INTRODUCTION
It’s been an eventful century and a half for Wales.
We’ve had our fair share of achievements, developments and disappointments and selecting just a few has been a tough task. But here’s a taste of Wales – from the tragic to the triumphant, the momentous to the lighthearted - since Principality Building Society came into being in 1860.
1860s
1860
At a time when the population of Cardiff, then just a market town, was 33,000, Principality established in Church Street and was known as Principality Permanent Investment Building Society. Income for the first year amounted to a modest £367.
1861
The politician David Lloyd George was born.
1862
Alderman Wm Saunders was appointed Principality’s Managing Secretary.
The Clogau mine began producing gold.
1863
Marriage of Edward Albert, Prince of Wales to Alexandra of Denmark, making Alexandra the first Princess of Wales since 1820.
1864
Phillip Jacobs became Principality’s Chairman.
Aberystwyth and Llandrindod Wells were linked to the rail network for the first time.
Aberystwyth pier was built.
1865
Principality headquarters moved to Cardiff Docks.
1867
Rhyl pier was built, at a cost of £23,000.
At the National Eisteddfod of Wales held at Carmarthen, a crown was presented for the first time.
1869
The Western Mail was published for the first time.
1870s
1870
After 10 years of having no permanent home, Principality opened its first official headquarters at 8 Royal Arcade, Cardiff.
1872
Principality opened in Newport.
Wales’ first university at Aberystwyth opened with 26 students.
Wrexham Football Club was founded.
1873
A Principality agency opened in Ebbw Vale. [NO ADDRESS]
1874
The great Building Societies Act came into effect, giving building societies the power to borrow money.
1876
Robert Day became Principality’s Chairman.
The opening of the 1,234 foot long Llandudno pier.
The Football Association of Wales, the third oldest association in the world, was established at the Wynnstay Arms Hotel, Wrexham.
1879
Battle of Rorke’s Drift in which 145 soldiers from the 24th Foot (later the South Wales Borderers) held off an army of thousands of Zulu warriors during South Africa’s Anglo-Zulu war. They were awarded seven Victoria Crosses – the largest number awarded to a regiment for a single action.
The ballroom of the Lord Nelson Hotel in Milford Haven became the first in Britain to be lit by electricity.
1880s
1881
The Welsh Rugby Union was established. In the same year, Wales played its first national game, losing heavily to England.
The Sunday Closing (Wales) Act 1881 prohibited the sale of alcohol on a Sunday.
1882
SA Brain & Company Ltd opened its brewery in Cardiff.
1882
Lager was brewed at Wrexham, for the first time in the UK.
1883
Cardiff University was originally founded.
1884
Founding of Bangor University.
The first international match was played at Cardiff Arms Park. Wales beat Ireland 5-0.
1885
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (the Welsh Language Society) was founded at the National Eisteddfod in Aberdare.
1886
Opening of the Cardiff stock exchange. At this time, Principality’s assets stood at £355,227.
1888
Glamorgan County Cricket Club was formed at The Angel Hotel, Cardiff.
1890s
1890
Welsh-speaking solicitor, David Lloyd George, was elected Liberal member of parliament for Caernarfon.
1892
Thousands of people lost their life savings when the Liberator Building Society collapsed. Public trust and confidence in the building society sector was hit hard.
1893
Wales won the Triple Crown for the first time.
1894
Principality’s then Chairman, Charles F Sanders, described the Society as the largest by far in Wales and the West of England, with total assets of over £300,000 and an annual income of £130,000 a year. The estimated value of property then in possession was £5000.
1895
Alderman C F Sanders and George M Sanders became Principality’s Joint Managing Secretaries.
The Welsh Grand National was run for the first time, at Ely, Cardiff.
1896
Opening of the first indoor swimming pool in Wales, at Cardiff.
The first news film ever shot in Britain showed the Prince and Princess of Wales visiting an exhibition in Cardiff.
1897
Opening of the Grand Theatre, Swansea.
Aneurin Bevan, politician, was born.
1899
Cardiff City Football Club was founded under the name "Riverside FC”.
