Discount Hotels Cardiff
Historical interest: Cardiff
    
Cardiff became the capital of Wales in 1955 and is Europe's youngest capital
city. The city is located on the Bristol Channel, with a long maritime history.
Today, Cardiff boasts a blend of the ancient and the modern, with stunning Victorian
and Edwardian architecture. Cardiff 's name is derived from the Roman General
Aulus Didius - Caer Didi, meaning 'Fort of Didius', and the city can trace its
history back to Roman times and earlier.
Wales has been described as one of the oldest countries in the world, with
evidence of human habitation stretching back nearly 200,000 years. Up to the
13th century, Wales went through a succession of invasions and conquerors from
the European Celts, the Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Vikings and the English. Attempts
were made in the 13th century to secure Wales as an independent state, but were
not entirely successful.
Wales retained its status quo until 1730s, when the Industrial Revolution took
hold of it. Coal, copper, slate and tin production led to a sudden increase
in population, as well as changing the country's demographic make-up from fragmented
rural communities to urbanised mining and industrial centres. The Cardiff Docks
were built in 1839 and all the coal and iron from the Welsh valleys was exported
from these docks. This made Cardiff one of the busiest ports in the world, bringing
with it growth and prosperity. However, this era also brought with it a growth
in nationalism, trade unionism, liberalism and strong support for the Labour
Party.
Changes began to take place: Plaid Cymru, the Welsh National Party, was formed
in 1925; the Welsh language was made legally acceptable in 1942; Cardiff was
made the official capital in 1955; a Welsh minister of state was appointed with
cabinet rank in the British government in 1964; and today, Plaid Cymru holds
several seats in the House of Commons. Welsh culture and language have been
revived from the brink of extinction.
Wales is still adjusting to the collapse of its mining and steel industries,
and large-scale unemployment is a major issue. Cardiff has managed to rebound
from the decline in the maritime industry and is now an important university
city, as well as the home of the new Welsh Assembly.
Selection of hotels in this region:
Macdonald Holland House | | theroyalhotel | | Park Plaza Cardiff | | Swallow Cardiff (St Mellons) | | Cardiff Moat House | | Cardiff Moat House and 15 days parking | | Holiday Inn Cardiff North | | Hanover International Hotel & Club | | Jurys Cardiff Hotel | | Quality Hotel & Suites Cardiff | | The St Davids Hotel & Spa | | Hilton Cardiff | | Cardiff Marriott Hotel | | Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre | | Copthorne Hotel Cardiff - Caerdydd | | Angel Hotel | | Village Hotel & Leisure Club | | Jarvis Wentloog Hotel | | Vale Hotel, Golf and Country Club | | Travelodge Cardiff West | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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