Is this one of the best social history museums in the UK? | St Fagans Cardiff

In todays video I visit St Fagans National Museum of History in Cardiff, Wales.
St Fagans is one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction. It was the winner of the 2019 UK Art Fund Museum of the Year and I think it's one of the best social history museums I've ever visited - best of all it is FREE to enter!
In this video I show you some of the highlights from my visit, there are over 40 historic buildings at St.Fagans and it would be a very long video to show you them all ... stay tuned for a 2nd part to my visit when I will show you two particularly wonderful buildings in more detail.
Thank you to subscribers who recommended I visit. It was well worth the drive. As always thank you for your support, I am Lucy, social historian, all round nosy parker and I love to take you interesting places with me. I film, edit, script all of my videos myself .. sometimes more successfully than others, but that's what it's all about! Please do subscribe to join my lovely community of social history lovers from all over the world.
#socialhistory #socialhistoryofwales #welshhistory #cardiff #stfagans #livinghistory #livinghistorymuseum #ukheritage #workingclasshistory #heritage #heritagepreservation #daysout #historyexplored

[@Jay-s8g9q]

Lucy! "Adjust your dress before leaving'is not for ladies! It was the very prissy Victorian way of telling gents to check their flies were fastened. I don't know if it is still the case, but certainly up to the 1980's, if a gentleman was buying a made to measure suit, the tailor would ask 'Which side do you dress sir?'. Adjustment would then be made on left or right side of the trousers to accommodate. Gave me a laugh though, and I love your videos. Every day a school day!

[@throughlucyslens]

Well, I feel a bit of an idiot .. shall we say I am still an innocent!! I spent days learning about urinals and read so many conflicting views I went with my innocent heart .. probably doesn't help that all the way's I've heard a bloke being told his flies are undone are far less subtle! haha x

[@maureentaphouse5206]

@@throughlucyslens don't worry because at 75 I had never learnt what the expression meant either.

[@Jay-s8g9q]

Don't feel an idiot, you cannot know everything. I love your videos and you know heaps more than me. Not only am I of an older generation, but I am the youngest (after thought) by a long way in a large family. My dad was 50 when I was born, he was born in 1909. He had great difficulty understanding a 1970's teen. I guess those phrases were still current when I was young. Ronald Hutton says the Victorian age didn't end until 1960.

[@throughlucyslens]

I totally understand that, my paternal grandad was born in 1909 and I look back now and seeing us lot run around him in the 1980s must have been a different world! He was apparently incredibly strict and unloving but we never saw that side of him.

[@evelynwilson1566]

We need more social clubs like this - not for drinking but talking, learning and being entertained. So many have closed.

[@throughlucyslens]

I agree! I don't drink - not for any reason other than not liking how it makes me feel and I often feel uncomfortable in pubs, when I visit mainland Europe it's amazing as there are so many venues you can meet a friend and socialise without alcohol involved - although I love and appreciate the pub culture I wish they were more options ❤️

[@coleen-francis5317]

I live very near to this amazing place and walk my dog around here on a regular basis, as its very dog friendly. I've been visiting for over 30 years and it always feels so very special to me. Thank you for showcasing this wonderful place in beautiful Wales.

[@throughlucyslens]

Absolutely loved my visit and saw lots of dogs about - which means I can take Rupert next time, he would love all that space .. and squirrel spotting!

[@williamevans9426]

I grew up some 20 miles from St Fagans and visited with my parents most years as I grew up. I've lived in Oxford for 20-odd years and, in that time, one of the many additions to the museum has been the general store. This building was originally located less than a mile from my childhood home and has been restored to be as it was in its heyday. As Lucy notes, the structures shown here are only a fraction of those at the museum. St Fagans Castle and the modern museum galleries are also on site. The museum really is well worth a visit if you're in the Cardiff area. Many thanks, Lucy, for this excellent, informative tour; I've enjoyed another visit to one of my favourite attractions, albeit virtually!

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me, I was so impressed, and I can't wait to go back as there's so much more to explore! Didn't even get chance to see the main house.

[@williamevans9426]

@@throughlucyslens No - thank you!! I hope you get a chance to return soon (perhaps in better weather) to explore further.

[@vickyhooper4863]

I look forward to your uploads every week, you make history fun and interesting , and without even watching yet I know it’s going to be a lovely journey with you Thankyou lucy

[@throughlucyslens]

You are so lovely: thank you!!! I get nervous about posting every single one so that really means a lot xxx

[@marypiper8161]

I've been to St Fagans twice, once as a child in the early sixties,and again in 2016. I loved revisiting with you Lucy, I remember the farmhouse from when I was a child. The wall paintings in the church are breathtaking, and yes I bought some freshly cooked bara brith with lots of delicious Welsh butter too! Wonderful. Thank you,.

[@throughlucyslens]

Glad you were able to come back with me, it's such a lovely and unexpected place. I think it's wonderful the red house has been there so long too, I didn't realise until I started to do my research!

[@andrewuk4813]

Oh wow I remember going there as a child. I remember the red farmhouse. Amazing. Thank you for showing us around. 😊

[@throughlucyslens]

Very welcome! That lovely red house holds so many special memories for so many people, I think the Rogers family must be very proud!

[@linzisouthernwood482]

My dad owns a pub and still has those tables with the iron legs, I love your channel 🫶

[@throughlucyslens]

AMAZING!!! I had family who ran pubs and I was jealous of my cousins, they seemed to have such a lovely life - although now they said it wasn't always perfect - I tell you I have knocked my knees on a few of those iron legged pub tables! haha

[@mpersad]

Yet another wonderfully informative, and researched video. Thank you Lucy, you have a terrific channel.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you, I really do appreciate it, I absolutely love my hobby, it's changed my life ALL for the better and given me a reason to get up in the morning so your support is more valued than you will ever know x

[@mikehudson8884]

Oh Lucy you are a wonderful very dedicated film maker.....I just LOVE your films.....

