New Publication
One of our members, Ian Layzell, has just had his book published:-
A Pretty Tree-Lined Street In Cardiff
A History of Edwardian Kimberley Road with Harrismith, Mafeking, Ladysmith, Ilton and Amesbury Roads by Ian Layzell ISBN: 9781806347414
Available at our monthly meetings or locally at the Wellfield Bookshop.
Released: 28th November, 2026 Format: Paperback, eBook
ISBN: 9781806347414
Synopsis:
Step into the richly layered history of a distinctive Edwardian neighbourhood in Cardiff, beginning 300,000 years before it was built. Waldo Williams’ poem ‘Cofio’ asked us to ‘call to mind the things that are forgotten’. This book invites readers to call to mind its remarkable history – from the earliest human presence to the time the first residents stepped into their new homes.
It tells how the land was shaped by prehistoric peoples, by Romans, Welsh kings, Normans, lords of the manor and medieval farmers. With a Roman villa and a possible Roman marching camp beneath Kimberley Road itself, every chapter brings surprises.
It looks at the neighbourhood’s connection with the ancient Roath village and the growing town, and city, of Cardiff. It opens a window on to the lives of the wealthy landowners, the architects and builders who made the neighbourhood. It tells the stories of the first residents of the houses – who they were and how they lived in Edwardian Cardiff.
Lively and richly researched, this book is a compelling journey through time, making it irresistible for local residents, history lovers and anyone fascinated by the hidden lives of cities.
Newsletter:
Our October 2026 Newsletter is now available online and contains the following articles:
- The Maltings, East Moors
- Newport Road – characters and personalities: Oswald Stoll
- Born into slavery! From Rae Town, Kingston, Jamaica to Roath
Latest Blog Post
Morfydd Owen, a talented Welsh composer and mezzo-soprano, died tragically aged 26 under mysterious circumstances. Born in 1891, she showcased remarkable musical talent early on and studied at renowned institutions. Her legacy continues through an annual festival in Pontypridd, celebrating her unique style and contributions to music. Our article explores her connections with Cardiff and possibly Roath.
YouTube Channel
We’ve recently made and added our second video to the Roath Local History Society YouTube channel. This time we visited the Mackintosh Sports Club and looked back at the history of the buiding.
This is one of the latest additions to our Roath Virtual War Memorial:
ABEL BAKER
Flight Lieutenant, 58 Squadron, Royal Air Force (Service Number: 49264)
Abel ‘Bill’ Baker was born in Cardiff on 10 Oct 1921 to Abel Baker, a hairdresser, and Doris Elsie Baker nèe Palmer, both originally from Cardiff. The Baker family lived at 31 Salisbury Road, Cathays where they ran a newsagents, hairdressers and fancy goods business. By 1938 Bill Baker was working as a Machine operator in B.S.A. Small Heath, Birmingham. He joined the RAF in 1939 and began flying training in 1942. By 1945 he was a pilot with 58 Squadron based at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis. On 21 Feb 1945 his Halifax Mk.II JP173 (BY-H) took off at 19:00 hrs for an anti-shipping patrol over the Skagerrak, north of Denmark. The aircraft went missing and the crew of nine presumed killed, including Bill, aged 23. He is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial (Panel 265). Commonwealth War Graves Commission record.
An upcoming performance by Living Lines / A48 Theatre Company
Tickets are now on sale for CARDIFF’S GREATEST SHOW: 26th, 27th, 28th November (matinee Saturday) at Eglwys Dewi Sant, St Andrew’s Crescent. An array of great Cardiff characters, some with Roath connections, brought back to life by A48 Theatre Company and a lively script from the Living Lines writers make this a show not to be missed!
You may like to consider joining our new Roath Local History Society Facebook group. It is another way of sharing some of the fascinating history of the area and of advertising our society.
Just follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/roathlocalhistorysociety
You will be asked to answer one simple question on joining: ‘What city is Roath in?’ This may seem strange but it is to try and prevent robots joining the group.
Society Background:
Roath is a suburb of Cardiff, the capital city of Wales. Our area of interest is not just Roath as we know it today but all areas that were in the ancient parish of Roath. That includes the suburbs of Adamsdown, Splott, Tremorfa, Pengam, Plasnewydd, Penylan, parts of Cathays and Cyncoed as well as Roath itself.
Our lively and interesting meetings are held at 7.30pm on the second Wednesday of the month from September through to May. See Programme for details.
We meet at St Edward’s church, Westville Road, Pen-y-lan, Cardiff. CF23 5DE.
Annual membership is just £13 (membership form) and visitors are welcome to attend any meeting for £3.
In June and July we undertake a series of trips to places of historic interest in both Cardiff and the wider South Wales area.
We are now over 40 years old. More information on our activities can be found on the Society page. A Short History of Roath Local History Society has also recently been added and can be found on the Society page.
We have published a number of books about Roath history. These together with links to other books of interest can be found on the Publications page.
On our Links page we have listed websites that ma be of interest to people studying local history in the Cardiff and surrounding areas.
In our Local History section we have started to assemble articles on a whole range of topics connected to the old parish of Roath.
Finally, we draw your attention to our Blog. We hope you enjoy the posts and having a wander around the website.
Thanks for visiting.
