SwanseaFamilyHistory

In October 2016, I wrote an article titled “ Exploring Swansea’s Graveyards ”, describing the fascinating history of churchyards and cemeteries located in and around Swansea. It is in this piece that I wrote about the Quaker and Jewish cemeteries. Following from this article I was contacted by Susan Boulanger and in September, after what seemed a longtime, I finally met Susan and her daughter Michelle , who came from Canada. Below is a piece which Susan kindly wrote, as she wanted to share her wonderful experiences whilst visiting Swansea. This amazing chapter of my life began Spring 2018 when my youngest daughter discovered, through DNA testing, that she has ‘Ashkenazi Jewish’ listed as part of her ancestry composition. Being somewhat skeptical, (because I had already started researching some areas of my family history) I too sent away for a DNA testing kit and, much to my surprise, it also came back with Ashkenazi Jewish, exactly double the percentage of my daughter (which o...

In the Winter edition of 2016, I wrote an article entitled “All the World’s a Stage – Act I” covering the history of the Theatre Royal, Temple Street, dating back to 1807. Mother Goose was the first pantomime to be performed there during 1809, and it was still in use until the 1880’s, when it was left empty; Theatre Royal was finally demolished during 1899. It served Swansea as a place of entertainment for 93 years. Prior to its closure a drill hall situated on Singleton Street was purchased during 1892, but by 1897 this was gone and the Grand Theatre was built. This is Act II and looks at the early history of the Palace Theatre.  In 1887 Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee. In January 1888 the Lawn Tennis Association was formed. August saw the passing of the Local Government Act establishing the County Councils and County Boroughs. The Act allowed women to vote at County and Borough Council elections, however this was not granted until 1907. Swansea County Borough...