Heath,
Suburb of Cardiff

History of Heath
Much of the land in and around the Heath area was commonland and where the practice of grazing cattle and cutting turf was common place. However, this practice became less popular and stopped by the second half of the 17th century causing undrained hollows to become clogged and the local landscape to become swamps. Squatters and local landowners began to fence off this commonland for their own use. A common but unlawful practice. The Cardiff Corporation would send in law enforcements resulting in bloody scuffles.

The Marquis of Bute acquired large sections of the Heath lands in 1802 when the Cardiff Corporation commonland by auction to raise revenue.
"The Marquis of Bute bought much of this land with the aid of John Wood, Town Clerk, at bargain basement prices. Some of the transactions seem to be of a dubious nature and it was never clarified how the Cardiff Corporation disposed of the money it received..."
Illustrated history of Cardiff suburbs by Dennis Morgan.

Local Landmarks

• UHW Hospital, The University Hospital Wales, offically opened by the Queen in 1971, dominates the landscape providing health care, training and employment.


• Maindy Barracks, formed in 1967 successor to TA battalions of the Welsh Brigade. Currently the 3rd Battalion of the Royal Welsh are stationed at the barracks.


• Cathays Cementary is one of the oldest cemetary in Cardiff and was opened in 1859. A great example of Victorian architure and contains some elaborate and interesting memorials. The cemetary gateway, forecourt walls mortuary chapels and reception rooms are all Grade II listed buildings. Join in a conducted tour down memorylane.


• Heath Park is extremely popular because of the easy access and ample parking. The large park consists of 4 individual grounds: King George's field; Heath Wood; the Heath and Playing fields. There is a variety of activities for the whole family: pitch-and-put golf; local football and rugby playing fileds; large woodland area; children playgrounds and Cardiff Model Railways.


• Heath Pub built in 1899 and is located on the corner of Whitchurch Road and Allensbank Road. The building was refurbished in 2002 and now has 2 bars, the front bar and the Tudor lounge. Much of the decor remains with traditional beams and wooden panelling. Great wood stove fire in Lounge bar creating that special ambiance.


• Companies House. The Registrar of Companies for England and Wales. All limited companies in the UK are registered at Companies House. An average of 300,000 new companies are registerd here each year. A great source of financial and performance information on potential employers.


• Maindy Pool with cycle track and sports field is managed by Cardiff City Council. The pool is located on the corner of North Road and Crown Way. There is a 25 meter pool, double shallow ends.

Food and Drink

A varied selection of restaurants and take-aways starting at the Allensbank Road interchange and stretching towards the Gabalfa fly-over.

• Heath Pub. This Brains pub has been recommended for the BBC South East Wales guide to food and drink. Locals and visitors have given this pub a 3 star rating. Heath pub is very popular locals as well as medical and nursing students. The Heath pub also attracts many locals. Extended opening hours. Food served from 12 noon to 7pm (Mon to Sat) and 4 pm (Sundays). TELL DAVE, LANDLORD, YOU SAW HIS PUB HERE


• Allensbank Pub Family orientated pub with dedicated play areas for children. Serving pub chain food including child sized portions. Great venue for any special occasion.


• Oriental Bristro. Taste from the Far East. Fabulous Tom Yum Soup. Asian Fusion Cuisine including dishes from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and India. Good value set menus available. Birthday celebrations treats offered by owner.


• Panama Indian Restaraunt and Take-away

Sports and Leisure Activities

• Maindy Pool with cycle track and sports field. Free car parking.The pool is full size and available year-round, a good size pool for instruction but limited for exercise purposes. Seating is provided for spectators in the cafe, refreshments comes via vending machines offering the usual selection of hot and cold drinks. Triathlon training and competitions for adults and children. Stock of bicycles available for beginners.


• Heath Park - An ideal place for the entire family of every age group. There are children playground and adventure playground for the toddlers and under 10s. A Community hall and a Scout hall for the energetic of us. Playing fields with Soccer and Rugby pitches. A woodlands for leisurely walks and strolls. Pitch and putt to while away the Summer afternoon. Tennis courts egged on by Whimbleton tournament.


• Cardiff Medical Sports and Social Club. There are 2 club bars. An exclusive Medics staff and students members only bar and a Staff members bar. Sports facilities include an indoor 25M swimming pool, squash courts solid and glass back courts, a fully equipped gym with the joggers; X-trainers; bikes; rowers etc.. and lastly a Private Functions hall complete with bar.

Schooling and Education
Schools in Wales lists all the local authority schools in Wales and provides you with the first step in finding a good school for your children. Here is a list of some of the schools we know of

• Mynydd Bychan Welsh Medium Primary School
• Gladstone English Medium Primary School
• Allensbank English Medium Primary School
• St. Joseph Roman Catholic Primary School
• St. Monica Church of Wales Primary School
• Cathays High School
• Cardiff High School
• Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf