Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom, Europe
Swansea, officially the City and County of Swansea, is a coastal city and county in Wales. It is Wales's second largest city. Swansea lies within the historic county boundaries of Glamorgan. Situated on the sandy South West Wales coast, the county area includes the Gower Peninsula and the Lliw uplands. The City and County of Swansea had a population of 239,000 in 2011, making it the second most populous local authority area in Wales after Cardiff. During its 19th-century industrial heyday, Swansea was a key centre of the copper industry, earning the nickname 'Copperopolis'. The port of Swansea initially traded in wine, hides, wool, cloth and later in coal. As the Industrial Revolution reached Wales,
the combination of port, local coal, and trading links with the West Country, Cornwall and Devon, meant that Swansea was the logical place to site copper smelting works. Smelters were operating by 1720 and proliferated. Following this, more coal mines (everywhere from north-east Gower to Clyne and Llangyfelach) were opened and smelters (mostly along the Tawe valley) were opened and flourished. Over the next century and a half, works were established to process arsenic, zinc and tin and to create tinplate and pottery. The city expanded rapidly in the 18th and 19th centuries, and was termed Copperopolis. From the late 17th century to 1801, Swansea's population grew by 500% the first official census (in 1841) indicated that, with 6,099 inhabitants, Swansea had become significantly larger than Glamorgan's county town, Cardiff, and was the second most populous town in Wales behind Merthyr Tydfil (which had a population of 7,705). However, the census understated Swansea's true size, as much of the built-up area lay outside the contemporary boundaries of the borough; the total population was actually 10,117. Swansea's population was later overtaken by Merthyr in 1821 and by Cardiff in 1881, although in the latter year Swansea once again surpassed Merthyr. Much of Swansea's growth was due to migration from within and beyond Wales in 1881, more than a third of the borough's population had been born outside Swansea and Glamorgan, and just under a quarter outside Wales. Through the 20th century, heavy industries in the town declined, leaving the Lower Swansea Valley filled with derelict works and mounds of waste products from them. The Lower Swansea Valley Scheme (which still continues) reclaimed much of the land. The present Enterprise Zone was the result and, of the many original docks, only those outside the city continue to work as docks; North Dock is now Parc Tawe and South Dock became the Marina. Little city-centre evidence, beyond parts of the road layout, remains from medieval Swansea; its industrial importance made it the target of bombing, known as the Blitz in World War II, and the centre was flattened completely. The city has three Grade One listed buildings, these being the Guildhall, Swansea Castle and the Morriston Tabernacle. Whilst the city itself has a long history, many of the city centre buildings are post-war as much of the original centre was destroyed by World War II bombing on the 19th, 20th and 21 February 1941 (the 'Three Nights Blitz'). Within the city centre are the ruins of the castle, the Marina, the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Swansea Museum, the Dylan Thomas Centre, the Environment Centre, and the Market, which is the largest covered market in Wales. It backs onto the Quadrant Shopping Centre which opened in 1978 and the adjoining St David's Centre opened in 1982. Other notable modern buildings are the BT Tower (formerly the GPO tower) built around 1970, Alexandra House opened in 1976, County Hall opened in July 1982. Swansea Leisure Centre opened in 1977; it has undergone extensive refurbishment which retained elements of the original structure and re-opened in March 2008. Swansea was granted city status in 1969, to mark Prince Charles's investiture as the Prince of Wales.
Swansea Guildhall Top #9 Facts
RSPCA Cymru Video: Swansea Guildhall rescue
RSPCA inspector Neill Manley collected an injured gull from Swansea's Guildhall. The gull was taken to a wildlife centre, but sadly he didn't make it. It is thought he may have been involved in a road accident.
Comic Con Swansea City
This video is about Comic Con Swansea City held at the Brangwyn Hall, in the Guildhall Swansea on May 27 2017
Swansea City Victory Parade Guild Hall Swansea.
Swansea Indoor Market Welsh Presentation
Reverb was commissioned to produce this four minute video presentation, to outline the history and product offering from Wales' oldest indoor market. We produced an English and Welsh language versions.
R.A.F Parade to the Guildhall from St Mary's Church (April 21st 2018)
R.A.F Parade to the Guildhall from St Mary's Church. The parade included more than 400 RAF personnel, including the Queen's Colour Squadron, RAF St Athan and more than 200 air cadets.
