2023 - The Pierhead Building, Cardiff - Two views taken by myself of the J. C. Edwards' Ruabon terracotta brickwork used for the construction of the Pier Head Building which was built in the Gothic Revival style and designed by William Fame and built by contractor William Thomas & Company. It opened its doors to commerce and administration of the docks in 1897.

It was the administrative headquarters of The Bute Dock Company which changed name in the the same year to the Cardiff Railway Company. It replaced the original Bute Dock offices which burnt down in 1892. The company motto 'Wrth ddŵr a thân' reflects the power of steam, the means by which most coal was transported from pit to user, hence, 'By Water and Fire.' [001]

Upon entering the Pier Head Building, I was offered a booklet 'The Pierhead : History of the Pierhead' which I found quite informative. [1262]

The image (left) is borrowed from the booklet and this page is entitled 'The Welsh Big Ben' and goes on the explain that the architect for the building, William Frame, also designed the clock with assistance.

The clock faces are 2 metres in diameter, the original mechanism would have required winding once a week, and was equipped with an escapement of similar design to that incorporated in Big Ben.

It was made by William Potts and Sons Limited of Guildford Street, Leeds. However, in 1973 British Rail removed the original mechanism and replaced it with an electronic drive - well they call it progress!

The bell is inscribed 'Gwell Angau na Chywilydd' which translates to 'Better Death Than Shame/Dishonour.'