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VIA: Barry & Wales at Heart
Will Norman.
What a great testament to Barry from an old newspaper report; did they have it right back then??
THE RHONDDA LEADER 27thJuly 1912.
BARRY-The South Wales Holiday Resort.
The natural beauties of Wales have long been the subject of the highest praise both by the patriot and the visitor. The most characteristic feature of the country is its diversified scenery, of which there are two main divisions presenting a striking contrast. In the north it is rugged, the mountains wild and romantic, many of the peaks being capped with perpetual snow. In the south it is no less fascinating, with its fertile valleys, and meadows rich and verdant, traversed by many rivers and streams. Views of rare and surpassing beauty present themselves everywhere, and it is no exaggeration to say that no part of South Wales is more interesting and charming than the southern portion of Glamorganshire, with its pleasant valleys, peaceful hamlets, meandering rivers, and charming ranges of hills. In the midst of such pleasant surroundings lies the progressive town of Barry, and it is not surprising, therefore, to find that its popularity as a holiday resort and a residential town is extending year by year.
The rise and growth of Barry is both interesting and illustrative of modern progress. On the one hand, the growing in popularity of the district as a holiday resort is well evidenced by the increasing numbers of visitors who arrive during the summer and early autumn in pursuit of health and relaxation; whilst, on the other hand, it may be averred that few towns in the United Kingdom have witnessed a more remarkable development in commercial enterprise than Barry.
This general advancement is largely due to the excellence of its situation, both from a geographical and commercial point of view. Twenty-five years ago the population of Barry was about seventy souls, and agriculture was the principal pursuit of the people. To-day, it is a growing and prosperous sea-port town of over 30,000 inhabitants. The Barry Docks have achieved a world-wide reputation, and, dependent upon them, is a variety of important industries and businesses. Some idea of the phenomenal growth of the town may be, gathered from the fact that in the year 1879 the rateable value of the Barry district was £ 2,264; to-day it is over £ 265,000. A great factor in the promotion of this prosperity is the enthusiastic and enterprising zeal of the Barry Railway Company, and the history of the undertaking of that Company offers a striking example of the achievements of private enterprise. From the date of the grand opening of the port, in the year 1889. Its import and export trade has increased enormously. The exports in the year 1910 attained the fabulous figure of over 10,000.000 tons, rivaling that of any other similar sea-port in the United Kingdom, and, judging by the steady expansion of the trade of the Barry Docks, year by year, there is every reason to believe, that the port is destined to enjoy a still greater measure of success in the future.
Barry is a formidable rival, as a holiday resort, to other and much older watering places. Barry has one great natural advantage in that it is built upon elevated ground; declining towards the sea, with the result, that the whole of the town enjoys the uninterrupted influence of the temperate winds from the Atlantic. The bracing and invigorating climate which the locality naturally enjoys, and the charm of the surrounding scenery, offer strong inducements to visitors. More- over, a large proportion of the houses are of recent erection the streets are wide, well paved and lighted, and thoroughly drained on modern principles; whilst the trees which have been planted in the streets add immensely to the general appearance of the town. The sanitary arrangements are highly satisfactory, as exemplified by the death rate, which is about the lowest of any town in South Wales. Furthermore, the Local Authorities have displayed great activity during the past few years in the creation of public parks and recreation grounds in and around the town. Few towns of similar dimensions possess a park so popular as the Romilly Park. This is situated at the western end of the town, and includes a large area, which is set apart for recreation purposes. There have been provided in convenient parts of the town two other parks, viz.,” the Central” and “Victoria Parks”, which are similarly laid out, besides the Buttrills Recreation Grounds. Thus it will be seen that no effort has been spared to make the town as attractive as possible. Private enterprise is really deserving of more than passing notice for the provision of those healthy
INDOOR AMUSEMENTS which have now become recognised as an essential feature of our every-day life. The New Theatre, recently erected, which stands in the centre of the town, is a handsome and commodious building, and bears very favourable comparison with the theatres of many other provincial towns. There are also three cinemato- graph theatres, which provide a form of entertainment now becoming very popular. These are known as the Romilly Hall. the King's Hall. and Vint's Hall, all of which have deservedly won popularity for the interesting and pleasant displays they afford to the public.