The Band of the RAF College - Swansea
The Band of the RAF College led an impressive parade of over 400 RAF personnel, featuring members of The Queen's Colour Squadron and RAF St Athan and Air Cadets through the streets of the City of Swansea on Saturday 21st April 2018. After a short ceremony where the RAF were given the Highest Civic Honour a council can bestow, the Parade began outside St Mary's Church and marched up Oxford Street and St Helen's Road to The Brangwyn Hall.
The RAF Centenary Baton that is making it's way around the world stopping at various ceremony and locations symbolic to the RAF as part of the RAF 100 Baton Relay was marched in the parade.
To find out more information about Military Bands events, see galleries of photos from events and news articles please visit our website:
Swansea City Victory Parade 2011
Arriving at the Guild Hall Swansea, Sorry for crap resolution on the Picture!
Swansea Museum Ghost Hunt 11th July 2015 8pm 4am
Join us for more history and horror on Swansea Museum Ghost Hunt, 11th July 2015, 8pm 4am Places £40 each which includes Hot & Cold Drinks and Snacks. Swansea Museum, Victoria Rd, Swansea SA1 1SN
The night commences at 8pm when an experienced and professional Psychic medium, will escort you around the venue. Following this, the night will continue with smaller group vigils and team work using a range of paranormal equipment including dowsing rods, K2 meters, table tipping and Ouiji boards for those who want to participate.
Advisable to wear layered clothing as temperatures can get very cold on investigations and we recommend flat shoes with non-slip soles, as you may well be walking around in the dark and on staircases with no lighting. Don’t forget your torch as the event does take place in rooms that can be dark. You are welcome to bring cameras and personal paranormal investigation equipment. The GHOST HUNT hub offers a place to take a break, sit, have a tea/coffee (provided) catch up with other group members and toilets are to hand.
You are welcome to bring your own snacks. Paranormal activity at events can never be guaranteed. However, the more positive energy we have between the group the better it will be to encourage a connection with the spirits of the venue. Please note alcohol is not permitted during the investigation. The use of EMF meters and other equipment can be used throughout the ghost hunt. All DeadLive ghost hunting vigils are managed by psychics and paranormal investigators and we encourage everyone to get involved with our events.
Schedule: 8.00pm – 8.15 pm: Welcome Meeting: Meet the team. Health and Safety and Fire Regulations brief.
8.30pm – 9.00pm: Familiarization tour of the host venue with a Spirit Medium and the team.
9.00pm – 10.15pm: Paranormal and Ghost Hunt Equipment Presentation. Dowsing Workshop with crystals and dowsing rods. Break. (Refreshments provided.)
10.15pm – 4.00am: Ghost Hunt Group Vigil Events: Room vigils, table tipping, glass work, dowsing etc.
WVC Swansea dance
wild dancing at swansea beach.
The moment the Swans were promoted to the Premier League
Swansea City promoted to the Premier League - Fan reactions
The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth, HMS Cambria Freedom of Swansea Parade
On Saturday 17th March at 11:30 The Band of HM Royal Marines Portsmouth (Royal Band) led HMS Cambria through the streets of Swansea to celebrate their freedom of the city.
The band plays:
Rule Britannia - General Salute
HM Jollies
Shrewsbury Fair
Colonel Bogey
Hollyrood
A Life on the Ocean Wave
Heart of Oak
On The Quaterdeck
The Mountbatten March
Sorry about the wind noise during the video, it was extremely windy and near the end the parade was marching right into the wind. It was also very cold with a temperature of 1 degree, not factoring the wind chill.
Military Bands Everywhere Website:
The Guildhall - Most Impressive Landmark in Londonderry
The History of Guildhall
The Guildhall is one of Derry's most outstanding landmarks and has been so since the 1800s. An iconic building that has seen many events and witnesses history in the making, Guildhall stands in the center of the city to this day as a must-see spot for visitors in Derry-Londonderry.
Name
It was originally named Victoria Hall as it was a prevailing custom at the time to name locations around the British Empire after the current reigning monarch. The current name of the building comes in honor of its connection to the City of London and its guilds.
Location
The Guildhall building is located in Derry, County Londonderry,
It serves as a meeting place for the elected members of Derry and Strabane District Council. It is also home to the Derry City Council chamber and the Mayor’s Parlour.
Description
As you cross the entrance to The Guildhall, you’ll find a welcoming note “The Guildhall is one of Derry’s most recognizable landmarks and has been at the heart of the city life since 1890.” As you continue down the hall, you’ll have a beautiful view of the majestic painted windows next to tall plaques retelling the history of the building and the region. The Guildhall also contains exhibitions showcasing old books that contain ancient maps and descriptions of the area as well. A maquette also stands detailing what seems to be what the region looked like in old times. The exterior of the building features neo-gothic architectural designs and a majestic clock tower.
