A TIMELINE OF SWANSEA HISTORY
By Tim Lambert
c. 1000 The Vikings are believed to have built a fort at Swansea
Early 12th Century The Normans conquer this part of Wales and they build a castle at Swansea. A town grows up in the shadow of the castle.
1158-84 At some point in this period Swansea is given a charter (a document giving the people certain rights)
1200 Swansea is a little town with a population of about 1,000
1402 Owain Glendower burns Swansea. However the little town recovers and it is known for its wool and leather industries.
1647 Swansea Castle is demolished by the Parliamentarians
1650 Swansea has a population of about 1,000. Coal and iron are exported from Swansea
1716 Copper is first smelted at Swansea
1750 Swansea has population of about 3,000
1764 A pottery plant is founded at Swansea
1771 Swansea gains its first bank
1777 Zinc is first made at Swansea
1785 Swansea gains its first theatre
1801 The population of Swansea is 6,831
1809 A body of men are formed with powers to pave, clean and light the streets of Swansea
1821 Swansea gains gas street lighting
1832 Swansea is struck by cholera
1835 Swansea Museum is founded
1841 The population of Swansea reaches 16,000
1845 Tinplate is made at Swansea
1849 Cholera strikes Swansea again
1852 North Dock is built
1859 South Dock is built
1864 A General Hospital is built in Swansea
1871 The first public library opens in Swansea
1881 Prince of Wales Dock is built
1887 Victoria Park opens
1901 The population of Swansea is 134,000
1906 The first Council Houses are built in Swansea
1909 Kings Dock opens
1911 Gynn Vivian Art Gallery opens
1920 Queens Dock opens
1934 A new Guildhall is built in Swansea
Second World War 387 people in Swansea are killed by German bombing
1969 South Dock closes. (It opens as a marina in 1982). A ferry service to Cork begins. Swansea is made a city.
1977 A Leisure Centre is built
1979 The Quadrant Shopping Centre opens
1984 County Hall is built
1990 Plantasia opens
1997 Parc Tawe Centre is extended
2005 National Waterfront Museum opens