Step back in time with fascinating old images of Aberystwyth, in Wales.
Boasting a popular university created back in 1893, plus an attractive seafront complete with beach and pier, Aberystwyth in Ceredigion has been photographed and filmed many times over the past century.
Aberystwyth Pier Through Time
James Fox pulled together photographs and drawings of the same location taken at different times. The result is a fascinating journey through time.
Aberystwyth Pier: A Journey Through Time – on YouTube
David Roberts & Sons Brewery
By chance, the creator of YouTube channel magpie307 found an old Roberts bottle in a hedgerow. Next came research into the local David Roberts & Sons brewery that operated for a century until the Second World War. Then a number of photographs were taken or discovered, showing the brewery at different times. Finally, a short film under three minutes was made.
Found An Old 1844 Beer Bottle, History Of The Brewery) @ Aberystwyth – on YouTube
1920s Tour
Jason Wroe uploaded a film made by his great aunt in the 1920s. Her tour took in Bristol, Bath, Tenby, Aberystwyth, Llandudno, New Brighton, and Happy Valley. Luckily each location begins with a title so we know where we are.
The beach is packed with people, although everyone on the nearby streets seems smartly dressed.
“1920s – Bristol, Bath, Tenby, Aberystwyth, Llandudno, New Brighton, Happy Valley – on YouTube
Deleted Film of 1920s University Students
The silent, black and white 1920s film from the HuntleyFilmArchives called “Various scenes from Aberystwyth, 1920’s – Film 489” is no longer available on YouTube. But the description is included here in case it comes to light again.
It shows university students in fancy dress parading through a crowd of spectators. Some are on horses, carts or floats. Among the costumes on display are Rudolph Valentino, Welsh Rebecca Rioters from the 19th century, and – showing how oblivious people were of the evils of their deeds – Ku Klux Klansmen.
Later scenes show Lloyd George giving a speech at Aberystwyth.
Finally, we see a uniformed Edward VIII being shuffled into a ceremonial coat at Bangor.
Students in 1933
Held by Archif ITV Cymru/Wales @ LlGC | ITV Cymru/Wales Archive @ NLW, this silent, black and white footage was recorded in 1933.
Students in gowns wander around the university grounds and play table tenni. Later they appear by the sea, smartly dressed including one young woman in a fur coat. They take turns to kick a handrail.
Myfyrwyr Aberystwyth – 1933 – on YouTube
Aberystwyth in 1955
This very short black and white clip from British Pathé is silent but beautifully shows the town’s position next to the sea and the popularity of its seafront.
Aberystwyth (1955) – British Pathé on YouTube
1950s Aberystwyth
A short and colourful home movie showing the popularity of the town and beach.
Mid 1950s Aberystwyth, Wales – beautiful street scenes, city centre, home movies – on YouTube
Astonishing Street Train
A clip from Unseen Steam lasting just over 1 minute shows the surprising image of a small but busy passenger train that seems to drive through a residential street.
All Change at Aberystwyth – part 1 – on YouTube
Student Life In The 1960s
This silent British Pathé film is an amusing record of student life in the 1960s. The filmmaker visited recreational, dining and learning areas, as well as a student bedroom. It’s a good record of fashions, wall posters, and activities of the time. Much of it has the feel of boarding school rather than university as we know it today.
University of Wales (1960-1969) – British Pathé on YouTube
Prince Charles In Aberystwyth
In 1969, 21 year old Prince Charles attended the University of Wales for 9 weeks, to learn the Welsh language. Mr Edward Millward was his Welsh tutor. When Prince Charles arrived on campus he was dressed in a suit and driving a tiny car. Security men sat next to and behind him in the car. The one in the back jumped out and opened the Prince’s car door.
Charles was formally received by university dignitaries and a crowd of well wishers. Every room seemed packed with people. Finally, he gets some space as a small number of staff settle him into the language lab.
Prince Charles At Aberystwyth (1969) – British Pathé on YouTube
Protest
During the Urdd Eisteddfod in Aberystwyth in 1969, 21 year old Prince Charles stood up to speak. A group of young men suddenly held up protest notices in Welsh and slowly walked out of the venue. Many other audience members booed or looked concerned. Further back, a larger group of young men and women chanted and held up their notices as they filed slowly out of another exist. Cheering and clapping broke out, including some people on stage, and then a second wave of applause takes hold and Prince Charles gives a wave of thanks. Finally, the Prince delivers his speech in Welsh.
Protest yn erbyn y Tywysog Charles – 1969 – on YouTube
Seafront in 1982
On one quiet, wet day in April 1982, Paul Donovan filmed the seafront. The deserted beach and seafront are in stark contrast to the busy scenes recorded in the 1950s.
Aberystwyth – Seafront – April 1982 – on YouTube
Physics Department 1984
In 1984, the University’s Department of Physics and Microelectronics department made a promotional film.
It’s a great look back at terrible 80s fashion, double parking on yellow lines, ugly cars with squeaky boot lids, and an age when students arrived with just one suitcase because their trunks arrived separately.
The hall of residence looks grim, several people look embarrassed to be dancing in the nightclub, and the commentary is provided by someone who sounds like their grandad.
Students were expected to attend 10 hours of lectures a week, and spend a day or two each week in the lab.
The lecturer uses the chalkboard, but the lab has “microcomputers”!
Aberystwyth 1984 – on YouTube
More Wales pages
- Old Images of Monmouth, Wales
- Old Images of Blaenau Gwent, Wales
- Old Images of Monmouthshire, Wales
- Old Images of Pembrokeshire, Wales
- Old Images of Llanybydder, Wales
.
