in his spare time. Jeanette and her her sister Susan are pictured.
My grandmother, Leopoldine Konetschny, around 1940.
Can you please Help?
My grandmother worked at Langland Convalescent Home > as a cook and lived there for three years from 1938 during the 2nd World War, after escaping Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia.
If anyone could fill me in on her days at Langland Bay, I would be ever so grateful. As my mother, Bridgitte, now 92, has never really came to terms with a forced separation from her mother in the 1930s, when only nine years old..
Asks Audrey Beaumont
Louise Fleet, West Glamorgan Lord-Lieutenant opened an Arch at Southend Gardens, Mumbles, May 2022
Grandpa (Max Gronow) and Dad, (John Cooke) age 24, are in overalls and are pictured with the builders while building their bungalow at number 30, Riversdale Road, some time during 1955.
by Louise Davies
A glimpse through the ages
Hours in
Oystermouth Library >
By Grafton Maggs
Victor Morgan, the unruffled head librarian, was always ready to advise and to get us more involved, we were invited to assist behind the counter. Mr. Morgan would be besieged by many youngsters begging him, ‘Can I help stamp the books, Mr. Morgan?’ To be fair, he would allow us an hour each and the rest of the time would be spent in returning books to the appropriate places on the shelves, not difficult in those days because only the top two or three shelves were stocked.
A painting by Derek Scott, courtesy of Mrs Pat Scott
“They were all great men.”
by Kate Jones
This is a story of courage, gallantry and skilful seamanship battling force-10 winds, extremely rough seas and the most dreaded danger on board ships – FIRE!
The Cross Country Tropy, 1974, rediscovered by Phil Stockton
When asked What do you remember from those days? Phil replied -
Too much! Those cross country runs would never be allowed these days - 100 kids through Underhill - across Langland corner - down to Rotherslade over to the golf course then up Mary Twill through Newton and down through the park - with never a worry about the Green Cross Code!
Wet kit stuffed in lockers and fermenting for a couple of weeks; the ritual of 'The Rack' behind the gym to welcome the new kids to the school; chucking iron fillings up the chimney in metalwork and turning the blowtorch on and melting lead for fishing weights; getting rainbow sherbert from Shute's and pasties from Eynon's; getting conkers from the tree by the old surgery and selling them for 2p each; climbing into the bins behind the school to retrieve dozens of confiscated water-pistols; mince in gravy and mash at school dinners -
not to mention Minnie Morgan, the Edneys, Mr Bailey, Mr Aston - And Mr Thomas - who once went bonkers when he heard a kid actually call him 'Noddy'...
Sidney Davies, c. 1950
By Carol Powell
A little way beyond Blackpill on the seaward side of the main road to the Mumbles, stood picturesque Lilliput Hall and Cottage, but all that remains now are one or two aspen trees from its garden.
Sidney Davies, age 77, who grew up at Lilliput Cottage, said in 2021, 'I still enjoy the view from the nearby seat, when I return home.'
When Mumbles was ‘The Mumbles'
'Billy Howell’s tea shop nestling on the beach'
Howell's Tea Rooms -
A postcard sent to A History of Mumbles by Giorgio Tortorella, from his maternal grandparents collection, who visited Wales in the 1930sThis postcard shows “Billy Howell’s tea shop nestling on the beach”, as referenced in the poem
“When Mumbles was ‘The Mumbles’
a poem by Cyril Gwynn
When Billy Howell’s tea shop nestling on the beach,
Was washed in each sou’wester by the tide,
When Mabel Higgs had donkeys on Langland’s sandy reach,
And used to charge a penny for a ride.
Yes, Mumbles was The Mumbles but twenty years ago.
Now paving stones have covered up the furrough,
And Mumbles isn’t Mumbles, for I would have you know,
‘Tis ‘Oystermouth’, a section of ‘The Borough’.
An extract from The Gower Yarns of Cyril Gwynn
published by the Gower Society
The full poem
A modern view and It is now the Red Cafe
From Google Street View
and later
The popular forerunner of several discothèques or nightclubs in the same building.
Bently's Nightclub opened in the 1980s and there were more . . .
Tiffany's,
by Stuart Batcup
The time has come for us to press on in a southwards direction towards ‘the Plunch’ and Limeslade Bay.
Having spent an idyllic childhood playing and exploring all these places, I thought it would be fun to retrace some of my childhood steps.
A Trek through old Mumbles Village and Thistleboon >
by Stuart Batcup
NEW
by Beverley Rogers
Mumbles has been recently featured at the top of the list of 52 Places to Love in 2021 in the New York Times. It has also appeared in the Sunday Times’ Best Places to live for three years in a row. This is a glowing accolade for our lovely seaside village . . .
by Gerald Gabb
by Carol Powell