SPORTS. Barry boasts of a very flourishing Boat Club, numbering about 100 members. The Barry Harbour and Whitmore Bay provide excellent facilities for boating. The Club has a commodious boathouse and is well equipped with pleasure and rowing boats. Visitors are admitted as temporary members, the introduction of a member of the club. There are also licensed boatmen plying for hire at reasonable charges.
GOLF. To the votaries of this fascinating sport the district offers excellent facilities. The Barry Golf Club have a splendid nine- hole course at the Leys, which is reached by train from Barry to Gileston Station in the Vale of Glamorgan. Visitors are admitted temporary members upon application to the secretary.
BARRY ISLAND. Of all the picturesque scenes in the immediate vicinity of the town, the Island is by far the most popular. Not,only is it much frequented by the inhabitants of the town but it is at all times a favourite resort with the inhabitants of Glamorganshire.
The large crowds of people-, to be seen on the sands during the summer months is conclusive proof of its advancing popularity. Indeed, its fame has spread throughout the length and breadth of South Wales.
WHITMORE BAY, the most attractive feature of the Island, forms a semi-circle, and is bordered on the east and west by two prominent head- lands, which run far into the sea. The distance from headland to headland is about three quarters of a mile. The wide and magnificent expanse of sand—is- doubtedly one of the greatest natural assets of the locality
—together with the fresh sea, breezes, are sufficient inducements to thousands of visitors to spend their holidays, at Barry. The fine promenade, which surrounds the bay also connects one point with the other, which very favourably appeals to those who are fond of walking, whilst the facilities afforded to watch from the headlands the sailing vessels, large merchant ships, and ocean liners passing up and down the channel, will be much appreciated. More- over, bathing can be indulged in at all states of the tide with safety: there is also a paddling pool which has been specially constructed for the children, on the western side of the bay whilst the facilities for boating are highly satisfactory. In addition, the Local Authorities have provided public bowling greens, tennis courts, and other lawns in close proximity to the beach, thus affording to the visitor ample means of enjoyment.
Passing westward by a path which runs along the coast we come to Cold Knap, a high and rocky headland jutting into the sea. Cold Knap is not only a popular rendezvous for picnic parties, but is also a favourite spot with visitors to the district. From the top of the headland the visitor may enjoy an inhalation of health giving ozone borne by the Atlantic breezes, and its elevation also affords an extensive survey of the Channel and the surrounding landscape scenery.
Immediately to the west of Cold Knap is perhaps one of the most remarkable bays to be found on the Welsh coast, known as the Pebble Beach. Viewed from the eminence already referred to, the scene is of a most imposing description. The bay, which extends for some considerable distance, is surrounded by towering cliffs, which form a semi-circle, culminating on the western side in another bold headland, beautifully studded with trees. Towards the centre, the cliffs precipitously decline, and through the aperture thus formed may be seen a portion of Porthkerry Viaduct, with its numerous arches, appearing in the background. The principal characteristic of the beach, however, that renders it so unique, is the long line of pebbles which extends for upwards of a mile along the base of the cliffs. The pebbles are ranged in crescents by the action of the waves, and when the waves break upon them the sound resembles that of distant thunder. When the tide has receded, a fine expanse of sand is displayed. A walk which is very popular with the inhabitants is that afforded over the top of the cliffs or along the coast at the foot of the cliffs, returning to the town through Porthkerry Park.
MARINE EXCURSIONS. The marine excursions play an extensive part in the popularity of the district. There is nothing more exhilarating on a hot summer's day than the delightful sensation of a temperate breeze on one of the magnificent saloon steamers of the Red Funnel Line, which call at the Barry Pier. The vessels are equipped in the completest way, and, whilst they are swift, being paddle steamers, they afford an easy passage. The pontoon landing stage, which has been provided by the Barry Company, affords the greatest convenience to passengers embarking and disembarking from the steamers. The trains run alongside the pontoon within a few yards of the steamers, a provision which is unique in the Bristol Channel. The steamers ply daily to and from the Barry Pier, and excellent facilities are thus offered to visitors to explore the renowned watering places of the Somerset and Devonshire coasts, including Weston-super-Mare, Minehead. Lynmouth and Ilfracombe.