1900s
1900
The great strike at Penrhyn Slate Quarry in Gwynedd began.
1901
Edward Edwards joined the Board of Directors.
The Prince of Wales became King, following the death of Queen Victoria.
1905
Cardiff was declared a city.
1905
Wales defeated the first touring New Zealand team at Cardiff Arms Park 3-0.
1906
The opening of Fishguard Harbour.
1907
The National Library and the National Museum of Wales opened.
1909
The world’s first million-pound cheque was reckoned to have been signed at Cardiff’s Coal Exchange.
1910s
1910
Principality’s jubilee celebrations. In its first 50 years, the Society had advanced two million, two hundred thousand pounds and helped in the purchase or erection of some 15,000 houses. The first of these social housing projects programmes involved the building of 200 houses at Cefn-y-Fan near Port Talbot.
The Society’s name was shortened to Principality Building Society.
1911
The new Prince of Wales was invested with his title in a ceremony at Caernarfon Castle.
1912
The Annual Meeting of the Building Societies Association was held in Cardiff.
Alderman George Greenland was appointed to the Principality Board.
1913
The explosion at Senghenydd, killing 439 men at the Lancaster Pit.
The Principality’s assets exceeded £540,000.
1914
The opening of official headquarters - Principality Buildings, Queen Street, Cardiff at 5.30pm on May 28.
Alex Sanders became Principality’s Managing Secretary.
More than 280,000 Welshmen shared trenches with soldiers from across Britain and the Empire in the First World War.
1915
The Welsh Guards regiment was created.
1916
Thomas J. Williams was appointed to the Principality Board.
David Lloyd George became the first Welshman to be elected Prime Minister.
Roald Dahl was born in Llandaff.
1920s
1920
Swansea University was established. It joined Bangor, Aberystwyth and Cardiff to form the University of Wales.
1922
Urdd Gobaith Cymru (The Welsh League of Youth) was founded.
1924
Following the war, demand for houses grew and once again Principality prospered, reaching its first milestone of £1million assets in this year.
1925
Plaid Genedlaethol Cymru (The National Party of Wales) was founded.
The actor, Richard Burton, was born.
1926
The Society created a policy of leniency in light of the Coal Strike, allowing certain borrowers to be exempt from 6 months’ repayments.
1927
Cardiff City won the FA Cup beating Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley Stadium and, for the first time, taking the trophy out of England.
1929
The number of motor vehicles in Wales exceeded 100,000 for the first time.
1930s
1934
Extending its presence west, Principality opened branches in Swansea and Barry.
1935
Principality’s Ammanford agency opened at 6 High Street.
The first radio broadcast in Welsh, made by the BBC from its studio in Bangor.
Felinfoel Brewery in Llanelli became the first outside the USA to sell beer in cans.
1936
Edward, Prince of Wales, became King.
1937
Shirley Bassey and Sir Anthony Hopkins were born.
1939
The first Welsh language primary school was established in Aberystwyth.
1940s
1940
Welsh men and women were engulfed in World War II.
Tom Jones was born.
Our customer Mr Day borrowed £170 to buy a property in Cardiff. His monthly repayments were £1:3:10. [THIS INFO IS TAKEN FROM HIS PASSBOOK.]
1942
The Welsh Courts Act was passed, allowing the Welsh language to be used in courts of law.
1943
The Welsh National Opera company was founded in Cardiff.
1945
Barry John, Gerald Davies and Max Boyce were born.
1946
Herbert Greenland was appointed to the Principality Board.
Welshmen James Griffiths and Aneurin Bevan produced the National Insurance Act of 1946, which set up the UK's welfare state (NHS).
1947
Nationalisation of the coal mining industry under the new National Coal Board.
1948
Gilbert O Shepherd was appointed to the Principality Board
1950s
1950
Alex Sanders became Principality’s General Manager.
1951
In July, the Queen visited Principality’s stand at the Welsh Industries Fair in Cardiff.
Snowdonia became a National Park - the third in Britain and first in Wales.
1953
The Society’s assets reached £3 million.
Dylan Thomas died in New York City.
Bonnie Tyler was born
1954
Cardiff Airport opened near Rhoose.
