WHEN you walk through Penarth, have you ever wondered about the stories behind the street names? Why are there so many St Augustine’s? Who exactly was Clive, and what’s the connection between Plymouth and our Welsh town? Here’s a look at the stories behind 5 of Penarth’s most iconic street names.

Plassey Street

Plassey Street is a nod to the Battle of Plassey (Palashi), a defining moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent. This battle, fought on the 23rd of June 1757 near the town of Plassey in Bengal, saw the British East India Company triumph over an Indian army twice its size. This victory was a significant turning point as it marked the beginning of British dominance over Bengal, then the wealthiest province in India. The triumph at Plassey laid the groundwork for the British Empire’s expansion across India, ultimately leading to the establishment of British rule over the entire subcontinent.

Clive Crescent and Clive Place

The names Clive Crescent and Clive Place reflect a key figure in British and Indian history—Robert Clive, often known as ‘Clive of India’. Clive was instrumental in establishing British rule in India, with his victory at the Battle of Plassey marking the shift from commercial to territorial dominance. His time as Governor of Bengal was marked by the accumulation of immense wealth, including ivories, textiles, Hindu statues, and ornate silver and gold. Much of this wealth was brought to Wales by his son, Edward, 2nd Lord Clive, after his marriage to Lady Henrietta Antonia Herbert, daughter of the Earl of Powis. These streets serve as reminders of the Clive family’s influence, both in India and back home in Britain.

St Augustine’s Crescent, Path, Place, and Road

Have you ever noticed the multiple streets named after St Augustine in Penarth? These names are a nod to Penarth’s ecclesiastical history. Dating back nearly a thousand years, Penarth’s earliest recorded history is linked to St Augustine’s Abbey in Bristol. In the 12th century, the abbey owned much of the land that now makes up our town. The Norman church of St Augustine, perched on Penarth Head, stands as a testament to this medieval connection.

Windsor Road and Windsor Terrace

Windsor Road and Windsor Terrace don’t just honour a family name—they tell the story of Penarth’s transformation during the industrial revolution. The Windsor family, particularly Lady Harriet Windsor, played a crucial role in Penarth’s development. After her marriage to Robert Clive, a Conservative politician and keen investor, the family saw the potential in Penarth’s growing docks and coal trade. They purchased the Penarth freehold from Bristol, laying out new streets and driving the expansion that shaped the modern town. Today, Windsor Road remains a bustling hub, echoing the industrious spirit of the era and the legacy of the Windsors in Penarth’s growth.

Plymouth Road

Plymouth Road reflects Penarth’s long-standing connection with the Earls of Plymouth, who were instrumental in shaping the town we know today. The Earls of Plymouth, from their base at St Fagans Castle, initially leased the manor lands of Penarth and later purchased them outright in 1853. Their estate office meticulously planned and developed Penarth, offering leases to residents and effectively controlling the town’s growth. It wasn’t until the Leasehold Reform Act of 1967 that this control began to wane, allowing Penarth’s residents to buy their homes outright. Plymouth Road is a reminder of Penarth’s evolution from a small manor to a thriving community, all under the watchful eye of the Plymouth estate.