Recapturing the historic landscape
Following several months of studying old manuscripts and maps, the Living Levels history research volunteers want to share their discoveries with you!
Members of the RATS (Research and Transcription Service) are giving a series of short illustrated talks at Glamorgan Archives on the theme of 'recapturing the historic landscape':
Pengam Moors - Pasture to Planes - Marion Sweeney
Pengam Moors, a flat coastal area to the East of Cardiff, was seen by aviation pioneers as the ideal location for an aerodrome. Commercial flights commenced in 1931. Transformation of the moor from pasture to thriving airport, and the reasons for its subsequent decline, are discussed.
Pandemonium at Pengam - Cath Davis
In 1846, Royal Mail coaches and their passengers were a regular sight on main roads. As the London-Swansea coach approached Pengam bridge during a heavy storm and high tide, the horses lost their footing in the floods causing it to upend into a drain.
A Potted History of Flood Control on the Gwent Levels - Tony Pickup
Since Roman times the Gwent Levels have had to be protected from flooding. Historical records show why, how and by whom this was done, and provide a fascinating reflection of 1000 years societal and economic changes in Britain.
Newport's Victorian sewers, or the older land drainage system? - Martyn Davies
As the town of Newport expanded along the river Usk during the nineteenth century, industry flourished. However, the population suffered from want of clean water and sanitation. Did progress sweep everything away that went before?
Church bells: a sound of the historic landscape - Brian Neale
The sound of bells sending their messages across the Levels has been heard by successive generations from pre-Reformation times to the present day. Many of the bells have carried additional messages, although silently! A chance to explore their history and use — although not all of them were from churches.
Meet at: Glamorgan Archives, Clos Parc Morgannwg, Cardiff CF11 8AW
Price: FREE