1955
Cardiff was chosen as the capital city for Wales.
1956
The Gower Peninsula became the first place in the UK to be designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
1958
Principality opened its Kingston upon Thames branch.
Principality appointed H Cyril David
1959
The red dragon on a green and white background became the official flag of Wales.
Principality launched its red logo and dragon symbol.
Principality took over Bridgend Building Society.
1960s
1960
Principality opened its Chester branch at 14 Bridge Street
Principality staff and agents celebrate the Society’s centenary at the Angel Hotel, Cardiff
1962
Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, the Welsh Language Society, was founded.
1963
Principality opened its London WC1 branch.
Principality’s annual report was produced in shocking pink.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor starred in Cleopatra. Desmond Llewelyn made his first appearance as "Q” in From Russia with Love.
1964
Principality opened its branches at 2 The Square, Shrewsbury, at 2 St Peter’s Square, Hereford
Tokyo Olympic Games - Lynn Davies (Lynn the Leap) from Nant-y-moel near Bridgend won gold medal in the men's long jump.
The position of Secretary of State for Wales was created.
1965
Principality’s Carmarthen branch opened at 13 Guildhall Square.
Rob Brydon and Bryn Terfel were born.
1966
Principality opened at 220 High Street, Bangor and in Colwyn Bay.
The Aberfan disaster which killed 144 people, including 116 children in the South Wales town.
The Severn Bridge opened.
1967
For the first time, Principality’s AGM was held at the Park Hotel, Cardiff, instead of at Principality Buildings.
Principality’s branch office in Bridgend opened.
The Passport Office came to Newport and the Land Registry to Swansea.
Barry John and Gareth Edwards made their international debut.
The Welsh Language Act was born.
1968
Principality’s Pwllheli branch opened at 55a High Street.
Following the Society taking over Maesteg Building Society this year,Principality opened a further branch at 139 Commercial Street, Maesteg.
For the first time, Principality’s annual report featured the Society’s name in Welsh.
1969
Principality’s assets reached £33.7m. At the beginning of the 60s, they had stood at £9.3m.
The investiture of Charles at Caernarfon.
Swansea was granted city status.
1970s
1970
Principality’s Haverfordwest branch opened at 5 Victoria Place.
1971
Principality branches opened at Unit 11 Beacons Place, Merthyr and at 105/107 Albany Road, Cardiff.
The South Wales Echo featured news of an exhibition of Kenyan tribal crafts, held for six weeks at Principality’s Queen Street branch in Cardiff. The collection of carved spoons, hand weaving and beading was made by Principality accountant Tony Lewis when he worked in Mombasa in the 1960s.
Principality installed a computer at Cardiff Head Office - the only one of its kind serving a building society in Wales. The computer produced 45,000 statements at the end of January.
Registration of marriages in the Welsh language became legal.
Decimalisation hit, changing the face of UK money.
1972
Principality’s Penarth branch opened at 1 Stanwell Road. Colwyn Bay closed.
The passing of the Local Government Act 1972 transformed Wales into eight counties.
Fashion designer, Julien MacDonald, was born.
1973
Principality opened at Bristol, 28 High Street, Cowbridge, 21 Merthyr Road, Whitchurch and at 7 Riverside Walk, Port Talbot.
Ioan Gruffudd and Ryan Giggs, were born.
1974
Principality took over the Swansea, Aberavon and Carmarthen Building Societies.
Prinicpality opened a branch in Port Talbot.
Welsh MPs were became entitled to take their oaths of allegiance to the British Crown in Welsh, as well as in English.
1975
Principality’s branches opened at 174 Cowbridge Road East, Canton, at The Twyn, Caerphilly and at 1-3 Green Street, Neath. The Queen Street banking hall was taken over from Barclays.
1976
S. Essex Williamswas appointed to the Principality Board.
The Welsh Development Agency was formed.
1977
Principality’s first Llanelly(sic) branch opened.
Principality took over Aberdare Building Society.
John Hensman became Managing Secretary.
BBC Radio Cymru and Radio Wales were established.
