◊ Penarth Beach before the building of the Pier c.1890 - A postcard published by the South Glamorgan County Libraries and held within the Penarth Dock Collection. Note the vessels at anchor in the Penarth Roads awaiting their visit from the pilots and entry to either Penarth or Cardiff Docks. Mid-way along the beach is the slipway for the Penarth Ferry to land during the summer months en-route to the landing stage nearby the Marine Hotel and then onto Pier Head, Cardiff. Bathing machines offered privacy for bathers to change but there doesn't seem too many taking the 'luxury of a bath' in the waters today! [001] [20181201]

The bathing machines were by no means a new attraction at Penarth beach as this newspaper article illustrates : -

1864 - Penarth - Sea Bathing - 'Owing to the early fine weather which has set in, sea bathing has commenced this season earlier than usual, and large numbers daily enjoy the luxury of a bath. We are pleased to hear that several new bathing machines will be placed on the beach in a short time. This will prove an excellent accommodation to visitors. Mr. Marks, of Maughan-street, has bought a stud of donkeys, which will be kept on the beach for the accommodation of ladies and children who may feel inclined to enjoy a ride on the sands. We have no doubt that Penarth will become in a short time a favourite watering place.' - Cardiff Times [019] [361] 7th May 1864.

◊ Penarth Promenade - A Firth's postcard view taken around the turn of the 20th century from a location nearby the yacht club. The club has two slipways by this date which probably illustrates the growth of its membership. Distant is the pier with Penarth Head looming out as we look toward Cardiff distant! [001] [20181201]

◊ Penarth Beach and Slipway - Another Firth's postcard view from around the same date as that above. The Esplanade Hotel looks splendid as numerous horse drawn cabs await their fare. On the beach ladies and gentlemen alike take the air whilst children play on the slipway. The relatively long exposure time of the camera technology available to photographers at this date is the cause of the fuzziness of these children as run excitedly about. [001] [20181201]