Volume Six - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - Select Aspects - Crossing the River Ely . .

The issue of communication (transport) between Penath and Cardiff was recognised by the TVR as this report confirms:

1893 - "Communication Between Cardiff and Penarth Docks. - It is stated that the Taff Vale Railway Company are considering the advisability of improving the communication between Penarth and Cardiff Docks. The project which they are considering is the construction of a subway under the Rive Ely at a point near the present chain ferry. Powers for that purpose will probably be asked for in a Bill which the Taff Vale Company will promote next Session, and it is not improbable that the company will also seek permission to construct an electric railway along the foreshore. This would bring Penarth into much closer communication along the lower Penarth-road being the means of a ferry boat and wagonette, the latter not always being available." South Wales Star [159] 10th November 1893.

left - An image of the chain ferry in 1898 and right, an 1895 map showing the relative locations of the route of the chain ferry and the landing stage for the Cardiff Ferry, etc.

1917 - Engineering Notes - By An Expert - It is an old adage that one never sees a dead donkey, but it is of course, a great fallacy, for donkeys, like all other things, come to an end some day. It may also be asked what becomes of the old donkey-engine drivers and the question be answered that in some cases they gravitate to one or other of our noble and charitable institutions.

Many of us can remember, long before the existence of the present tunnel or subway that passes under the mouth of the Ely River, communicating with the Penarth dock by means of a little steam ferry boat which traveled along a submerged chain. It had a central winding barrel and a little engine and boiler that supplied the motive power for crossing this, at times, turbulent stream.