Welsh Journals

Some years ago the Glamorgan Archive Service published a reproduction of the first edition of the 25 in 1 mile Ordnance Survey map of the centre of Swansea. In response to public demand, during the past year, three further maps in this series have been reproduced, showing Aberavon in 1876, Neath in 1877 and Oystermouth in 1876. The maps are reproduced in colour and are available for sale from the Archive Service. An illustrated leaflet has been produced on Tracing Your Family History. This gives guidance on family history research and also includes a comprehensive list of genealogical sources available at the County Archive Service. The year's publication programme has been rounded off by the production of Christmas cards which are also available as framed views, depicting Swansea Castle in 1793; Neath Castle, 1785; Mumbles Rocks and Lighthouse in 1841, and Margam Abbey Church, circa 1830 which is illustrated on page 85. Local Government Reorganisation On 1 April 1996 the eight County Councils and thirty-seven district Councils in Wales will be replaced by twenty-two all-purpose Unitary Authorities. In West Glamorgan, the County Council and the four District Councils will be replaced by two Unitary Authorities, namely the County Borough of Neath and Port Talbot and the County of Swansea. The West Glamorgan County Archive Service will join with the Swansea City Archives Office to provide an archive service for the area covered by the two new unitary authorities, and the main point of public access to the archives will be at the search room in County Hall, Swansea. Susan Beckley