This film is part of Free

Come with Me to Cardiff

Richard Dimbleby tours Cardiff a year before it became Wales' capital city.

Travelogue 1954 18 mins

Overview

Join broadcaster Richard Dimbleby for a jaunty tour of Cardiff, "the great Welsh city of charm and character". Cardiff was not yet the capital of Wales, only beating northern rival Caernarfon to the prize late the following year - this film clearly formed part of that political campaign.

The city seen here is little changed today, from the timeless silhouette of Cardiff Castle and the elegant civic temples of Cathays Park to the turf wars of Ninian Park and Sophia Gardens. Only the half-chomped ice cream cone on Llandaff Cathedral's spire marks the recent ravages of history. Cardiff docks have changed beyond recognition, and it's a treat to see the once-bustling international port in action.