Map Hanesyddol o Abertawe a Mwmbwls: tref ganoloesol i Copropolis

A full colour map of Swansea, based on digitised OS maps of 1919, shows its medieval past overlaid with important buildings. The map includes an inset map of Mumbles and its medieval castle. Swansea became a centre for trade in the Middle Ages, with Swansea Castle established in the early 12th century and a borough charter granted at the end of that century. Great growth began in the 17th century with copper-smelting, making Swansea the world capital of the copper industry. Heavy industry and spoil heaps dominated the lower Tawe valley, but evidence of its medieval past and street layout survived.

Format: Sheet map, folded
Length: 2 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: The Historic Towns Trust

A full-colour map, based on digitized OS maps of Swansea from around 1919, showcases the city's medieval past overlaid with important buildings highlighted. The map includes an inset map of Mumbles and its medieval castle. During the Middle Ages, Swansea (Abertawe) emerged as a significant trading hub near the mouth of the river Tawe. Following Norman control, Swansea Castle was established in the early 12th century, and a borough charter was granted at the end of that century. In the 17th century, Swansea experienced remarkable growth with the establishment of copper-smelting in the lower Tawe valley, which became the world capital of the copper industry, earning it the nickname "Copperopolis." Initially relying on ore from Cornwall, Swansea utilized its local coal resources and excellent port facilities to process copper, arsenic, tin, gold, and other metals, importing raw materials from various parts of the globe. The port exported the final products, along with substantial quantities of coal. At the time of the background map depicted here, heavy industry and its associated waste dominated the lower Tawe valley, while extensive docks dominated the southern part of the town. However, remnants of the Norman castle were repurposed as a workhouse, and the course of the river Tawe was altered to facilitate easier access for ships.

Dimension: 206 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838071936