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Aerial photograph of Cathays Park, Cardiff, 1995
  • The grotto in Pontypool Park was probably built in the late 18th century, although its hey-day came in the early 19th century when the shell decoration for which its interior is now famous was added. The identity of the shell decorator remains something of a mystery. It is possible that Molly Hanbury Leigh was responsible since she is known to have had a shell collection. On the other hand it has also been suggested that the grotto was decorated as part of an employment scheme in 1829-30. The highlight of the grotto's history came in 1882 when the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) picnicked at the site during a hunting trip. It fell into decline during the 20th century, only to be restored in 1991. Today it is used as a venue for story telling, poetry reading and music recitals. The majority of shells were British mussels, cockles, periwinkles and limpets, accompanied by a few examples of exotic species such as pearl oyster, conch and cowrie. Source: Pontypool Museum (nd)
The shell grotto, Pontypool [image 1 of 5]
  • As County town, Brecon was home to the County Assizes. In 1842 the Shire Hall was built of Bath stone to house the Assizes and Quarter Sessions and to provide a venue for public meetings. When an itinerant judge of the High Court arrived in Brecon there was a ceremonial opening of the Assize Court which entailed a procession through the streets from the judges' lodgings in the Struet, with trumpeters and sometimes a band. The Assize Courts and Quarter Session were abolished in 1971, and soon after, the building was handed over to the Museum. The assizes courtroom was kept as a reminder of the legal dramas played out in the past and by 1998 the museum had mounted a vivid tableau in the old courtroom with recreated figures from 1880.
Part of the reconstructed Brecon Assize court of 1880
  • As County town, Brecon was home to the County Assizes. In 1842 the Shire Hall was built of Bath stone to house the Assizes and Quarter Sessions and to provide a venue for public meetings. When an itinerant judge of the High Court arrived in Brecon there was a ceremonial opening of the Assize Court which entailed a procession through the streets from the judges' lodings in the Struet, with trumpeters and sometimes a band. The Assize Courts and Quarter Session were abolished in 1971, and soon after, the building was handed over to the Museum. The assizes courtroom was kept as a reminder of the legal dramas played out in the past and by 1998 the museum had mounted a vivid tableau in the old courtroom with recreated figures from 1880.
Part of the reconstructed Brecon Assize court of 1880
Aerial photograph of Cardiff Civic Centre, 1992
Aerial photograph of Newport, 1994