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Learning toolkit

Background

Cardiff owes much of its history to the Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th century. This rapidly increasing iron and coal trade was also the catalyst for the construction of a number of docks during the 1830’s.  By the 1880’s, Cardiff had transformed from one of the smallest towns in Wales to the largest and its port was handling more coal than any other port in the world.

During this time, Butetown and the surrounding dockland area grew into a cosmopolitan community with seafarers from all around the world making Cardiff their home. It is estimated that people of at least 50 nationalities settled in this area, which became known as ‘Tiger Bay’. The settlers helped to build the docks, worked aboard the ships and helped to service this industrial and maritime city.

 

Activities

Objective-To discover more about evacuation into Tiger Bay and the success and challenges migrants faced

Questions

  1. Describe the early growth of Cardiff. Remember to include the increase in migration in your answer.
  2. What were the positive consequences of migration into Tiger Bay?
  3. In your own words, describe the causes, events and impact of the Cardiff Race Riots, 1919.
  4. What lessons and reflections can we take from studying the history of Tiger Bay? Explain your answers.
  5. What happened to the community of Tiger Bay in the 1960s and 70s?

 

Learning experiences

(derived from the statements of what matters)

Humanities
  • Understanding ideas and perspectives
  • Human impact on the world
  • Understanding the past
  • Understanding human rights
  • Similarity and social differentiation
  • Contribution to society
  • Identity
Health and Well-being
  • Empathy
  • Understanding relationships
  • Feelings and mental health
  • Social decisions
  • Social awareness

 

Tiger Bay

Still from Tiger Bay and the Rainbow Club II
Still from Tiger Bay and the Rainbow Club II

Tiger Bay, now known as Cardiff Bay – Cardiff’s dockland district – is Wales’ oldest multi-ethnic community. Many foreign sailors or workers came from:

  • Africa
  • Asia
  • The Middle East
  • Europe (Spain, Italy, Ireland and Norway in particular)
  • The Caribbean
  • Rural Wales

Residents of many races and backgrounds socialised together and intermarried, working side by side and creating a distinct community. They brought their own traditions, music, and food, which all mixed together to create a unique and vibrant community. The regeneration of Tiger Bay began in the late 1950s and continued with the development of Cardiff Bay. The community was broken up in the 1960s and 70s with the demolition of the houses.

The name ‘Tiger Bay’ was used in popular literature and slang (especially that of sailors) to any dock or seaside neighbourhood which was notorious for danger.

Children growing up in Tiger Bay remember a huge sense of community and the joys of a multicultural upbringing, while those from outside saw it as a rough, poor and even dangerous area. The many inhabitants of Tiger Bay were confronted by racism and suspicion.

Despite these challenges the community made important contributions in areas like:

  • music
  • sport
  • culture

Consequences of migration in Tiger Bay

  • Cultural Diversity: As people from various backgrounds came to Tiger Bay, it became a cultural melting pot, offering an opportunity to learn about different traditions and lifestyles.
  • Social Integration: It was challenging for everyone to adapt and get along when there were significant cultural differences among residents.
  • Tension: Some residents felt their jobs were under threat and immigrants may be stealing jobs
  • Social Connections: With more people moving in, there were more opportunities to make friends and expand social circles.
  • Housing Pressure: Increased demand for housing due to migration led to higher rents, making it hard for some residents to afford to live in their own neighbourhoods.
  • Food: Newcomers introduced diverse cuisines, adding excitement to the local food scene.
  • Language and Cultural Barriers: Communication was a challenge when people spoke different languages or had distinct cultural norms, which required extra effort to bridge the gaps.
  • Economic Boost: Migration often brings a fresh workforce, contributing to economic growth by creating new jobs and supporting local businesses.
Tiger Bay and The Rainbow Club - I

Video: Tiger Bay and The Rainbow Club - I

This joyous celebration of multicultural Cardiff shows a thriving Tiger Bay community in the early 1960s. 

