Author pens view (From Penarth Times)

Author pens view

A POPULAR writer who celebrates his journeys around Penarth released his second book in the town this week.

Peter Finch's 'Real Cardiff Two: The Greater City' follows hot on the heels of his hugely successful city-guide 'Real Cardiff' and promises to be every bit as provocative and engaging as its celebrated predecessor.

His new book contains a long section on Penarth, in which Peter - with Penarth residents he meets along the way - explores the parts of the town that the tourist guides don't tell you about.

The book was launched at the Windsor Bookshop on Tuesday when the author was on hand to sign copies.

Rejoicing in Penarth's cultural benefits, Peter is enthusiastic about the area and writes about it with fondness. More than just a historical evaluation, Peter looks at the families who made the town what it is today.

In his book, he writes: 'Penarth is built across the great headland that protects Cardiff Bay from the prevailing storms. It's Victorian and largely unreconstructed. Unlike central Cardiff where everything has either been knocked flat or altered beyond belief. Penarth stays largely as it originally was.

Brick, stone, bay windows, towers, turrets, porches, balconies, stained glass decoration, roof finials, crestings.

'Penarth wasn't actually much at all until the middle of the 19th century. A few farms - Pentwyn, Lancross, Kyming, Cwrt-y-vil, White Hall - and a cluster of cottages around the old parish church of St Augustine on the headland.

Most of the land was owned by the Windsor family at St Fagans Castle.

At best it gave an adequate return. But big money beckoned. In 1856 - inspired by the success of Bute at the mouth of the Taff - first Ely tidal harbour was built and then Penarth Docks were dug.

The venture was to be a rival for Bute's all-embracing enterprise.'

'Real Cardiff Two: The Greater City' is in Windsor Books and other good bookstores.