A Francis Firth vintage postcard from the early 1890's. [001] [317] In the days before the pier was built children play in the muddy sands and search for lugworms to sell to the local fishermen. Yes, there used to be sands at Penarth which were washed away progressively by the ever restless Severn Sea current patterns. In the distance the Esplanade Hotel is a distinctive landmark.

A view (with colourised version) of Penarth Head cliffs from an interesting book cataloguing 'The Evolution of the Bristol Channel' [318] The inscription states: 'Gypsum (Alabaster) in Triassic Marl : Penarth, Glam. - The nodular bed of alabaster was deposited as a result of the evaporation of the water of a lagoon under arid conditions.'