All museums in Wales are FREE!!! They want people to visit and learn and enjoy. What a concept!!!
This museum has been Wales’s most popular heritage attraction for many years. It holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales. This is because St Fagans is a people’s museum, where we explore history together through people’s everyday lives.
We took the #32 bus directly to the St Fagan History Museum. Another fabulous sunny warm day in Southern Wales and our last full day in Cardiff. Upon entering we were welcomed by the staff eager to answer questions or give directions.
We started walking the grounds which took us on a journey through Welsh life long past. We started with the pigsty and farm buildings
Up the tree lined path to the Bryn Eryr stone homes from the Iron Age, 2300 years ago. Most had walls of stone or wattle and daub. We know from archaeological evidence that these examples were made from ‘clom’ which is a mixture of clay, stone and straw.
They were owned by a wealthy family who grew crops and kept cattle, sheep and horses. They were well connected people who imported salt from the Cheshire plain to preserve and flavour their food.
Look out for the very thick walls. It took 300 tonnes of clay and earth to build them.
We meandered through the buildings many moved with their story to tell its history.
Llys Lywelyn Medival prince’s court. Wales had its own rulers before the English Conquest in 1282. The most of these was Llywelyn Prince of Gwynet who ruled his people by travelling with his retinue around many courts. His tenants farmed the surrounding land to provide for the royals. Many original pieces have been preserved and on display with a docent to share the history.
The Vulcan Hotel was the only remaining building in a town destroyed by fire. It was moved here and is currently being restored.
There’s a few town shops and open for viewing.
Walls for a woman’s toilet in case she was out of the house…
There were even furnished homes to show Welsh living…
The Toll House
We were even entertained by young musicians and cloggers.
There was also a Castle (under restoration) and lovely gardens.
Time for lunch and a tour of the museum building exhibits of early Welsh life and things that make the country proud.
Awesome tribute to women’s sports
The Welsh people wholeheartedly welcome and accept and cherish and support and love ALL of its people. It’s important and refreshing as it should be!!
A special tribute to Terrence Higgins who was the first person to die of aids 😢 Sadly we can only imagine what the dismantling of USAID will do to global health, including battling this horrific disease.
Racism and social injustice are not just American problems – they are deeply rooted in our society as well. The Welsh Government aims to make Wales anti-racist by 2030.
Powerful message…
Off to catch the bus back to the city center to find a pub, have a pint and catch some of The Open.
Thank you Cardiff and Wales. A beautiful country, with charming, interesting and exceptionally friendly people. We leave Wales tomorrow morning for a trip to Bristol England.
I couldn’t get Jeff to buy me a new purse and in all honesty there’s no room for this adorable sheep accessory
