Swansea Copper Stories
Community
A key feature of the copper industry was its connection to the wider community. During its heyday, much of the community owed their livelihoods to the copper industry in one way or another. There was a strong tradition of workers following in the footsteps of their families and relatives who worked at the site. Knowledge was passed on from generation to generation through these connections. Housing in the local area was often built and rented by the owners of the copper works. People often stressed a strong sense of community amongst workers and the local people. This theme is about tracing these social connections to the wider history of Swansea.
Were there any characters in the area?
Alfred George Clarke talks about the characters he met and what they got up to when he ran the White Rock ferry across the river in the 1930s.
Did they have a canteen?
Ray Trotman describes the canteen as it was in the 1950s.
What was it like to live in foxhole?
Mrs Clarke describes what it was like to live in foxhole by the copperworks in the early 20th century.
Did you ever go back to the social club?
Bill Ball describes applying for life membership. The club still operates to this day.
Using the coal barges to go to church
Matthias Dixon and Mrs Dixon describe how coal barges and horses used by the copper works would be used to transport people to church on a Sunday.
Fetching jugs of beer for the furnacemen
Mrs Clarke talks about how she used to fetch jugs of beer for the workmen to help them cope with the heat.
Were there any shops in the area?
Matthias Dixon talks about buying groceries and food near the Hafod-Morfa site.
Themes
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Do you have stories to share about your experiences of Hafod-Morfa copper works? Or would like to help? If so, please get in touch.