[@throughlucyslens]

That's so so kind of you, I just absolutely love doing it. Makes me super happy people enjoy them as I am by no means a professional at this!

[@mavisjenkins4501]

We now live in Presteigne in Powys on the Welsh borders, I enjoyed your recent visit to St Fagans. May I suggest a visit to our village to the Dentis 25:21 🎉😅

[@w.dossett3332]

I have travelled to visit st fagans all of my life. It is a wonderful place. I applaud the Welsh for doing this and it is free to go in (you pay for parking). It really feels like you are back there with them. Cant rave about it enough. Great for families too

[@throughlucyslens]

I totally agree with you! Wonderful place!

[@Ater_Draco]

I love St Fagan's. This summer, I took my two nephews for their first visit. I hadn't been for at least 10 years. It was lovely to see some of the new aquisitions, especially the Vulcan. I remember it being in Cardiff, slowly being surrounded by modernisation. It's good it was preserved. I wish you could have seen it years ago, when some of the businesses were in operation such as the bakery and the blacksmiths. Diolch yn fawr ❤

[@throughlucyslens]

I would have loved that too! Someone told me about the Christmas events they used to have which sounded magical! The Vulcan was lovely! There's a pub here in Birmingham, The Old Crown where many famous bands started their careers and they are trying to save that in the same way - I hope they can!

[@patriciaclark6171]

Beamish open air museum in Tyne & wear is fantastic! 👍👍

[@throughlucyslens]

It is! I love it, I've made several videos about it you can find on here x

[@carolynmalek3202]

What a fantastic tour you led. Loved all the old oak furniture and good quality items everywhere from a different era. It's good for the soul ❤.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me! Really appreciate you being here x

[@crackpot148]

I drank in the Vulcan when it stood on the Splott/Adamsdown side of the railway bridge over Adam Street almost opposite Cardiff Prison. There's now a car park where it used to stand. There is a very similar tiled pub from the same era 2/300 yards along the road in Custom House Street which is still in use. It's called the Golden Cross. "Adjust Your Dress Before Leaving" signs were present in all men's urinals right into the 60s and 70s. As someone else said, it meant "button your flies before leaving" or in Valleys Wenglish,"button your coppage...".

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks for sharing that, I didn't realise the Vulcan was opposite the prison, I bet some of the best pints ever tasted were in that pub! .. I'll look up the other pub when I'm next in Cardiff as I'd love to see it ❤️

[@viviennewilliams7510]

Well done Lucy! This amazing museum is a family favourite over many years ,so good for children to learn about life in hard times in Wales but also to learn about the Welsh spirit in face of adversity through communities , education and rebellion against impositions! Thank you for going to St Fagans and highlighting what an amazing story it tells! Look forward to part two ! I’m sure it will include the row of miners cottages ?

[@throughlucyslens]

it might do ;) ... it was such a smashing place, so understated but PACKED full of information and I learnt a lot - I really did!

[@viviennewilliams7510]

@ Lucy did you see an example of a Welsh Not during your visit to St Fagans ? It was used in schools in the 1900’s and into the 20c . It was a board held by string at each end and put around the neck of any child heard speaking Welsh in the classroom. It was often accompanied by corporal punishment ! This was particularly harsh in areas where Welsh was the first language! Suppression of the Welsh and their culture and language has taken many forms but this was so cruel to children .

[@throughlucyslens]

I didn't see one actually, i expected to, like a wooden pendant with WK on it? It's terrible isn't it, I feel the same about how people who were left handed or short sighted were - absolutely no thought that it's our differences that make us rich as a human race x

[@Sheilanagig]

Heh. They used to just smack the hands of children when they caught them being left-handed at school in the US. It messed with the statistics for right vs. left-handedness for ages and ages because they'd abused all of the left-handers out of being left-handed. I love the church paintings. I'm glad they were covered over and preserved for us to see them today. Thank you for another lovely tour. :)

[@throughlucyslens]

It's absolutely shocking they did that - even when I was at school in the 80s the left handers were left without scissors they could use properly.

[@SallyMavin-lo3hr]

What a lovely place. I love Wales. These open air museums are so interesting and bring so much to life. I loved the shop and the red house. I was reminded of an open air museum that I visited earlier this year in the Netherlands. It was the box bed. It's interesting on the similarities between other European countries. I look forward to part 2. Thank you Lucy 😊

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you! I'm desperate to visit some of the ones in Europe. I've got a list of about 20.. maybe one day? I think it would be really cosy in a box bed - although I'm not sure I could stretch out. I think they were designed to sleep sitting up (which to be fair would be great for my indigestion 😂) x

[@annereidy7981]

Wow Lucy, that Church was something else! Thank you, so amazing, as usual!

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks Anne, absolutely loved doing this one x

[@thesunreport]

That's a great museum, and your excellent production quality made it an ejoyable watch. :)

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you so much, I'm very much an amateur but try and get better each week, really appreciate you coming with me x

[@emilywilliams6108]

This is the first video of tours ive found and seing that i have been to St Fagans a few times i thought id watch. Thank you for doing the place justice, you are awesome

[@throughlucyslens]

I'm glad you enjoyed it - I thought it was absolutely wonderful. Really uplifting and generous in not only its offering but its history - I'll be back x

[@sonyawhite8923]

This tour and your commentary on St Fagans is an absolute treat today, Lucy. I appreciate all the effort put into making this and sharing it with us. I've been to St Fagans twice, once in Secondary school twenty years ago and once with my nieces from Cardiff in 2019 and there is something new and interesting every time.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you, I absolutely loved it there, I just put it into the sat nav and went knowing nothing about it. It really did impress me and I know I could go back time and time again and still not see it all!