1978
Principality’s branches opened at Rhiwbina, Treorchy, 796 Newport Road, Rumney, 68 Frogmore Street, Abergavenny, 129 High Street, Blackwood, 29 West Street, Fishguard and at 40 Rhosmaen Street, Llandeilo.
Principality took over the District Building Society.
John Hensman became Principality’s General Manager 1978.
1979
Principality opened branches at 15 Terrace Road, Aberystwyth, 2A The Walk in Ebbw Vale, 3 Commercial Street, Pontypool, 36/38 High Street, Llandaff, 11 Vale Street, Denbigh, Abertillery and at 86 High Street, Gorseinon.
Principality took over Gorseinon Building Society.
1980s
1980
Principality began its long-term sponsorship of the National Eisteddfod of Wales.
Principality’s branches at 30 Dunraven Street, Tonypandy and at 101 Woodfield Street, Morriston opened.
John Hensman became Principality’s Director.
1981
Principality branches opened at 18 Station Road, Llanishen, at Maldwyn House on Penrallt Street, Machynlleth and at 53 Newton Road, Mumbles.
Brian R David became joined the Principality Board
The Prince of Wales married Lady Diana Spencer.
1982
Principality opened in Llanedeyrn and at 23 John Street, Porthcawl.
S4C began broadcasting.
1983
Principality’s Llantwit Major branch opened at 1 The Precinct. An in-store branch was set up in the David Morgan department store, Cardiff.
1984
Principality’s Birchgrove branch opened at 95 Caerphilly Road in Cardiff.
The Miners’ Strike.
1985
Principality took over Chatham Building Society in Liverpool.
1986
John Mitchell became Principality’s Chief Executive.
The first Welsh Proms were held at St David's Hall in Cardiff, four years after the building opened.
1987
Principality acquired Peter Alan and Parkhurst Estate Agency, creating one of the largest estate agencies in South Wales with 25 branches.
Principality’s Abertillery and Swansea Uplands branches reverted to agencies.
Principality held 27,389 mortgage accounts and began making Thomas Cook travellers cheques and foreign currency available in branches.
Principality’s staff newspaper was introduced.
1988
Conway, Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Harlech Castles became the first Welsh sites to be placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Principality’s branches at 45 High Street, Lampeter and Carlton House, Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells opened. Llanedeyrn closed.
1989
Principality’s Asset Management Financial Services became established.
The site for Principality House was acquired.
1990s
1990
The first mention of sponsorship was made in Principality’s annual reports. Support was provided to Business in the Community, the Garden Festival Wales at Ebbw Vale, the Royal National Eisteddfod, South Glamorgan Youth Choir, Table Tennis Association of Wales and the Welsh Rugby Union.
1991
Sir Peter Phillips was appointed to the Principality Board.
Principality celebrated the achievement of £1 billion assets with a dinner at City Hall, Cardiff
1992
Principality headquarters was on the move again, a sign of the Society’s rapid growth during the 1980s. Principality House on the Friary in Cardiff became the new home, and remains its headquarters today. The building was opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on 28th April. The opening ceremony raised £10,000 for the Save the Children Fund.
Principality’s Coat of Arms Letters of Patent were received, bearing the seal of the Garter of Arms with the motto Llwyddiant Trwy Wasanaeth – Success Through Service.
Tanni Grey-Thompson won four gold medals at the Paralympics in Barcelona.
1995
Principality introduced its partnership awards, providing financial support at a local level to nineteen different community-based projects throughout Wales.
1996
The Church in Wales ordained its first women priests.
1997
Principality opened at 93/94 Taff Street, Pontypridd
The car crash that killed Diana, Princess of Wales.
The Welsh voted “yes” to a Welsh Assembly.
Cardiff Arms Park was demolished to make way for a new stadium.
1999
Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) were introduced to replace Personal Equity Plans (PEPs) – these accounts continued to be held free of capital gains tax and income tax.
The opening of Wales’ first 5-star hotel - the St David's Hotel in Cardiff Bay.
The Queen opened the new Welsh Assembly.
The opening of Wales’ Millennium Stadium – the first in the UK with a retractable roof.