Will Norman.
What a great testament to Barry from an old newspaper report; did they have it right back then??
THE RHONDDA LEADER 27thJuly 1912.
BARRY-The South Wales Holiday Resort.
The natural beauties of Wales have long been the subject of the highest praise both by the patriot and the visitor. The most characteristic feature of the country is its diversified scenery, of which there are two main divisions presenting a striking contrast. In the north it is rugged, the mountains wild and romantic, many of the peaks being capped with perpetual snow. In the south it is no less fascinating, with its fertile valleys, and meadows rich and verdant, traversed by many rivers and streams. Views of rare and surpassing beauty present themselves everywhere, and it is no exaggeration to say that no part of South Wales is more interesting and charming than the southern portion of Glamorganshire, with its pleasant valleys, peaceful hamlets, meandering rivers, and charming ranges of hills. In the midst of such pleasant surroundings lies the progressive town of Barry, and it is not surprising, therefore, to find that its popularity as a holiday resort and a residential town is extending year by year.
The rise and growth of Barry is both interesting and illustrative of modern progress. On the one hand, the growing in popularity of the district as a holiday resort is well evidenced by the increasing numbers of visitors who arrive during the summer and early autumn in pursuit of health and relaxation; whilst, on the other hand, it may be averred that few towns in the United Kingdom have witnessed a more remarkable development in commercial enterprise than Barry.
This general advancement is largely due to the excellence of its situation, both from a geographical and commercial point of view. Twenty-five years ago the population of Barry was about seventy souls, and agriculture was the principal pursuit of the people. To-day, it is a growing and prosperous sea-port town of over 30,000 inhabitants. The Barry Docks have achieved a world-wide reputation, and, dependent upon them, is a variety of important industries and businesses. Some idea of the phenomenal growth of the town may be, gathered from the fact that in the year 1879 the rateable value of the Barry district was £ 2,264; to-day it is over £ 265,000. A great factor in the promotion of this prosperity is the enthusiastic and enterprising zeal of the Barry Railway Company, and the history of the undertaking of that Company offers a striking example of the achievements of private enterprise. From the date of the grand opening of the port, in the year 1889. Its import and export trade has increased enormously. The exports in the year 1910 attained the fabulous figure of over 10,000.000 tons, rivaling that of any other similar sea-port in the United Kingdom, and, judging by the steady expansion of the trade of the Barry Docks, year by year, there is every reason to believe, that the port is destined to enjoy a still greater measure of success in the future.
Barry is a formidable rival, as a holiday resort, to other and much older watering places. Barry has one great natural advantage in that it is built upon elevated ground; declining towards the sea, with the result, that the whole of the town enjoys the uninterrupted influence of the temperate winds from the Atlantic. The bracing and invigorating climate which the locality naturally enjoys, and the charm of the surrounding scenery, offer strong inducements to visitors. More- over, a large proportion of the houses are of recent erection the streets are wide, well paved and lighted, and thoroughly drained on modern principles; whilst the trees which have been planted in the streets add immensely to the general appearance of the town. The sanitary arrangements are highly satisfactory, as exemplified by the death rate, which is about the lowest of any town in South Wales. Furthermore, the Local Authorities have displayed great activity during the past few years in the creation of public parks and recreation grounds in and around the town. Few towns of similar dimensions possess a park so popular as the Romilly Park. This is situated at the western end of the town, and includes a large area, which is set apart for recreation purposes. There have been provided in convenient parts of the town two other parks, viz.,” the Central” and “Victoria Parks”, which are similarly laid out, besides the Buttrills Recreation Grounds. Thus it will be seen that no effort has been spared to make the town as attractive as possible. Private enterprise is really deserving of more than passing notice for the provision of those healthy
INDOOR AMUSEMENTS which have now become recognised as an essential feature of our every-day life. The New Theatre, recently erected, which stands in the centre of the town, is a handsome and commodious building, and bears very favourable comparison with the theatres of many other provincial towns. There are also three cinemato- graph theatres, which provide a form of entertainment now becoming very popular. These are known as the Romilly Hall. the King's Hall. and Vint's Hall, all of which have deservedly won popularity for the interesting and pleasant displays they afford to the public.
