Penarth Dock, South Wales - the heritage and legacy

Volume Twelve - Pre-Victorian to the Present Day - further aspects - Even More Moments Captured in Time - [vintage photo and postcard album] . . .


1960's - The Kiosk and Path at St Mary's Well Bay - A Francis Firth postcard showing the path down to the beach. I recall asking my Mum for a Thayer's ice cream from the kiosk on one of those endless warm summer days and enjoying it whilst in the welcome shade of the trees. We then walked back to Dinas Powis along Sully Road and Murch Lane. [000] [002]


1930's - St Mary's Well Bay Looking South West - Another postcard view held within the Penarth Dock Collection. Witness ; pebbles, seaweed and rocks! [001]


c.1910 - St Mary's Well Bay, Swanbridge, Penarth - An unusually attractive Valentine's Series postcard held within the Penarth Dock Collection. The postcard paints a picture of an enclosed sandy bay which in reality was breezy on a mild day and for the most part consisted of pebble, seaweed and rocks as I recall! [001]


1920's - Bathing at St. Maryswell Bay - Some say the derivation St Mary’s Well Bay or St Maryswell Bay originates from the possible association with the Augustinian priory (The Cannons of St. Michael) on the island of Steep Holm since the local wells were the closest source of fresh water. However, there was a source of water on Steep Holm near the priory, the 'Monk's Well', so this derivation seems somewhat unlikely. Later, a spring was found at the other end of the island and even later, in the mid-1860's, a large tank with a capacity of 49,000 gallons was installed to store water for the barracks. [000] [002] So, any suggestions as the derivation of St Mary's Well Bay would be welcome!


The Path Down to The Beach, St. Mary's Well Bay. - A picturesque postcard view of the lovely walk through the trees and flowers down to the beach. The postcard is undated but resides within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001]


A Favourite Corner. St Mary's Well Bay - A Valentine's 'Carbotype' Series postcard. It is addressed to Auntie, Nanny & Uncle Ernest and states 'We are at St Mary Wells Bay today. We came on Saturday and had tea, and liked it so much so brought our tea and dinner today. Love Bettie' Recommendation indeed! The postcard is also undated and also resides within the Penarth Dock Collection. [001]