The Guildhall includes a large hall where many social and political events have been held over the years, including Halloween carnivals, the Christmas lights switch-on, the Christmas European Market. The square in front of the Guildhall is the main city square in Derry-Londonderry, making it a focal location in the city, as they are also surrounded by shopping, cultural and touristic areas.
Architecture
Originally built by The Honourable The Irish Society. The red sandstone building is of neo-gothic architecture, with Tudor overtones. The Guildhall contains stunning stained glass windows that portray the history of Derry, and were created by a Belfast firm called Campbell's. It is also said that it has the second largest clock face in the British Isles (next to Big Ben). The building is basically made up of Dumfrese sandstone, marble, oak panelling, ornate ceilings and stained glass windows.
Upon entering the building, one encounters a window featuring the Royal Coat of Arms, the Seal of Empire and the symbols of the principal British overseas Dominions, to celebrate imperial unity.
Former mayors and other civic officers also donated windows to be placed in the building, often depicting modern economic developments in the city. Throughout the building, other windows feature the achievements of the three Irish divisions in the British Army.
The most recently placed window in the Guildhall commemorates the victims of Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972. In the centre, from top to bottom, is a trail of poppies symbolizing remembrance for the dead, whose names are written on crosses. The window was commissioned by Derry City Council.
Frank McDonald of the Irish Times commented on the Irish Georgian Society’s Conservation Awards won for the reconstruction of the building, What impressed the jury (which included myself) about Derry’s Guildhall was not just the internal spatial rearrangement, but also the meticulous work done to the exterior in rebuilding its ornate gable, which had been leaning outwards, as well as complete repointing of the stonework and restoration of the stained glass windows.
Jury member Dr. Eddie McParland noted, “The recarved stonework was excellent, lots of original details were kept and the original ceiling of the council chamber was revealed.”
Construction
The Guildhall was originally built in the 1600s and was located in the Diamond area of the Walled City, but unfortunately it was destroyed by fire and its location was turned later on into a city square. The new Guildhall was opened in July 1890 after three years of construction work to complete the building.
On 21 September 1912, the London Times reported on the building's opening ceremony, declaring that The Londonderry Guildhall is a fine modern building, the chief treasures in which are the stained glass windows presented by the various London Companies that once owned land in Ireland, and have not forgotten the old association.
Major restorations were done to the building in 2010 by contractors H & J Martin. The cost of the restoration work was estimated at £3M, including the stonework, roofs, windows and stained glass, as well as the clock.
As for the construction work done to the interior of Guildhall, it was estimated to have cost around £5M.
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More videos -
Swansea City Championship Playoff final victory parade, Guild Hall Swansea. 2011 team on the bus!
Swansea City finish their parade at the Guild Hall in Swansea. May 31st 2011.
Remembrance Sunday Parade Swansea
Remembrance Sunday Parade Swansea City, taking the salute was the Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan D. Byron Lewis Esq., CSTJ. FCA.
Swansea Wikipedia travel guide video. Created by Stupeflix.com
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photo of Swansea Bay. Aerial shot of Three Cliffs Bay. Rhossili Beach
as seen from headland, Gower. Oystermouth Castle, a venue for
Shakesperian performances. Swansea's Maritime Quarter. Brangwyn Hall
main entrance. Swansea Grand Theatre. Liberty Stadium, home of Swansea
City and The Ospreys. City and County of Swansea Guildhall. Snow on
Townhill. Swansea railway station. Another shot of the marina from
Trawler Road. View of Swansea Bay from the air. The Mumbles can be seen
in the distance. The Uplands suburb can be seen in the foreground.
Big Dance Swansea 2012
As part of the cultural Olympiad, Big Dance was spread all over the UK!
Organised by Lissa Williams from Let's Dance (letsdancewales.co.uk), in collaboration with Swansea Council and Swansea City Centre Management, here you will find all the footage from the brilliant event in Swansea, held on Oxford Street on the 14th July 2012.
Dance Schools who took part: Let's Dance, Habibi Belly Dancing, Danni Dee School of Dance, Joan Williams Stage School, Blue Topaz Line Dancing, Wiseman Stage School, Salsa Today, Ceroc South Wales, Revue Dance Studios and Zumba.
And valuable support from AVA Dancewear, Music Art Dance and Chris Kage.
Swansea Market March 2017.