I.

Introduction

Cardiff (Welsh, Caerdydd), county and unitary authority, South Wales, bounded on the north by the county borough of Caerphilly, on the east by the county borough of Newport, on the south by the Bristol Channel, on the west by the Vale of Glamorgan county borough, and on the north-west by Rhondda Cynon Taff county borough. Originally within the ancient county of Glamorgan, the territory became part of South Glamorgan under the local government reforms introduced in 1974. The county of Cardiff came into existence on April 1, 1996, under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1994, which changed the structure of local administration in Wales from a two-tier system of county and district councils to a single-tier system of unitary authorities. It comprises the district of Cardiff in the east of South Glamorgan, plus, in the north-west, a small part of the district of Taff-Ely in Mid Glamorgan. The county of Cardiff has an area of 139 sq km (54 sq mi), and is dominated by the city of Cardiff and its environs.

II.

Land and Resources

Although much the city of Cardiff is highly urbanized, over one third of the county’s administrative area is countryside. The landscape ranges from the low-lying Wentloog Levels to prominent hilltops and mountainous ridges. The highest point in Cardiff is Garth Mountain, Taffs Well, rising to an altitude of 307 m (1,007 ft). A range of hills to the north of Cardiff is known collectively as Caerphilly Mountain. The county is drained by three principal rivers, the Taff, Ely, and Rhymney. The Taff flows through north and central Cardiff before entering Cardiff Bay. The River Ely flows eastwards across the county, opening into Cardiff Bay at Llandough. The Rhymney flows through the eastern part of the county and empties into the Bristol Channel.

The climate is moderate, with average temperatures of 4° C (38° F) in January and 17° C (62° F) in July. Average annual rainfall is in the region of 750 to 1,000 mm (30 to 40 in).

III.

Population and Administration

Cardiff has a population of 305,340 (2001). The administrative centre of the unitary authority is Cardiff and nearly all of the county borough’s population is concentrated in the city and surrounding suburbs, the most populous of these include Butetown, Cathays, Ely, Grangetown, Llandaff, Llanishen, and Rumney. Smaller towns and villages situated a short distance from Cardiff city include Lisvane, Morganstown, Pentrych, Radyr, St Mellons, and Whitchurch.

There is a crown court in Cardiff. The police authority is the South Wales Constabulary, which has its headquarters in Bridgend, in Bridgend unitary authority.

IV.

Places of Interest

Several notable museums, galleries, landmarks, and a variety of other tourist attractions can be found in Cardiff city centre. These include the National Museum of Wales, the Welsh Regiment Museum and the Queen's Dragoon Guards Museum (both housed in Cardiff Castle), St David’s Concert Hall, and the Civic Centre. Important sporting venues located in the county include the Cardiff Athletic Stadium, the Welsh Empire Pool, and the Millennium Stadium. Cardiff City FC is based at Ninian Park and plays in the English Football League. The home ground of Glamorgan County Cricket Club is at Sophia Gardens.

Slightly further afield is the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans, which opened in 1948 and is one of the most popular heritage attractions in Wales. The museum is located within the grounds of St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house set in 40 hectares (100 acres) of parkland. The open-air museum features displays and exhibitions on the social and cultural history of Wales, offering an insight into the traditional lifestyle and heritage of the country. Llandaff Cathedral is situated by the River Taff in the suburb of Llandaff, to the north-west of Cardiff city centre. A place of worship was first established on the site by St Teilo in the 6th century and rebuilt by the Normans in the 12th century. Since that time the cathedral has undergone extensive rebuilding and restoration programmes, the most recent of which was to repair damage sustained as a result of bombing during World War II. Author Roald Dahl was born in the suburb and attended Llandaff Cathedral School.

V.

Economy

Cardiff city is a seaport that relied on coal exports until the mid-20th century but has since greatly declined. Now, coal is imported rather than exported, and along with grain, timber, fruit and vegetables, motor vehicles, and steel is among the main imports. Modern cargo-handling facilities are available at the Roath and Queen Alexandra docks. Industries in Cardiff include flour milling, ship repairs, and the manufacture of car components, electrical goods, paper, and cigars. Light engineering and high-tech industries are replacing heavy engineering industries. In the late 1990s the county experienced a particular growth in the multimedia, information and communications technology, and television industry sectors. The public services and administration sector are also of significant economic importance.

VI.

History

Evidence of the ancient settlement of the area exists at sites across the county. A number of early to middle Bronze Age burial mounds can be seen at the summit of Garth Mountain. At Caerau a Norman motte and bailey castle was built within the ringwork of an earlier hill fort dating from the Iron Age. An early Roman outpost was established in Cardiff in about ad 75. The fort was rebuilt and strengthened in the mid-3rd century to defend South Wales against invaders from Ireland. Cardiff was founded in the 11th century after the Norman conquest of Glamorgan. Robert FitzHamon subdued the area and built a castle (Cardiff Castle) within the walls of the Roman fort. A small market town developed close to the castle, and the town grew in importance as a market for the surrounding region. In the 13th century Dominican and Franciscan friaries were established in the area, known as Blackfriars and Greyfriars respectively; the foundations of Blackfriars Friary can be seen in the grounds of Cardiff Castle on the bank of the River Taff.