1919 Race Riots

Race Riots at Cardiff; Abergavenny Chronicle, 20/06/1919
Race Riots at Cardiff; Abergavenny Chronicle, 20/06/1919

Source: Welsh Newspapers (library.wales)

The 1919 Cardiff Race Riots were a series of racially motivated conflicts that occurred in Cardiff in June 1919. Here's a summary of the causes, events, and impacts:

Causes

  • Economic Competition: After World War I, economic conditions were challenging, and there was increased competition for jobs and housing. This economic strain contributed to tensions between different ethnic groups.
  • Racial Prejudice: There was a significant level of racial prejudice and xenophobia towards non-white immigrants, particularly those from the Caribbean and other parts of the British Empire. Some did not like to see relationships between white women and black men.
  • Incident at Butetown: The riots were triggered by a specific event on June 11, 1919, when a white woman accused a black man of attempting to assault her in the Butetown district of Cardiff. This accusation fuelled existing racial tensions.

Event

  • Escalation: Following the accusation, tensions quickly escalated, leading to confrontations between white and non-white residents in Butetown.
  • Violence: The violence spread throughout the city, with rioters attacking properties, including homes and businesses, often belonging to non-white residents.
  • Police Response: The police struggled to control the situation initially, but eventually the riots were quelled through the deployment of military forces.
  • Deaths: Tragically, three men were killed during the Race Riots.

Impact

  • Casualties and Damage: The riots resulted in several casualties and significant damage to properties. Many people were injured, and homes and businesses were destroyed.
  • Community Division: The riots deepened racial divisions and tensions in the community, making it difficult for different ethnic groups to coexist peacefully.
  • Increased Awareness: The events in Cardiff drew attention to issues of racial prejudice and discrimination in the UK, leading to increased awareness and calls for social change.
  • Legacy: The 1919 Cardiff Race Riots remain a historical reminder of the importance of addressing racial tensions and promoting tolerance and understanding in society.
Shirley Bassey and the Rainbow Club in Tiger Bay
Shirley Bassey and the Rainbow Club in Tiger Bay
Shirley Bassey and the Rainbow Club in Tiger Bay

Migration into Tiger Bay, Cardiff has a rich and diverse history, with a number of success stories

 

Music: Tiger Bay was a hotbed of musical talent and creativity. Many influential musicians and performers, such as Dame Shirley Bassey and Ivor Novello, began their careers in this area. Their successes have had a lasting impact on the international music scene.

Community: Immigrant communities in Tiger Bay faced various challenges, including discrimination and economic hardship. Despite these obstacles, they demonstrated resilience and a strong sense of community, helping each other and forming tight-knit social bonds.

Economy: Many migrants played crucial roles in the local economy, including the coal and shipping industries. Their labour and skills contributed significantly to the growth of Cardiff as a major port city.

Education: Some of the descendants of Tiger Bay immigrants have achieved notable success in various fields, including education, politics, sport, and the arts. Betty Campbell who was the first black headteacher in Wales – and a pioneer teacher of black history, is commemorated by a statue in central Cardiff.

Culture: The fusion of different cultural elements in Tiger Bay led to the creation of a unique and dynamic cultural landscape. This blend of cultures and traditions continues to be celebrated in the Cardiff Bay area through events, festivals, and cultural organisations.

The changing face of Tiger Bay

Tiger Bay in Cardiff, underwent a significant transformation during the 1960s and 70s as part of an urban renewal project. The area, once a bustling coal port and industrial hub, had fallen into economic decline. There was mass unemployment in the area. Some houses had no indoor toilets or bathrooms and had fallen further into a state of disrepair.

The urban renewal project involved the demolition of much of the original Tiger Bay. High-rise buildings replaced the terraced streets of the docklands. As a result, many residents were displaced and relocated to new housing developments in other parts of the city. Neil Sinclair, a historian who chronicled the story of Tiger Bay described the rebuilding of the area in the 1960s as a "tragedy". Neil said "Rather than renovate housing in stages as they'd done in neighbouring Grangetown for instance, they wanted us gone and one way to do that was to knock it all down.” 

The demolition and clearance of Tiger Bay paved the way for the construction of new neighbourhoods, including Butetown and Cardiff Bay.  

Tiger Bay and the World logo

With thanks to Tiger Bay and the World

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