Introduction
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, in the United Kingdom. Its Welsh name is Caerdydd. Now the largest city in Wales, Cardiff had a population of barely 1,000 in 1801. It was the world's top coal-exporting port in the early 20th century. The city is located on the Bristol Channel at the mouth of River Taff. It is about 150 miles (240 kilometers) west of London.
Places of interest
Cardiff has many interesting buildings and castles. St. John the Baptist Church, one of the oldest churches in Cardiff, has a beautiful 15th-century tower. Cardiff Castle contains a 12th-century fortress. The city hall, law courts, museums, and the University of Wales are set in many acres of park. Millennium Stadium at Cardiff Arms Park is the home of Welsh Rugby football. Concerts are given at St. David's Hall.
Economy
Cardiff is the main center of business and industry in Wales. The port handles timber, petroleum, and cargo such as fruit, grain, and mineral ores. Other industries include steel and chemical manufacturing, brewing, and engineering.
History
The Romans built a small fort in Cardiff in about AD 75. About 1,000 years later a landowner built Cardiff Castle in 1093 on the site of the old Roman fort. A small town developed around the castle.
The castle eventually passed into the control of a family named Bute. The Bute family had much to do with developing Cardiff. They rebuilt the castle and gave land for a city center. The castle and attached park were given to the city in 1947.
In the late 18th century, coal and iron mines were developed in the area. To handle the growing supplies of coal, a dock was needed. The first dock was built in 1798. Other docks were opened in 1839 and 1859. Trade increased and Cardiff grew from a small town into a city. Cardiff became the capital of Wales in 1955. Population (1999 estimate), 315,040.
