From affluent Victorian suburb to run-down inner-city thoroughfare
In 1905 Cardiff achieved city status and Castle Road was renamed City Road. This main thoroughfare between the docks and the city centre has two distinctly different characteristics. The larger houses near the junction with Newport Road were originally built for the emerging Edwardian middle classes. At the other end of the street, smaller Victorian terraces have doorways opening onto tree-lined side streets. What are the stories of City Road residents and visitors today? Some say the street has fallen on ‘hard times’, but others are happy to call it home.
More stories behind the streets
-
Arnold Circus, London: social housing for the 'deserving poor'
From the tenants of the first council housing estate, built on the Old Nichol in the 19th century, we trace the stories of Arnold Circus residents today.
-
Upper Buckingham Street, Dublin, Ireland: from speculative landowners to multi-tenanted tenements
The story of Upper Buckingham Street, from its initial layout in 1788 to the present day, reflects the ups and downs of Dublin city and its people.
-
Park Hill, Sheffield: continuity and change
What stories does Park Hill hold? From 19th century industrial squalor to iconic 'streets in the sky' in the 1960s, Park Hill, Sheffield changes once again as we enter the 21st century.
-
Great Ancoats Street, Manchester: cottonopolis to urban village
What are the stories behind this unique 'urban village'? From the largest mills of Manchester's 19th century industrial era to slum dwellings in the 1920s. 21st century Ancoats sees revamped canals, squares and modern, stylish apartments.
-
Dumbarton Road, Partick, Glasgow: from tenements to riverside apartments
We look back at the social history shaped by a ten-fold rise in population from 5,000 in 1850 to over 55,000 by 1901, and forward to the Glasgow Harbour regeneration scheme.
-
The stories behind our streets
Where do you live? One answer may be your home postal address but what are the secrets behind your postcode? How has your street changed over the years?
Rate and Review
Rate this activity
Review this activity
Log into OpenLearn to leave reviews and join in the conversation.
Activity reviews