Young People Unearthing their Heritage Project

Ship Wreck on Barry Island

22 March 2021 · Zoe Mouti

S.S. Valsesia, aground off Barry Island in 1926

In 1926 the S.S. Valsesia came to Barry laden down with Italian coal. There was a strike on at the time to stop mine owners reducing pay and increasing shifts from seven to eight hours. Miners were involved, together with other industries such as bus, rail and dock workers. The S.S. Valsesia was not anchored and drifted onto the rocks. The ship broke into two at Friars Point and wasn’t salvaged until 1927.

Timeline

3rd Century - Roman building present at Cold Knap 1097 - Welsh Chronicles name Barry Island as a raiders base 12th Century - The social structure of Barry begins 13th Century - Barry Castle is built and the village of…

Barry Island Beach and Promenade

The Island was purchased in 1856 by Francis Crawshay. He was an Ironmonger from Merthyr. Francis built the Marine Hotel, which was renamed Friars Point House at a later date. He also made arrangements for visitors to be brought to…

Cadoxton Court & Dovecote

The dovecote that can be seen in Cadoxton is the only remnant that has survived of a medieval manorial complex that was present on the site where the present Cadoxton Court has been built. The complex would have once been…

Councils and Arms

Due to the rapid growth of the docks and Barry, the population grew dramatically. In 1881, there were five hundred people recorded as living in Barry, but by 1911 the census reveals that there were thirty three thousand, seven hundred…

Members photos

Vale People First members LOVE living in Barry and The Vale of Glamorgan. There is so much for us to do right on our doorstep and we love nothing better than meeting up for chips at Barry Island. Some of…

The Men And Women Who Built And Shaped Barry

Barry and the surrounding areas were very rural until the building of Barry Docks. The area grew rapidly and many people were involved in the planning, building and development of the area.. Some of the people involved included : John…