Blue plaque unveiled for St Helen’s in Swansea

A BLUE plaque has been unveiled at St Helen’s in Swansea to forever mark the ground’s contribution to sport since the late 19th Century.

The ground, which first opened in 1873, has played host to some of the most memorable occasions in the city’s sporting history over the years.

St Helen’s was the venue for Wales’ first home rugby international in 1882 against England. It also played host to Swansea RFC’s famous 11-3 win over the All Blacks in 1935. Other historic moments at the ground have included legendary West Indies cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers hitting six sixes in 1968, and Swansea RFC beating the world champion Wallabies in 1992.

Swansea Council is behind the blue plaque scheme. The blue plaque at St Helen’s has been sited close to the clubhouse steps leading to the main pavilion.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “Our blue plaque scheme isn’t just about recognising Swansea’s most accomplished sons and daughters – it’s also about celebrating places that have played a pivotal role in our history. St Helen’s has been at the heart of Swansea sport for well over a century, so it’s thoroughly deserving of the honour. It’s hosted so many inspirational sporting moments over the years that have thrilled millions of spectators, from the Whites’ victories over the All Blacks and the Wallabies to Sir Garry Sobers making cricket history in the late 1960s.

“We now have quite a collection of blue plaques in Swansea, which makes for a terrific tour of the city that’s as fun as it is educational. More recipients will follow suit in future as we continue to mark Swansea’s rich and fascinating heritage.”

Cwmdonkin Park has also received a blue plaque. People to have received a blue plaque in recent years include poet and Bletchley Park codebreaker Vernon Watkins, novelist Ann of Swansea, rock singer Pete Ham, women’s rights campaigner Emily Phipps and polar explorer Edgar Evans.

Next up for the honour is Edward ‘Taffy’ Bowen, a pioneer of radar technology that helped the Allied forces win key battles in World War Two. His blue plaque will be unveiled late next month