A local historian takes viewers on a journey through Barry’s rich past, showcasing hidden gems beyond the famous TV show.
Barry: Last Friday, a segment aired on ITV that really shone a light on Barry’s history. It was titled ‘It’s most famous from the TV show, but there is plenty more to Barry than we see on Gavin and Stacey.’
In this seven-minute clip, local historian Graham Loveluck-Edwards took ITV presenter Alexandra Hartley on a tour of some of Barry’s historic spots.
They kicked things off at the ruins of St Baruc’s Chapel. Graham shared that this was once a medieval pilgrimage site where folks came to pray and seek healing.
He also mentioned that the chapel ruins posed a challenge when they were building Barry’s Butlins holiday camp. Apparently, Billy Butlin didn’t know how to deal with the ruins, so he just put up some ‘fake chalets’ to cover them up.
Next, they headed to Cold Knap, where Graham showed Alexandra some Roman ruins. Historians found out it was a 4th-century ‘guesthouse’!
Graham explained that builders discovered the remains in the 80s, and pottery found there confirmed its Roman roots. It’s one of the few signs of Roman influence in the Vale.
Then they made their way to Porthkerry Park, where Graham pointed out the impressive Victorian viaduct. He told Alexandra that it was commissioned by Sir Samuel Romilly, a big deal in the area.
Graham said it’s a ‘miracle’ the viaduct is still standing since it nearly collapsed when it was first built. Thankfully, some structural improvements have been made since then.
As the segment wrapped up, locals agreed that what truly makes Barry special isn’t just the TV show or its history, but the wonderful people who live there.
Graham expressed his love for showcasing the hidden historical gems in the Vale of Glamorgan. He was thrilled when ITV Wales asked him to highlight some of his favorite spots in Barry.
He emphasized that there’s so much more to Barry than just Gavin and Stacey. Graham also pointed out that Wales doesn’t celebrate its local history enough and that they often have to fight to protect iconic sites.
He mentioned the holy well of St Baruc on Barry Island, a 7th-century relic that’s hidden away behind some houses. He joked that even Sherlock Holmes would have a tough time finding it!
