Step into Swansea’s past

Remembering Swansea’s heritage

It’s our privilege to look after Britain’s Victorian railway, ensuring old stations are fit for the future while remaining sensitive to their historic features.

But sadly, nothing remains of the original Swansea railway station due to substantial renovations since it opened 171 years ago …

The first train arrived at the station – from Chepstow – on 18 June 1850 to mark the opening of the new South Wales Railway, according an article from The Illustrated London News.

It said: “The demonstration was general throughout the line, extending for a distance of 75 miles: banners floated from every available position; the ships in the several ports of Chepstow, Newport, Cardiff, Port Talbot, Neath and Swansea were gaily decked; and at every station wreaths of flowers and evergreens and triumphal arches abounded.”

A key aim of building the South Wales Railway was to link with a potential ferry port in Fishguard to connect with southern Ireland.

However, the famine in Ireland in 1845 forced the railway to abandon plans to create a corresponding rail link on the Irish side. It wasn’t until 1906 that the line was extended to Fishguard to establish a link for transatlantic traffic.

The first notable addition to the station was made in 1877 to 1878 when an office block made from Pennant stone was built facing the High Street on the west side of the station.

In the 1920s, the roof was changed from the all-over roof format to pitched steel-frame awnings over the platforms – the standard GWR pattern at the time.

All change for Swansea’s platforms

Swansea originally had two platforms that ran the length of the building. By the early 20^th century, the number had doubled to four and in the 1920s, a fifth was added at the same time the roof was changed.

The platforms were lengthened not long after to reflect the growth in passenger numbers and by the 1930s, the station was completely transformed into the building you see today.

But the nationalisation of the railways and formation of British Railways after WWII meant Swansea’s platforms were scaled back to four. The new rail operator aimed to stem losses incurred from the growth of motoring.

Our latest improvements – and added space for more seats – are great news for Swansea.

Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said: “With space for bigger trains and upgraded facilities it is a real uplift for the city, which is currently undergoing a £1bn regeneration programme.

“Great transport links are an essential part of any thriving and ambitious city, and these improvements will make such a difference to people travelling to and from here.”