Uncover the shadowy history of Cardiff’s past! 📚✨
Ever walked through Cardiff’s modern city centre and wondered about its history? Two streets, Charlotte Street and Whitmore Lane, were once infamous red-light districts in the 19th century, teeming with brothels, pubs, and a colourful mix of characters like Kitty Pig Eyes and Swansea Sue. Known as “dens of infamy,” these areas were so scandalous they were erased from the map in the late 1800s. 😮
The notorious Glamorganshire canal, ominously nicknamed The Black Ribbon, was as much a part of this gritty landscape as the people. This area was marked by tales of violence, despair, and tragic stories of lives lost in its murky waters. The only remnant of these times is the Golden Cross pub, bravely standing amidst the shiny skyscrapers that define today’s Cardiff.
Artist Anthony Rhys has dived deep into this fascinating yet dark slice of Cardiff’s past, uncovering tales of violence and survival. His research paints a vivid picture of a time when the Victorian underworld ruled these streets.
As Cardiff evolved, so did its red-light district, shifting to areas like Bute Street, where the city’s industrial boom brought both prosperity and vice. Despite its reputation, a community spirit persisted where respect was key.
It’s a jarring contrast to today’s vibrant capital, yet these stories are woven into the city’s rich tapestry. Dive into Cardiff’s past! 🕰️🏴☠️ #CardiffHistory #HiddenStories #VictorianCardiff