3-071-106 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Visit to Swansea: the procession passing down High-Street, 1881. 'Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales have this week visited the town of Swansea, upon the occasion, which took place on Tuesday, of opening the newly constructed East Dock for the accommodation of a larger class of steam-ships in that rising commercial port...One of triumphal arches, which stood in High-street, was illustrative of the woollen industries of the town. It had been erected by Messrs. Parry and Rocke, wool-staplers and fell-mongers, under the superintendence of a local architect, Mr. A. R. Molison. The piers of the arch were made of bales of compressed wool. It was surmounted by the Prince of Wales's plumes, also made of wool, in addition to a display of streamers made of the same material, interspersed with a few evergreens. There was about £1000 worth of wool in the arch, which had, as a whole, a rather pleasing effect. On this was a platform on which were seated two women dressed in Welsh costumes, who were knitting as the procession passed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1881.