[@DougMacGregor-d4e]

I could be wrong, but I believe the sign impressed into the urinal was directed to the men, not the women (?) :)

[@throughlucyslens]

Honestly I spent so much time looking into that urinal (my google history is interesting to say the least) I knew there was a saying regarding rearranging for the gents but I had never seen it referred to as skirts before. Either way I think it's really funny and has the sense of humour you would only ever see in a British loo!

[@donnamcardle8928]

Love your narration!

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks Donna x

[@alexac3098]

Loved it, Lucy! Enjoyed this journey from Arizona to Wales all in one morning 😃

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me ... if only I could get to Arizona as quickly! It's gotten pretty chilly here now ... x

[@robinmichel9048]

Gah! The tile work on The Vulcan! 😍

[@johnfowler4820]

Wonderful eh! I thought so too. Makes modern buildings look so drab and uninteresting.

[@throughlucyslens]

Beautiful isn't it - they were selling the tiles in the shop at £70 a pop ... blinking expensive to produce it seems too but they are so so NIIICEEE!

[@throughlucyslens]

Yep!! Why are modern buildings always so red too? Like some kind of dye put in the brick works to make them extra ugly!

[@e.l.hunter5620]

Heart breaking to see things that closed but it's beyond wonderful that they have been so beautifully restored and/or maintained!!

[@throughlucyslens]

Yes, you always take the risk of things being closed out of season, It was an absolutely wonderful place though - most unexpected and I cant wait to go back!

[@lilyshambles5644]

Only just started and I had to pause and write this, (less than a minute in). Lucy, "You are all so good at telling me where to go". Haha, nice one lass.

[@throughlucyslens]

Oh you are so lovely!!! Thank you - get yourself there if you can it's absolutely ruddy great!

[@KatMusic2009]

Kenixton Farmhouse is my favourite, & has been since I was a small child. There are lots of different features in the house & garden which were believed to ward off evil spirits. I also love the 'guard goose' house in the back yard......they never needed a dog! 😆

[@throughlucyslens]

You know my Dad always wanted guard geese .. shame we lived in the middle of Birmingham so we didn't ever get any ..😂

[@marybarratt2649]

That was a treat Lucy and what a change to find a museum that doesn’t charge. The church was amazing I agree. Loved every building and am so glad they have been preserved for posterity.

[@throughlucyslens]

I couldn't believe it! I got my card out as I entered thinking "here we go" and I thought they thought it was quite cute I was so shocked it was free 😂 what an incredible resource if you live locally! X

[@CarolineWillows-fz7sp]

All Welsh National Museums are free !!

[@marybarratt2649]

@@CarolineWillows-fz7sp Thanks for that.

[@annehickinbottom6410]

I remember in the early 60's going to a shop in Lancashire which sold biscuits like this. It was run by two maiden ladies. That Church - how wonderful!I I love your videos, thank you so much for sharing.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks so much for coming with me Anne, that church is breathtaking isn't it?

[@marybarratt2649]

Stuck in bed with a nasty virus, so am looking forward to seeing today’s video. Thanks for this Lucy. I have a soft spot for Wales. 😊

[@davidwassell7112]

Get well soon ❤️

[@throughlucyslens]

Feel better Mary, there's so many disgusting colds and stomach bugs going around at the moment, stay warm and I hope the video makes you smile ❤️

[@SarahHadigate]

Just spotted this on my feed, lovely to take a walk around St Fagans through someone else's eyes. 9:21 you have just found the building that was situated in the village I now live in, Oakdale. This building was still standing in Oakdale square in the 80's. There is now an old folks housing area stood where this wonderful building was. I went to St Fagans myself back in May 2024, and shed a tear for the memory of seeing this building as I travelled on a bus through Oakdale. Every piece of history in this place is wonderful. so glad you enjoyed your visit to a wonderful Welsh Museum.

[@throughlucyslens]

That's so lovely Sarah! I would have loved to see it where it was - I bet it was rather grand sat there on the corner, I'm glad the space has been taken up with another institution to help the local elderly people too ❤️

[@stephnewman1357]

What a great place! 💗😃 Fancy urinal 👍 Was only talking about how my mum was left handed and made to write with her right by nuns who taught at her school to my son at the weekend. She was always told she had the devil in her. How cruel. Looking foward to other buildings. 👍

[@throughlucyslens]

Weren't they horrible .. I always think surely they couldn't actually believe that so it was just pure cruelty. Glad times have moved on!

[@katm5903]

What a national treasure!

[@throughlucyslens]

100% .. and should be more well known!

[@daniel-jonwilliams5980]

croeso i gaerdydd! So pleased you got to visits St Fagans!. It's womdeful. Love your videos. Thank you so much! My favourite buildings are the little row of cottages. The 1940s house plus the prefab house and the medieval church. Diolch yn fâwr

[@throughlucyslens]

Diolch Daniel! I wish my Welsh was better!! Please please let me know if I say things wrong; I've spent a lot of time in Wales (most of my paternal family live in mid wales) and I'm still terrible at pronunciation. I love St.Fagans, I honestly couldn't believe I didn't know about it until lovely subscribers told me - it's world class!

[@daniel-jonwilliams5980]

​@throughlucyslens you're absolutely fine! I'm.welsh and get it wrong. And I'm from south wales originally and our language, dialect is different to north Wales. But that doesn't matter. It's the hiraeth, the longing of the heart, I hope you received a lovely warm.welsh welcome. And we always pile you up with glengettie tea and piles of bara brith and welsh cakes (best when they're straight off the bake stone nice and warm!) Have a lovely lovely time.

