Britain's Most Historic Towns Season 2 Episode 3 Edwardian Cardiff
- July 18, 2021
- 46 min
-
7.3 (7)
Set in the heart of Wales, Britain's Most Historic Towns season 2 episode 3 explores the rich history of Edwardian Cardiff. Presenter Alice Roberts takes viewers on a journey through time, exploring the city's past and uncovering forgotten stories that shaped its progress.
Beginning at the majestic Cardiff Castle, which dates back to the 11th century, Alice delves deep into the history of the city's transformation during the Edwardian era. Driven by a booming coal industry, the city's population grew rapidly, resulting in a rapid urbanization that saw it become one of the most important ports in the world.
Alice takes viewers on a tour of the city's original docklands, as well as exploring the legacy left by one of its most infamous figures, Roald Dahl. Drawing from his experiences growing up in the city, Alice uncovers how Dahl's childhood shaped his writing and led him to become one of the most beloved authors of all time.
The episode also explores the role of women during the Edwardian era, with Alice examining the work of suffragettes and investigating how their campaign for gender equality would change the city and the country as a whole.
Along the way, Alice visits a range of fascinating locations, including the National Museum Cardiff, which houses some of the world's most significant collections of art and natural history. She also ventures into the city's bustling streets, visiting some of the city's iconic buildings such as the Park Hotel and the Royal Arcade.
From its early days as a small market town to its emergence as a major global hub, Edwardian Cardiff was a time of unprecedented growth and transformation for the city. This episode offers a unique insight into a key era of the city's history, revealing how the Edwardian era shaped Cardiff and the wider world beyond.