SPORTS. Barry boasts of a very flourishing Boat Club, numbering about 100 members. The Barry Harbour and Whitmore Bay provide excellent facilities for boating. The Club has a commodious boathouse and is well equipped with pleasure and rowing boats. Visitors are admitted as temporary members, the introduction of a member of the club. There are also licensed boatmen plying for hire at reasonable charges.
GOLF. To the votaries of this fascinating sport the district offers excellent facilities. The Barry Golf Club have a splendid nine- hole course at the Leys, which is reached by train from Barry to Gileston Station in the Vale of Glamorgan. Visitors are admitted temporary members upon application to the secretary.
BARRY ISLAND. Of all the picturesque scenes in the immediate vicinity of the town, the Island is by far the most popular. Not,only is it much frequented by the inhabitants of the town but it is at all times a favourite resort with the inhabitants of Glamorganshire.
The large crowds of people-, to be seen on the sands during the summer months is conclusive proof of its advancing popularity. Indeed, its fame has spread throughout the length and breadth of South Wales.
WHITMORE BAY, the most attractive feature of the Island, forms a semi-circle, and is bordered on the east and west by two prominent head- lands, which run far into the sea. The distance from headland to headland is about three quarters of a mile. The wide and magnificent expanse of sand—is- doubtedly one of the greatest natural assets of the locality
—together with the fresh sea, breezes, are sufficient inducements to thousands of visitors to spend their holidays, at Barry. The fine promenade, which surrounds the bay also connects one point with the other, which very favourably appeals to those who are fond of walking, whilst the facilities afforded to watch from the headlands the sailing vessels, large merchant ships, and ocean liners passing up and down the channel, will be much appreciated. More- over, bathing can be indulged in at all states of the tide with safety: there is also a paddling pool which has been specially constructed for the children, on the western side of the bay whilst the facilities for boating are highly satisfactory. In addition, the Local Authorities have provided public bowling greens, tennis courts, and other lawns in close proximity to the beach, thus affording to the visitor ample means of enjoyment.
Passing westward by a path which runs along the coast we come to Cold Knap, a high and rocky headland jutting into the sea. Cold Knap is not only a popular rendezvous for picnic parties, but is also a favourite spot with visitors to the district. From the top of the headland the visitor may enjoy an inhalation of health giving ozone borne by the Atlantic breezes, and its elevation also affords an extensive survey of the Channel and the surrounding landscape scenery.
Immediately to the west of Cold Knap is perhaps one of the most remarkable bays to be found on the Welsh coast, known as the Pebble Beach. Viewed from the eminence already referred to, the scene is of a most imposing description. The bay, which extends for some considerable distance, is surrounded by towering cliffs, which form a semi-circle, culminating on the western side in another bold headland, beautifully studded with trees. Towards the centre, the cliffs precipitously decline, and through the aperture thus formed may be seen a portion of Porthkerry Viaduct, with its numerous arches, appearing in the background. The principal characteristic of the beach, however, that renders it so unique, is the long line of pebbles which extends for upwards of a mile along the base of the cliffs. The pebbles are ranged in crescents by the action of the waves, and when the waves break upon them the sound resembles that of distant thunder. When the tide has receded, a fine expanse of sand is displayed. A walk which is very popular with the inhabitants is that afforded over the top of the cliffs or along the coast at the foot of the cliffs, returning to the town through Porthkerry Park.
MARINE EXCURSIONS. The marine excursions play an extensive part in the popularity of the district. There is nothing more exhilarating on a hot summer's day than the delightful sensation of a temperate breeze on one of the magnificent saloon steamers of the Red Funnel Line, which call at the Barry Pier. The vessels are equipped in the completest way, and, whilst they are swift, being paddle steamers, they afford an easy passage. The pontoon landing stage, which has been provided by the Barry Company, affords the greatest convenience to passengers embarking and disembarking from the steamers. The trains run alongside the pontoon within a few yards of the steamers, a provision which is unique in the Bristol Channel. The steamers ply daily to and from the Barry Pier, and excellent facilities are thus offered to visitors to explore the renowned watering places of the Somerset and Devonshire coasts, including Weston-super-Mare, Minehead. Lynmouth and Ilfracombe.