[@daniel-jonwilliams5980]

​@@throughlucyslensceredigion is a magical, beautiful place, hence why I moved here from Cardiff I love west wales. Magical. Hiraeth.

[@throughlucyslens]

Ceridigon is where my family live ... drive past the Elvis sign and my heart is home ❤️

[@daniel-jonwilliams5980]

@throughlucyslens awww that's lovely 💖

[@judis6224]

I agree,fortnum and mason,sad when the self service came in.😊

[@suzannemckenzie2873]

Another wonderful video! Thank you dear Lucy. Suzanne here from Oregon. Social history has always been a special love of mine. My great grandfather’s family came to Oregon by covered wagon in the 1800s. And the diaries of the women making that trek are so amazing. I love Wales. A friend of mine and I went to Northern Wales and hiked the Old Northern Catholic pilgrimage trail. We loved it. Made it to Bardsey Island. I hope you are well.

[@throughlucyslens]

Ohh I would love to read those diaries! Are they published in a book? X

[@josinnott1049]

Thank you again for another social history video..i love these and hearing all about the history..your brill lucy.😊xx

[@throughlucyslens]

You are very kind Jo .. honestly appreciated x

[@judithstonier9872]

What a great place so many interesting buildings to explore I can't choose a favourite looking forward to seeing more with you 😊❤

[@throughlucyslens]

Ohhh the next ones are sooo good!!! Looking forward to it too x

[@eattherich9215]

The shop has been brought to life so well. @5:00, that is beautiful and quite unexpected for a public necessity. @15:32, I would have kept walking, too. The inside is such a surprise. It must have awed the Tudor faithful. I imagine that the Rogers were quite well off to be able to afford to buy the house. Thanks for showing us around, Lucy as St Fagans is well off the beaten track for me.

[@throughlucyslens]

Very welcome! Thanks for coming with me, I think the Rogers must have made their money from the land to eventually buy the property - back when farmers could make a decent living through their hard work (I always think farming would be my absolute nightmare of a job). Yep learnt my lesson not to walk past .. I would have kicked myself if I had gotten back to Birmingham and seen what I missed!

[@welshcat5781]

I can’t believe this place isn’t more well known than it is. I’m glad you’re bringing it to a wider audience. I’ve been visiting periodically for over 50 years and there’s always something new to discover. Planning another visit in the new year to see the Vulcan. The indoor galleries in the entrance building are also fascinating for a bit of respite from the weather!

[@throughlucyslens]

I know! I was sad I had never heard of it until someone mentioned it in the comments and I really should have done! Maybe that it's so low key is some of the charm but I'd love to see more people visit because that can only be a good thing for the museums longevity. You will love the Vulcan, it's got a great atmosphere!

[@anitamackinnon7975]

Watching your videos makes me want to visit Britain even more!❤️🇨🇦

[@throughlucyslens]

... and you would be very welcome here .. plus you are used to the interesting weather in Canada too!

[@adrianbew9641]

When we went there the museum building was still not completed but the museum site itself is brilliant , the concept was brilliant and I would advise anyone to go see this. A total days enjoyment looking back in time as what life was like in Wales . It got 10 out of 10 from me.

[@throughlucyslens]

Absolutely brilliant isn't it? I cannot wait to go back in the spring to see the parts that were closed .. and I didn't have time to see last time!

[@lindac3395]

Lucy, so glad you are back to exploring once again! 🕵️‍♀️ I’ve always thought the UK is so very fortunate to have so many structures that are OLD, and I do mean OLD! Where I was born - 🇺🇸, obviously our structures we get excited about are the adobe houses built by the Native Americans, the Catholic Missions (built by the Native Americans also) and the old Plantation homes built and maintained by the slaves forcefully brought over from Africa. I know the rest of Europe has interesting finds too, and hopefully you will be able to travel there soon also! I hope you are feeling better, and you will show us Part II in your next video! Broken ribs??? Ouch ouch ouch! TAKE CARE!! 💕ox

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you so much Linda, I never take for granted how lucky we are to have such a rich history. I have travelled to the US a few times but always New York City and Florida for the parks with a pack of kids so never had the chance to delve into the history - which of course I would really like to! It's on my bucket list to visit a living history museum in Nevada a subscriber told me about - maybe one day! :)

[@michaeltreadwell777]

Hi Lucy - so glad you are back - I hope your ribs are healed now. What a fabulous place to visit, it looks so interesting. That Church - WOW, and the red house. SO MUCH history is around us every day, but the see all that preserved is fantastic. You explain everything so well and make it easy to understand what it was like back the. So looking forward to your next videos and continuation of this place. Thank you and take special care 🙂 X X X X

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you so much Michael,'I'm feeling much better ❤️ St. Fagans blew me away, it had been recommended but I just put it in the sat nav knowing nothing about it, came away desperate to go back because i didn't see it all! Such an amazing gem they have there x

[@Summerhouse-z7n]

The church is amazing, the whole museum is fantastic.

