Wind Street in Swansea, Wales has undergone significant changes over the centuries. In medieval times, it had a market and was a primary street. In the Victorian era, hotels and shops were built to accommodate visitors drawn by Swansea's reputation as a healthful seaside destination. During World War II, American soldiers stationed in Swansea frequented pubs on Wind Street, including one where a future boxing champion got into a fight. Bombing in 1941 destroyed much of the city center, though some buildings on Wind Street survived. Today, Wind Street is a center for leisure and entertainment on weekends.

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Wind Street through The Ages
Wind Street was one of the primary streets of medieval times and had a
market at its west end, in the area that is now Castle Square.
Many years ago in 1869 Wind Street was a completely different place
to what it is now. So many of its businesses had to be relocated outside
the area.
Victorian Times
Hotels and shops were built in the Victorian era. During Victorian Times
Swansea became a popular place for visitors. The word 'Salubrious'
means beneficial to health or well-being and it was a salubrious place
where large lodging houses were built for visitors to stay and enjoy
therapeutic sea-bathing.

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Second World War
Transport in Swansea was a particular issue with the city rapidly
expanding. In 1870 a group of businessmen built the Swansea
tramways to carry passengers.
During World War II a group of American GIs who were stationed in
Swansea visited the Adelphi Pub on Wind Street. One of the GIs was
drinking milk and an Australian GI also stationed in Swansea started to
make fun of him, saying he wasn’t strong enough to drink alcohol.
Unfortunately he had chosen to harass Rocky Marciano who went on
to floor him in a single punch! Rocky eventually became the world’s
greatest heavyweight boxer.
A single punch!
Rocky eventually became the world’s greatest heavyweight boxer.
During what became known as the “Three Nights Blitz” Swansea city
centre was bombed in 1941. Forty one acres which included 857
properties were ruined beyond repair. Only a few buildings on Wind
Street survived, this includes the No Sign Wine Bar and the Old Post
Office.

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Present Day
Salubrious Place developed to include Asper’s Casino, Vue
cinema, hotels and restaurants. It is now a place for leisure
and entertainment. People gather together on weekends
for special occasions such as office parties, work nights out,
hen nights etc: or even just a good night out on the tiles. At
weekends the police close Wind Street off to stop cars going
up and down there because it is too dangerous for revellers.

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Swansea Population
Swansea Population 1871 - 2009
0
50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
1871 1891 1901 1931 1941 1971 2001 2009
Population
This chart shows the increase of population in Swansea since 1871, and
therefore shows how all areas of Swansea, including Wind Street,
became more popular.

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Wind Street Timeline
Swansea Tramway built through
Wind Street 1870
1886
Sir Henry Hussey Vivian Statue
erected in Wind Street
The old Post Office was built on
the site of the old Mack worth
Arms Hotel 1901
1937 The Tramways closed
Swansea was bombed 1941
1969 Swansea became a city

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Sources
wikipedia.org
www.welshwales.co.uk
www.swanseaheritage.net
Geography.org.uk
www.bbc.co.uk
www.swansea.gov.uk
www.localhistories.org/swanseatime.html