Cardiff grew at such a rapid pace during the reign of Queen Victoria, that it became known as ‘The Welsh Chicago’.  The industries of coal, iron, tinplate and shipping fuelled a boom in building, and the town also benefitted from the patronage of the 3rd Marquess of Bute, who was one of the greatest architectural patrons of the age, as well as being the biggest local landowner.

This lecture looks at most aspects of Cardiff’s Victorian buildings, humble as well as great, domestic as well as commercial.  It guarantees that the audience will be informed, educated and amused!