[@throughlucyslens]

It really is, such a beautiful, unexpected day out ❤️

[@sianiswack633]

What a charming and so beautifully kept place Saint Fagan's is. I nearly went to visit it when my aunt lived near Rhadyr. Thanks for all your description of the buildings you visited - very informative.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks so much, I had such a brilliant time there and I think it came through in the video, editing was like getting to go again :)

[@MargaretUK]

What an amazing place, I had no idea that it existed 😊I just find it incredible how a building can be dismantled, rebuilt elsewhere, and then look like it has always been there! I think that I loved the red house the best, and I want one of those box beds, it just looked so cosy 😍 I'm looking forward to next week, see you then Lucy ❤x

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks Margaret, I liked the box bed too! Although it was quite small, I think maybe they were designed to sleep sitting up - which would be great for my indigestion 😂

[@MargaretUK]

@@throughlucyslens I would be fine sleeping sitting up too, I have back problems so sometimes sleep sitting up anyway 😴

[@throughlucyslens]

Same 😂😂😂

[@karenebarker9244]

I cant really decide which building is my favorite BUT the church was outstanding! So glad you didn't skip it. My Welsh ancesters may have even been there at some point. FABULOUS video and commentary

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you Karen - it's amazing that they could have been!! I often stand in places and wonder if they were there once. It's just a nice feeling isn't it?

[@lilykatmoon4508]

What a wonderful place! If I’m remembering correctly, that church was featured in the Edwardian Farm series of the BBC Farm series which took place in Wales. Those paintings inside speak so much to history. Most shows show medieval buildings as boring and plain inside which we now know isn’t true. I really enjoyed this visit and am looking forward to more! Take care ❤

[@throughlucyslens]

Oh I'm Not sure! I love that programme! I am planning to rewatch them over Christmas :)

[@SueBennett-s2k]

Thank you for taking us to St. Fagans Lucy. I went there for the first time last year, loved it, so much to see. I live in Shropshire and both my husband and myself used to volunteer at the Ironbridge open air museum, he drove a steam engine and i 'lived ' in the toll house. I enjoyed telling visitors all about the history, and cooking things in the range oven. Sadly my husband passed away a few years ago and i haven't gone back to it, i don't know if i could do so much now. When i went to St.Fagans there were only a few of the places where someone was there to tell us about it, do you know if there are usually more people acting the part and giving information. I read another comment that they used to do bread baking and other activities there. I hope to go again sometime. Love your videos, you tell us so much about each place, so interesting. 😊🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@throughlucyslens]

Hi Sue. I'm so sorry to hear about your husband, that must be so hard. How lovely it must have been working at Blist Hill though! There weren't any historical reinactors when I went apart from a lovely chap working in the metal workshop. There were knowledgable staff though who i spent time chatting to. I do wonder because it's free they have to work on a very tight budget x

[@maureentaphouse5206]

Well I've been there a few times but I've never heard of the decorated catholic Church. What a treat to see it.

[@throughlucyslens]

It's Marvelous isn't it? And looks so unassuming from the outside I nearly missed it!

[@sueengle9282]

Thank You Lucy. The amount of really interesting information that you gather and share makes your videos so absorbing. I’m from Manchester, living in Northern California, and absloutely love such trips home. It’s raining buckets here, and the smell of wet grass and leaves adds to the transportation. Looking forward to many more of your explorations. Thank You !

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me! We have a storm here today ... the wind is whirling around and I'm looking at the fence panels willing them to stay where they are 😂 what took you to California? X

[@sueengle9282]

@ Hi Lucy, Lovely to hear from you. I was in the music business and met and married a lighting director who lived in Los Angeles. After 2-3 years we saw the light, got out of tinsel town and moved up to Northern California. I’ve lived in Sebastopol for a thousand years (+/-!) and love what is known as “West County”. However, I’m really frigging homesick and plotting my return to England someway, somehow next year. And you’re one of the culprits! There’s so much to explore and do. I’ve recently returned from a three week trip home, visiting cousins and friends and rather than rent a car, I travelled on buses and trains and really, really enjoyed doing so. Thank You for asking! See you again later today :-)

[@throughlucyslens]

I'm so nosy!! I just love people and their stories .. that sounds like an amazing opportunity but I totally get the homesickness, I had the opportunity to teach in the Middle East and I was right there ready to sign the contracts ... I couldn't do it. I kind of regret it now as it would have been better financially in the long run but sensible doesn't have fun I guess ...

[@junesymonds8340]

Hi Lucy hope you are well. Many thanks for another wonderful interesting tour. Really great Thank you so much 😊

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me June :)

[@estariplanet7237]

Hi Lucy, St Fagons is a favourite of mine and used to sneak off there with my friend in the 60s, lived a few miles down the road. Was there a couple of years ago and loved the houses through the ages, ending in the prefab. Hope you got to see that 💗

[@throughlucyslens]

Love that! If there had been a place like that locally to sneak off to I would have been there too!

[@cherylschantz9893]

That church is stunning!

[@throughlucyslens]

Isn't it? Who would think you would walk into that stunning interior!

[@JanetteEdwards-gl8jr]

Lovely to see you at my favourite place! I spend loads of time here. You never tire of St Fagan’s!❤

[@throughlucyslens]

I am already planning another visit - it really caught my imagination - absolutely loved it !

[@JanetteEdwards-gl8jr]

@@throughlucyslens You’ll probably bump into to me in the bakery buying Welsh cakes! Love your channel!

[@throughlucyslens]

Well grab me for a hello if you do!!! :)

[@Aethelu1975]

Thank you for the tour Lucy! I liked the tollhouse. Not because I am a fan of exploiting but because it looks like a tiny house where eveything is integrated in one space. I also liked the shop. As a maximalist I like rooms stuffed with things so your eyes can ’wander’ and discover things that you don’t immediately notice when walking in. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@throughlucyslens]

I love tollhouses too - I am always drawn to small spaces where you have to make them practical - I too am a maximalist (literally just spent 2 weeks trying to declutter and it's really been a hard process for me!)

