This weekend the 2011 Census took place and with this in mind staff at the Glamorgan Archives have been looking at life in 1911, the most recent Census to be published and held at the archives.
In 1911 many Cardiffians called department stores Howells and David Morgans home.
Building plans for James Howells, held at the Glamorgan Archives, show that the upper levels of the store were never intended to be used as a shop floor, as small rooms with fireplaces were clearly marked on the plans submitted to Cardiff Borough Council.
The 1911 census, taken on Sunday 2 April, provides us with further information as it shows that 140 men and women, married and single, from near and far were ‘living over the shop’ at Howells on that night. Draper’s salesmen and women, milliners, dressmakers, apprentices, housekeepers and servants all lived together in the space over the bustling business.
Similarly David Morgan also shared their store space with staff, 99 men and women lived over the large departments which were filled with luxury items to furnish the homes and bellies of the ever growing population of Cardiff.
Those interested in finding out who lived in their home a hundred years ago or more on the 1911 census can view documents free of charge at Glamorgan Archives. For details of our location and opening hours visit www.glamro.gov.uk
