Penarth Docks and The Ely Tidal Harbour - Past and Present

About

Maritime Heritage Trust Wales in conjunction with International Sports Village and the Cardiff Marine Village Open Day, have arranged an exhibition of photographs depicting the history of the Ely Tidal Harbour and its links to Penarth Docks now Penarth Marina.

Penarth Dock and the Ely Tidal Harbour were developed about the middle of the nineteenth century when new docking facilities became necessary by reason of the export of coal trade outstripping the facilities available at Cardiff.

Today the docks have been transformed into a Marina and the Ely Tidal Harbour buzzes with new leisure and sports facilities whilst recognising its coal trade history with the restoration of the No 1 Coal Staithe as a public viewing gallery.

Of particular interest will be photographs of the Ely Tidal Harbour Chain Operated Ferry 1865 and the construction of a subway which replaced it in 1897. The subway built under the river was a major feat of engineering in its time.

As well as a display of photographs there will be maps and ships models. Penarth has a unique history in terms of ship owners and captains. Penarth Dock and the Ely Tidal Harbour are an important part of that history.