Tree Wearing Its Autumn Foliage

Here in England November came in like a lion. This morning I woke to the roaring of the wind and rain lashing the windows. Autumn is well and truly here and winter might be close behind.

October has been lovely – sunny and warm for the time of year. Today is a reality check, November is here. It reminded me of this poem by Thomas Hood.

November

No sun – no moon!

No morn – no noon -

No dawn – no dusk – no proper time of day.

No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,

No comfortable feel in any member -

No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,

No fruits, no flowers, no leaves, no birds! -

November!

Swansea is second largest city in Wales. Although the city name appears to be of Viking origin, no evidence exists of any settlement until the 11th century when the Normans built a castle later destroyed by Owen Glendower. The major attraction is the beautiful Gower Peninsula just to the west of the city centre.

Gower Peninsula

Swansea is not only industrial but also a popular centre for tourists with its easy access to the Gower peninsula, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the landscape more than justifies the designation as it has really beautiful scenery both inland and along its coast. It also provides a range of habitats for many different and endangered flora and fauna.

Archaeological remains abound . The bones of exotic animals like lions, hippopotomus, mammoths and bears have been found in nearby caves. Iron Age forts and Neolithic bural chambers also exist. Bishopston, on the Gower Peninsula, stands near one of these, Parc le Breos. This is a multi-chambered tomb and contains the bones of about 25 people and was built about 6000 years ago. Nearby Cathole Cave shows evidence in the form of flint tools of habitation during the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

The Gower Peninsula is more than a place to appreciate for its wildlife habitats or history. It’s also a place for families to have fun on its many beaches. There are sandy beaches and rocky coves, the most accessible with facilities like car parking and shops are Swansea Bay, the first one you reach on the south side of the peninsula after leaving Swansea, then further west, Caswell Bay, Oxwich Bay and Port Eynon.

Museums and Art Galleries

* The Swansea Museum, Victoria Road, opened in 1835, is traditional, exhibiting collections on natural history, archaeology, Egyptology and Swansea and Nantgarw china.
* The National Waterfont Museum, Oystermouth Road, presents the story of the impact of industrialisation on the Welsh people in a very accessible way.
* The Maritime and Industrial Museum housed in a turn of the century warehouse in the Maritime Quarter , has a number of historic vessels moored outside in the Marina. It tells the story of the city’s industrial development from earliest times and includes a collection of vehicles ranging from horse-drawn carriages to lorries. A working woollen mill has been brought to the museum from Neath.
* The Egypt Centre on the University of Wales Swansea Campus has the largest collection of Eygyptology in Wales.
* The Ceri Richards Gallery, also on the University Campus, hosts touring exhibitions.
* The Dylan Thomas Centre in Somerset Place is a celebration of the life of this Welsh poet. It hosts a Dylan Thomas Festival in October and November as well as other events.
* The Glyn Vivian Art Gallery, in Alexandra Road, puts on temporary exhibitions although there are excellent permanent collections of Swansea and Nantgarw china and works by Welsh artists like Augustus John.

Swansea’s History

In the Middle Ages Swansea’s economy developed around coal mining and shipbuilding. It also gained importance as a port until, in the 18th century, it was the largest port in Wales. By this time metal smelting was contributing to the city’s industrial growth which was further enhanced in 1798 by the opening of the Swansea Canal.

Swansea’s industrial base was widened further in 1918 when the first oil refinery opened nearby and the port expanded to take oil tankers. This development as a port, certainly in modern times with deep draught vessels, was despite the limitations of the range of tidal rise and fall – reputed to be the world’s greatest, thereby necessitating locks.

During the Second World War the city was bombed heavily and much of the centre destroyed. Amongst buildings lost was the home of Beau Nash, who was born here and went on to become the most fashionable figure in 18th century Bath. The wartime bombing led to a complete rebuilding of the city centre with modern pedestrian precincts and, in the Docks, a marina and centre for the arts.

Find a toilet in Swansea