[@oswaldthree]

Yes, what an amazing place - and that church is astounding!!! The name of that gorgeous Shop caught my eye bcoz in my home state of Western Australia there is a town called Gwalia, which was the site of a very successful and famous goldmine, Sons of Gwalia, (lasting from the very late 19th Century to very early this century!) Can't wait for the next episode, Lucy :) Cheers! RjB

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you! That's so interesting about the name - I wonder if it was in any way connected or the family were connected .. I am certainly off to look into that now! Gwalia I believe actually is a very old term for Wales before it became Cymru - I wonder if the owners of the gold mine were indeed Welsh?

[@pygiana16]

I would like to thank you for this excellent sympathetic presentation of St Fagan's. I am from south Wales but I have not been to the museum for a long time, obviously there are lots of new additions to the place. Your film has made me determined to pay a visit soon.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you so much, I was genuinely very impressed with it and amazed it was FREE - I've paid lots to get into far less impressive places. Enjoy your visit - there's another few exhibits I didn't get to film but I'll leave that as a suprise for you x

[@carolearrowsmith2461]

So so interesting. Thank you Lucy. 🐞

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks lovely, love hearing from you x

[@frankieb43]

Its lovely thank you for sharing i think the library was my fave building. Can't believe this is free entry!

[@throughlucyslens]

It's amazing isn't it! I couldn't believe it either - I got my card out and the lady on the counter said it was free ... I think she thought it was funny I was so shocked!

[@inbetween-days]

Great video, thank you Lucy. Always love your narration. Have never heard of this museum. It's definitely one to visit if we are in the area ❤

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you! You absolutely must, it's brilliant and you will really like it - Barry island is only 15 minutes away too so i got some nice vitamin sea afterwards too :)

[@Tom.Jackson.]

Another marvelous video from a historian 🙂 never heard of it, I thought Ireland with the name Fagan 😂 look forward to next chapter 👍🙂

[@throughlucyslens]

I had never heard of it either: seems a great shame as it's an absolute gem of a place. Thanks for coming with me Tom, always lovely to have your company x

[@tomsenior7405]

Bloody lovely. Thank you, Lucy.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks as always Tom x

[@juanc424]

Oh! That house at the end... I'd love to live there! I've always liked houses with low ceilings. Thank you, Lucy!

[@throughlucyslens]

Beautiful isn't it ? When I was a kid my parents wanted to move to Wales to be closer to my Dads family, we looked around lots of little cottages with very low ceilings and tiny windows. Sadly we didn't end up moving but these houses always remind me of that time x

[@clutzwinstead279]

That's a great urinal, so unique! I love you Lucy. ❤ All your videos are so good, I think I'd like to live there! 😁❤

[@throughlucyslens]

I always think that ... why can't they just rent me a little cottage, I'll work as a guide for free and cook my meals on the open fire - I would be very happy too!!

[@SharonWalker-xu7nz]

Thank you Lucy well done so interesting.❤

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you - so appreciated!

[@MrPhil1503]

Your videos are pure ASMR, so relaxing...love your delightful Bummie voice narrating your day out, and educational too 🙂

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you, that means a lot because I want them to be relaxing in a world full of noise x

[@annettescott5884]

Oh Lucy I’m so thrilled to find someone else who loves Toll Houses! I get very excited if I ever happen to spot one - no idea why, but they just fascinate me! Can’t believe I missed this wonderful place when I visited Cardiff recently - I think a return trip may be needed! x

[@throughlucyslens]

I love toll houses because I think of all the people that have passed through and the stories of the journeys they might be on - plus they are just super cute !!!

[@tashaimpressions]

That last cottage looks spooky

[@buddhabro.9130]

Hi Lucy, I look for your films every Sunday. My favorite building has to be the church. As an artist and a very spiritual person, I would be there all day just taking countless reference photos of the wall paintings. Painting spiritual images on walls is such an ancient thing to do, going back to prehistoric caves worldwide. I was surprised it didn't have a bell tower.

[@throughlucyslens]

Quite interesting you mentioned the bell tower as my Mom is a campanologist so we visit bell towers all over the place and she goes and rings - she asked about the bell .. it was a single bell pulled from a rope on top of the roof (no tower). I am not ashamed to say I had a little tear moment when I first walked into that church, the wall paintings touched me and I a love the way medieval art is often from the heart with no worries about perspective .. tiny bodies with massive heads .. I loved the giant donkey!

[@buddhabro.9130]

@@throughlucyslens Oh yes, gurl, from the moment you walked inside the church, my mouth dropped wide open. I think I let out a myriad of Oooos, Ahhhh's, and OMG's the whole time.  I have never seen medieval wall art so well preserved. In other videos, they're usually added to some degree, which in and of itself is awesome! Shedding a tear or to is a natural reaction to something that beautiful. Do you know if pictures of the wall art are available online? I would love to do some studies in my sketchbook. I eventually want to create artworks combining Christian icons with their Buddhist counterpart. The Virgin Mary next to Guanyin Boddhisattva, a sisterhood, since they both represent lovingkindness and compassion toward all beings. 😊🙏 A bell on a rope, no tower. That's a first for me.

[@throughlucyslens]

I think they are! If you go to the website for the museum they have a great archives section, it's a bit long winded to get to it with lots of links to click though. I visited a temple in Toyko - each deity represented a lost child and each wore a hand knitted hat to keep them warm; there were thousands and thousands of them, I cried so much one of the monks - who shouldn't have really approached me comforted me: it was so moving and so beautiful. I'm not religious but I am very spiritual and religious buildings particularly in Asia always move me, I'm desperate to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. If ever you want to chat art feel free to email me :)

[@jemma525]

I’ve been here with my partner! They also had a little craft market on at the time. Absolutely loved it there!

