Cardiff history

Cardiff was built on the profits of mining, a proud Victorian boom town. Its major port exported coal and steel from the Welsh hills and valleys all over the world. At its peak, Cardiff became the biggest coal exporting port in the world, and in 1913, more than 13 million tons of coal was exported from the city.

In the 1950's, Cardiff became the Welsh capital, thanks to its long coal mining history and its ethnically diverse population. Subsequent investment in the city enabled it expand rapidly, attracting more incomers.

But the port of Cardiff drastically declined and manufacturing was steadily replaced by the growth of services, including tourism. New attractions sprang up, the docklands were revitalised with new shopping and leisure facilities and the by 21st century, Cardiff was flourishing once again.