Brian’s blast from the past: Cardiff's Sophia Gardens

The Fountain at Sophia Gardens Pictured in the 1850's. Image: Media Wales

Written by Brian Lee

In my book Cardiff Remembered, published by The History Press, I wrote: “Sophia Gardens, named after the second wife of the Marquess of Bute, was opened in 1858.

“There used to be an attractive drinking fountain there and over the years the grounds have been the venue for flower shows, horse shows, and various other sporting events and occasions.”

Some readers will remember the Sophia Gardens Lodge opposite to where the City Temple stood and I told that it was bombed on March 3, 1941.

One Cardiffian who remembers that dreadful evening is Mr Malcolm Beames. He recalled: “We were in a public air-raid shelter near Sophia Gardens when all of a sudden there was a tremendous explosion and we heard later on the park keeper, who lived in the lodge, had been killed.”

• Please send your pictures and stories to Brian Lee, Cardiff Remember, South Wales Echo, Six Park Street, Cardiff, CF10 1XR
• or email brianlee4@virginmedia.com
• If sending a letter, please include your phone number.

Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from Cardiff's dedicated InYourArea feed