[@throughlucyslens]

Oh lovely!!! They always have lovely handmade things in Wales - just something else so special about the beautiful country. X

[@MuhammadIbrahim-jl8ng]

Super video - nice and smooth, lovely commentary. I have been many times since the mid 70’s. Some of the buildings are not always open, so good see you visit such in your video. Thank you. I particularly like the little row of cottages from Merthyr Tydfil. One use to be able to go upstairs, but not now for safety reasons. Lovely stone stairs. The prefab bungalow is a delight, not always open. I am sure this could well be in a later contribution. Keep up the good work.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks so much Muhammad, the prefab and the terrace were indeed my favourites! The prefab video is already out and the terraces are coming tomorrow .. it is a shame you can't go upstairs like you say but I imagine because they are so narrow it would be a safety issue in todays world! Absolutely adored St.Fagans and thanks for coming with me x

[@Dale-hl2zc]

Oh wow Lucy, what a beautiful place and so peaceful and free! What a bonus though I would be more than happy to pay, I've only been to one living museum and I'm sure you know it and that is the black country museum and I absolutely love it, it's so nice that these places have been preserved by dedicated people. Thank you for taking the time to show us these beautiful places. I live on the outskirts of Leicester and I highly recommend you visit stoneywell it is absolutely stunning, I think you would enjoy it and while in that neck of the woods I would also recommend the great central railway.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you! I love recommendations - there's nothing better than word of mouth! I love the Black Country museum, I have my annual pass and often pop by just for an hour to two to soak it up if I'm in the area. We left a donation as we thought it was worth it - hopefully to keep it free for people who wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it in the future, would be such a shame if it became paid entry x

[@soniaclarke1171]

Lucy, the pub reminded me of the one I was brought up in, in Stoke Works Bromsgrove. Called thr Boat and Railway. It had a main bar and a snug. The passage way between the two rooms had a sliding hatch where the village could come and purchase beer which was draft into a jug or pop bottle. It has changed considerably since I lived there in up to1967. The village school closed down where I went as a primary attendee. Lovely memories of buildings long changed. Thank you for the various places you take us to.

[@throughlucyslens]

Is the pub still there? I will think of you now if I pass it - I live very close to Bromsgrove. I love old pubs, they were such an important part of daily life for so many people. So many you go into now are really fancy and don't have any atmosphere so I love the fact they are preserving them at museums like St.Fagans x

[@margaretcain3223]

Thank you thank you for keeping silent periodically. It gives one a chance to look about an exhibit in peace. Not that there is anything wrong with your narration. On the contrary!

[@throughlucyslens]

Absolutely, I agree with you. The world is a noisy place, I enjoy times of silence and reflection so try and put it in where I can x

[@candytoo3729]

Thank you so much. I wish I had gone there when hubby and I were in Cardiff!

[@throughlucyslens]

Next time! I believe it's open all year round, It doesn't seem to be as well known as the other museums of it's type and that's a shame as it's absolutely equal if not better in some ways!

[@gailursulak7150]

Hello from 🇨🇦 I'm glad I stumbled on the site. What an amazing place 😊 Who couldn't spend a day there taking it all in? You showed a box of Sloan's Liniment in the store. Well, i had to double check that I was seeing 👀 right. I have 2 bottles in original boxes. That was kinda cool and made my day Lucy

[@throughlucyslens]

It's brilliant isn't it? Such an immersive place .. that's so cool you have the original Sloan's Liniment - isn't it great when you see really random things that just spark so much joy? This is why I love these museums so much!

[@jeannemillsom9300]

Thankyou Lucy, another interesting video. I have now decided to visit St.Fagans, but I shall go in the Spring.

[@throughlucyslens]

Yes! Spring is a wonderful time to visit :)

[@swabianking]

Again, another fantastic video, another place to go and visit for ourselves, the Vulcan pub is sure to get a visit :)

[@throughlucyslens]

You will love the Vulcan - the beer looked good .. I presume it's probably Brains as that was the brewery that held the lease for the pub - good honest Welsh Beer .. with a cheese and onion cob in front of the fire - perfection!

[@pamelawright1369]

Thank you so much, so interesting, love your narrative 😅

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you, writing my script is often my favourite part of the process :)

[@JeanElliott-p5h]

Amazing video. Thank you so very much.❤

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me Jean x

[@lorrainerichardson3280]

How times have changed. For the better or not so good... For me I would like to pick and mix bits from each. Thanks Lucy, I loved this one too =-)

[@throughlucyslens]

It's hard to choose isn't it? My eyes were on sticks the whole day at St.Fagans, I loved it!

[@edwardoleyba3075]

Lovely presentation. Thank You.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you for coming with me ❤️

[@SaraMercer-v6i]

Wow! Thanks to your videos, my travel wishlist is getting out of hand. Maybe I should just relocate to the UK. I don't think I will have enough time to devote to all of these sites otherwise 😊❤

[@throughlucyslens]

hahaha, I spend a lot of my life day dreaming about all the places I want to go and will probably never have time! I think if you came to the UK for a couple of weeks you could get all the living museums in at least :)

[@lorrainemorley4799]

Thank you Lucy another interesting video was the fire acreal in that farmhouse. Have you beento kinver rock houses thats anothergreat one to visit all the bestLorraine😊.

