Wind Street 1940-2023
May 16, 2023
Wind Street 1940-2023

Ever wondered about the history of Wind Street?

Comparison of a street in 1940 (B&W) vs 2023 (color). Buildings & cars appear in both; trees and people in the modern version

T o walk down Swansea’s Wind Street is to follow a route people have trod for the best part of 1,000 years. These days it may have a reputation for its lively nightlife and a kebab on the way home, but over the centuries the street has had many lives, and has changed as Swansea has changed. When you are on Wind Street, you are in the heart of what Swansea was. The origins of the town are undocumented, though one popular theory holds that it was established as a trading post by the Vikings.
By 1100 a Norman castle had been built at the northern end of Wind Street, roughly where the Castle Buildings - with its mix of cafes, shops and flats - is today, and coins soon started appearing on coins, suggesting their was a mint in the settlement.
By the 1500s Wind Street was also home to a busy weekly market which took place in the area near the castle - it’s likely people would have come from all over Gower and beyond to buy and sell goods, and to meet. Ale houses would have followed.
Into the 18th Century the population of Swansea was likely to be no more than 2,000 souls, but as the settlement became more wealthy so did Wind Street.
The commercial development of Wind Street continued into the 19th Century, and by 1854 five of Swansea’s 12 clock and nautical timepiece-making businesses were located on the street, along with banks, accountants and other services needed to support a busy port town. Businesses such as chemists were also trading on the street - in 1888 records show a pharmacist, J Atkins, selling a “blood purifier” which was claimed to banish the pollutants responsible for cancer, gout, distemper, scrofula and many other ailments. At 2s 6d per bottle, it sounds like quite a bargain. As Swansea grew wealthy on its metal-working industries, banks continued to open there, being joined by hotels - including Metropole and the original Mackworth - and exclusive clubs, and later the town’s head Post Office, which still stands today as the Idols bar.
Into the 1920s and Wind Street was continuing to boom, and by the end of the decade Ben Evans boasted 38 departments providing everything from ladies’ fashions, home furnishings and sporting goods, to a restaurant, and even a funeral services.
Well into the 1990s banks were still a prominent feature of life on the street, but as they closed a new kind of business moved in. It was hoped the street might become a “cafe quarter” for the city, but in the end bars and clubs came to dominate. There is currently talk of pedestrianising the street on a permanent basis to make it more people-friendly.
Wind Street is now part of the “night-time economy” of the city offering everything from kebabs to cocktails, pizzas to pints. And it still attracts people from far and wide, as it has done for hundreds of years.

< Older Post

 Newer Post >

Digs Partners with Housing Hand to Support Students Without a UK Guarantor

By Oliver Wright • March 12, 2026
We've been looking for ways to make renting more accessible for students without a guarantor. That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Housing Hand, a trusted guarantor service that helps tenants secure accommodation even if they don’t have a UK-based guarantor.
Blue double-decker bus at a bus stop, picking up passengers. 24-hour service displayed. Brick building in the background.

A Simple Guide to Public Transport Around Swansea for Students

March 8, 2026
Getting around Swansea as a student can feel like a challenge at first, but honestly, it’s way easier than it seems. Whether you live in halls, a flat, or at home, there are plenty of options to get you from lectures to the city centre, the beach, or a night out with mates. Buses Buses are the lifeline for most students. First Cymru runs the majority of routes, and if you’re a student, it’s worth checking if you can get a discount on weekly or monthly passes. Routes like the 4, 5, and 6 go through all the main areas, from Uplands and Mount Pleasant to the city centre and Swansea University campus. Make sure you download the First Cymru app real-time updates are a lifesaver, especially when it’s raining (which, let’s be honest, is often). Trains If you’re planning a day trip or heading home for the weekend, Swansea train station is your friend. Direct services run to Cardiff, Bristol, and even London. For students, booking in advance usually saves a bundle. It’s a comfy option compared to a long bus ride, especially if you’ve got coursework to catch up on. Cycling and Walking Swansea is actually pretty cycle-friendly. If you live near the university, walking or cycling can be quicker than waiting for a bus. There are cycle racks all over campus and in the city centre. Plus, it’s free exercise and a nice way to clear your head between lectures. Taxis and Ride-Sharing Sometimes you just need a lift home after a late night. Local taxi firms like ABC Taxis and Uber operate in the city. They’re more expensive than buses, obviously, but perfect if you’re running late or heading somewhere buses don’t go. Tip for Students: Invest in a student bus pass if you’re relying on public transport a lot, as it’s cheaper than paying per ride, and you won’t have to stress about exact change.
People waving Welsh flags in a street parade. The dragon flag is prominently displayed; red, green, and white colors.

Happy St David's Day!

March 1, 2026
Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus!
SHOW MORE