These pictures were taken before the fortified Warehouse was
demolished to make way for ash storage at Aberthaw power station.
In the 16th century, the port, situated to the south east of the village proper,
had emerged as a small but thriving harbour. The ships took wool and foodstuffs
from Wales and returned with wine, salt, dried fruit and leather from the towns
of northern France. Aberthaw's importance was furthered by the loss of
Porthkerry harbour to a 1584 storm, rendering Aberthaw the principal
calling-point within South Wales between Cardiff and Swansea.
By the first half of the 17th century, boats were departing not only for England and France, but also Spain and Ireland. A similarly flourishing trade with the West Indies, chiefly in sugar and tobacco, did not, however, survive the disruption caused by the outbreak of the English Civil War. Within the context of the village, the port played a significant role in the livelihoods of many residents in the 17th century, though not always in a legal manner: Smuggling was rife within the Bristol Channel. Buildings such as the fortified Marsh House, built just to the west of the village in 1636, appear to have been used for storage of illegally imported goods, especially tobacco.
By the first half of the 17th century, boats were departing not only for England and France, but also Spain and Ireland. A similarly flourishing trade with the West Indies, chiefly in sugar and tobacco, did not, however, survive the disruption caused by the outbreak of the English Civil War. Within the context of the village, the port played a significant role in the livelihoods of many residents in the 17th century, though not always in a legal manner: Smuggling was rife within the Bristol Channel. Buildings such as the fortified Marsh House, built just to the west of the village in 1636, appear to have been used for storage of illegally imported goods, especially tobacco.
This Extract is largely from the Wikipediaentry for Aberthaw:
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