2000s
2000
Peter L Davies became Principality’s Chairman.
Principality began sponsoring Principality House, the centre for lifelong learning at the National Botanical Garden of Wales.
Principality sponsored the Welsh Rugby Union Challenge Cup (“the Principality Cup”) with the aim of developing the sport among younger players at club level.
The launch of Bryn Terfel's Faenol Festival.
2001
The FA Cup final was played in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium for the first time. Liverpool took the trophy home.
2002
Principality formed a Commercial Lending Division.
A time of change for the Principality with the appointment of Peter Griffiths as Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Graeme Yorston, was to join four years later.
Newport was made a city.
Principality opened a branch in Prestatyn
2003
Principality’s first bilingual annual report.
The launch of Principality’s website.
Principality landed its first significant commercial lending deal – funding the redevelopment of the former Brain’s Brewery site.
The first housing stock transfer to Bridgend jointly funded by Principality and a syndicate of others, including the European Investment Bank, creating 6,500 new homes to improve the lives of tenants.
Rowan Williams was enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury.
2004
Principality acquired Loan Link – a financial brokerage which arranged personal secured loans for individuals – later becoming Nemo Personal Finance.
A new Principality branch opened at 20-22 Regent Street, Wrexham and the Llanelli relocated to 13, St Elli Square.
The Queen opened the Wales Millennium Centre.
The filming of a new Doctor Who series began in Cardiff.
2005
Principality rebranded to become the modern, fresh brand you see today.
Principality launched its Charity of the Year policy and raised £17,000 for Wales Air Ambulance.
Principality’s Llandudno branch opened at 85 Mostyn Street.
Principality began sponsoring WRU’s Principality Building Society Premiership.
Principality introduced mortgage applications online, becoming the first building society to provide this service bilingually.
The Millennium Stadium hosted the Tsunami Relief concert - the largest live music event in the UK since Live Aid.
The Prince of Wales married Camilla Parker Bowles.
A Welsh language version of Scrabble was launched.
The Welsh rugby team beat Ireland 32-30 to take their first grand slam in 27 years.
2006
The relocation of Principality’s Flint branch to 39 High Street, Mold. New premises were acquired at 1-3 Green Street, Neath and the Rhiwbina branch closed.
Principality began its sponsorship of the Welsh Premier Football League, which was to become known as Principality Premier League.
Principality raised £65,000 for Breast Cancer Care Cymru.
The Queen opened the new Senedd building in Cardiff.
2007
Principality raised £55,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.
The smoking ban came into force in all enclosed public place.
Paul Potts from Port Talbot won the national final of Britain's Got Talent.
Principality installed its first ATM allowing customers to make free cash withdrawals.
Principality launched its first online savings account in the form of e-SAVER.
Wales was introduced to Gavin and Stacey.
2008
Principality launched its online ISA in the form of e-ISA.
Principality raised £45,646 for NSPCC Cymru/Wales.
Principality’s Commercial division played a part in the transfer of housing stock to Bron Afon Community Housing in Torfaen, creating 8,100 homes.
Record numbers of Welsh sportsmen and women won Olympic and Paralympic Gold medals in Beijing.
2009
Principality raised £45,053 for its joint charities of the year, Ty Hafan and Ty Gobaith.
In April, the Government raised the cash ISA limit to £3,600. Later that year, it raised the cash ISA limit for savers over the age of 50 to £5,100.
Principality partnered with Aviva to improve financial planning service for customers.
Cardiff’s SWALEC Stadium hosted the opening test of the Ashes 2009 series, for the first time. The adjoining Capital Retail Park, funded by Principality, opened for business.
Principality played a part in the housing stock transfer to Merthyr, creating 4,200 homes.
Principality opened its 51st branch in the new St David’s Development in Cardiff, signifying its continued commitment to the Welsh high street.
Carwyn Jones took office as First Minister for Wales.
Joe Calzaghe retired as Britain’s only undefeated boxing world champion and the longest reigning boxing world champion of the modern era.
2010s
The Ryder Cup comes to Wales for the first time.
There’s plenty more in store…..see our events calendar for details.