[@throughlucyslens]

Hi Lorraine! Yes it was a real fire and smelt so good! I love Kinver, I did a video about it but it was some time ago now but it should be in my who lives in a house like this playlist xx

[@helenstone9711]

Lucy! Long time no comment. Ive been watching your video's though 😊. Having a rough trot but making notes on all the lovely places you share with us. This one is on my list for sure . Helen X

[@throughlucyslens]

Hey Helen, hope your rough trot is trotting along in the direction of getting better! You will love it at St.Fagans, it's so relaxing! If you are travelling a distance I would recommend a couple of days in the area if possible as it's an absolutely huge site x

[@StephenRobertd]

What can l say lucy its a honour to be your fan who explains everything in detail always so interesting always 😊 ☺️ 😉 a big fan always from day one 🎉🎉🎉 be happy and safe and humble and amazing always 😊❤🎉

[@throughlucyslens]

Hi Stephen, it's an honour for ME to have such lovely people like you supporting me! thank you xxx

[@donnaclark6201]

Brilliant ! I can’t wait for the next episode ! Thanks for show in this . I wanted to reach in and pinch the cake! Hope it tasted as good as it looked! X

[@throughlucyslens]

Oh it was lovely!! So much so I purchased a whole loaf which is in the freezer for Christmas snacks :)

[@paulthomas5724]

Great video Lucy.. Da Iawn diolch 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@throughlucyslens]

Diolch Paul x

[@paulthomas5724]

@@throughlucyslens mae croeso mawr i chi. 👍🏻

[@traceywoodall6937]

Hi Lucy thank you so much for another very informative tour, it was all so interesting and a place I’ve never heard of. I loved the fact you described the weather and crossing the muddy field lol, it’s the little things that bring it to life. I can’t wait to see next weeks episode. Wishing you well 🥰

[@throughlucyslens]

You know me, the rain likes to come with me 😂 I hate mud & ice ... as someone who seems to enjoy a good public fall I always think avoiding it is damage limitation 😂 I'm glad I took the risk on this occasion though!

[@traceywoodall6937]

@ I’m sure your my long lost twin 😂😂😂😂 I’m glad you made the effort too 👍

[@throughlucyslens]

Oh gosh not another Faller? Anyone would think it's my party trick 😂

[@zefhudson3633]

Absolutely love your videos! I work an awful lot at the moment and your vids are just so peaceful ❤

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you so much, to be honest they are a form of a relaxation for me in a work heavy world too. It's why I don't use "muzak" I just need some peace and I can back to them and remember my lovely days out x

[@tammy1690]

Fabulous ❤

[@throughlucyslens]

It's wonderful isn't it! X

[@shannonm974]

This video came across my YT feed tonight and I’m so glad I decided to stop and watch. I immediately subscribed. Such a lovely & informative video! I love historical content and can’t wait to catch up on all of your past uploads.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you so much Shannon, that's so kind of you, really look forward to you coming along on my adventures, you are very welcome x

[@lilaleeds6028]

Absolutely fascinating, thanks for posting. I'm very interested in working class social history and I really enjoy your channel. I'm Australian with UK ancestors and for various reasons I won't be travelling o/s anytime soon, so it's lovely seeing your videos (almost like being there). Thank you :)

[@throughlucyslens]

You are so welcome! Thank you for coming with me, I love making the content and it blows my mind people watch it let along enjoy it - so thank you!

[@martynbutler8525]

Well worth a visit indeed, nice to see the Vulcan is finished now. I will be sure to revisit. The castle last time had a collapsed roof due to water ingress, hope that's fixed now. A lovely place and great to walk around although I felt the fish and chip shop was disappointing compared to beamish, black country, blist hill etc. Thank you Lucy.. love your videos :)

[@throughlucyslens]

The chippy wasn't open when I visited, seems it's only open on weekends in low season which makes sense. It would be hard to beat the chips fried on the coal range in dripping at the other two like you say.. but if I get chance to try I'll report back!

[@mariamogaburu2765]

Mind blowing video, Lucy. What a gem of a Museum you made us visit. Already looking forward to the next one!

[@throughlucyslens]

Thanks Maria, It was indeed a gem - I love it when I go somewhere with no expectations and come out buzzing. I was buzzing for days!

[@bazragirl2177]

Hi Lucy, thanks for highlighting my local museum, just one thing you missed out in the schoolhouse, was the 'Welsh Not' they used to have a wooden 'Welsh Not' sign there and used to explain how it would have been given to a child caught speaking Welsh. The child had to wear it all day and would be caned at the end of the day as punishment. I remember this from a school trip to St Fagans years ago and being thankful we didn't have corporal punishment when we were in school!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿👍

[@throughlucyslens]

They didn't have it on display but I did look for it - it seems so barbaric doesn't it? I would have been a terrible student as I hate being told what to do and would have been probably speaking Welsh on purpose to annoy the teacher ... 😂

[@bazragirl2177]

​@@throughlucyslens Yes it does seem barbaric😂, I was also pleased to see 'The Vulcan' open in your video, that was still under construction when I was there last, I went to a charity fundraiser at the Terriorial Army HQ in Cardiff some years ago and some of the lads went to 'The Vulcan' to buy a keg of beer, as the bar was running dry!! Looking forward to your next St Fagans Video ❤

[@throughlucyslens]

The Vulcan was great! I bet it was ever better when it was full of locals and the characters that come with that though :)

[@LifeAtTheMasthead]

A gteat find...I'd never heard of this!

[@throughlucyslens]

It's amazing it's so unknown - I didn't know about it either until a subscriber told me - I am so glad they did! ❤️

[@LifeAtTheMasthead]

@throughlucyslens I've been to the Black Country Living Museum twice since seeing it on your channel (and was in the area again last weekend so popped back in to get a couple of birthday gifts in the shop there!) ...so now you're definitely an influencer!! I did a short video about it...way more clumsily done than yours so I told people to go watch yours instead in it! You're giving us great ideas for trips out next year amidst work life.

[@throughlucyslens]

Thank you! That place is addictive isn't it! I'm going again on Monday 😂 I've promised a subscriber a video about the canals. I'll check your video out - and if you are heading that way again drop me an email and maybe we can grab a drink there x

[@LifeAtTheMasthead]

@@throughlucyslens that would be lovely!