Oystermouth Castle

Oystermouth Castle overlooks Swansea Bay, and it’s one of the most impressive examples of the history of Mumbles. The stone castle dates back to Norman times, and was built in around 1106. William de Londres of Ogmore Castle founded Oystermouth following the capture of Gower by the Normans.

By the 13 century the castle had been rebuilt in stone by the de Braose family, and it was deserted in the Middle Ages to fall into gradual ruin. The chapel was built by Aline de Mowbray, and a painting discovered inside it dates back more than 700 years.

A World First

The Mumbles history books became world-famous in 1807 when the first passenger railway was opened. The line was originally intended for the transportation of materials, and work began in 1804. In 1807, Benjamin French decided to pay the owners twenty pounds to transport passengers along the line for a year.

The project was the first official passenger railway service in the world, and was such a success in its first year that French paid extra to extend it for another 12 months. The service eventually stopped in 1826 when a turnpike road was created beside the railway.

Mumbles Village

The history of Mumbles hasn’t only seen events shape the area, but it’s even seen the village transform into a suburb of Swansea.

Mumbles was a small village in the parish of Oystermouth, and although now part of one of the largest cities in Wales (after Cardiff) it has kept much of its village feel and nostalgic charm.

During the Victorian period, the seaside resort became known as ‘The Mumbles’, and it earned an identity apart from the neighbouring city that has stayed with it even up to today. Visitors to Mumbles get the best of both worlds!

Dylan Thomas

Dylan Thomas and his work aren’t only engraved in literary history, they’re a huge part of Mumbles history too. The poet and writer was born in Mumbles, and his family home is now open to the public for tours. Dylan referenced Mumbles and Swansea Bay in much of his work, and the Letters of Dylan Thomas described his birth house in detail.

Dylan was born in No 5 Cwmdonkin Drive in 1914, and it remained his home until 1937. The home was recently restored to its original condition, so visitors can enjoy the house as it would have looked when home to the Thomas’s.