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Gathering the Jewels features over 30,000 images of objects, books, letters, aerial photographs and other items from museums, archives and libraries throughout Wales.

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Home » Sport and Leisure » Places of entertainment » Public parks

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  • 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]
  • Photograph by Aubrey Colquhoun presumably for use as a postcard.
Cwmdonkin Park, Swansea, with Teacher Training College beyond
'The Pillow in the park' by Sydney Curnow Vosper
Sketches and watercolours of views in Wales and England by Penry Williams, 1822-24: Entrance to Westcombe Park, London
  • Victoria Gardens is a good example of a Victorian urban park. Laid out in 1897 / 98 to celebrate Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, many of its original features still survive, including a bandstand and gorsedd circle.
Victorian Gardens, Neath, with tram and Gnoll House beyond
Aerial photograph of Oakwood Theme Park, 2000