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« on: Thursday 19 December 13 12:47 GMT (UK) »
Hi
Cardiff Lane has changed beyond recognition. One side of the street was until about 15 years ago ,, dominated by a huge gas holder and gas works.
The opposite side originally had a ship yard or boat repair yard. This was within the confines of some old walls [some of which still exist] which look as though they were built about 200 years ago. After the shipyard closed the premises was converted into a paint factory called Walpamur. That was 1933. It then became Crown paints in the 70s. I worked there. When it moved to another location the factory and warehouses were used by MGM to store film props for a while. Part of the film educating Rita was shot just off Cardiff land, in an annexe called misery hill. See pic.
There is a very old pub on the corner called the Ferryman which I reckon dates from 1850 and it has not changed dramatically from the outside,at least. It used to be known as the 8 bells.
The area was always very popular as a film set as it was so miserable. U2s studio, Windmill Lane was just around the back of the paint factory,and the 4 guys used to go for a beer and sandwich in another small pub nearby. The video for the Fury brothers 'steal away' was shot at the bottom of Cardiff lane, on the quayside. I will keep my eye out for older pics. The one attached only dates from 1965 or so.
The entire place has changed entirely, but a trained eye can still discern some of the old fabric.