Copperopolis
River Tawe at White Rock ferry, in the 1890s. The White Rock Trails project is collating information on this important part of our social history.
Swansea in the 18th and 19th centuries was commonly known as Copperopolis due to its many smelters and metal-processing plants. By 1820, 90% of Britain's copper was being produced within 20 miles of the River Tawe. Remains of this massive industrial complex was explored in one of the last TV programmes by Channel 4's 'Time Team'. Today you can still see reminders of the places which were once so important to the social history of the times whilst cruising along the river.
Nowadays the banks of the Tawe are a haven for wildlife. Kingfishers can be seen darting above the waters, and foxes resting beside the river.
 River TaweView from the boat |
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 Bridges old and newRemains of the old railway bridge |
 Tawe ViewOn the edge of town |
 Tawe ViewUnder the Viaduct |
 Copper JackLeaving the Marina |
 Copper JackHeading Up River |
 Copper JackUnder the Sail Bridge |
 Copper JackAway from it all |
This video shows a computerised reconstruction of Swansea's South Dock (now the Marina) and the River Tawe as it would have been in the days of sail.