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James Howell's House

Historic landmark in Cardiff celebrating James Howell’s retail legacy and Cardiff’s commercial heritage.

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James Howell's House, located at 1-25 The Walk in Cardiff, is a historic landmark connected to the legacy of James Howell, founder of the renowned Howell's department stores. This site reflects Cardiff's rich commercial history and the evolution of retail and community spaces from the late 19th century onwards. Though no longer functioning as a store, the building remains a significant symbol of Cardiff's urban heritage.

A brief summary to James Howell's House

  • 1-25 The Walk, Cardiff, CF24 3AF, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Explore nearby historic streets like St Mary Street and Trinity Street to see the broader context of Howell’s retail empire.
  • Look for architectural details that hint at the building’s Victorian and early 20th-century origins.
  • Visit other Cardiff landmarks nearby to appreciate the city’s layered history and urban development.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Multiple Cardiff city bus routes serve stops within 500 meters of The Walk, with travel times from central Cardiff around 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently throughout the day, with standard fares around £2-£3 per journey.

  • Train

    Cardiff Central railway station is approximately 1.5 km from James Howell's House, reachable by a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride costing about £5. Trains connect Cardiff to regional destinations and are frequent throughout the day.

  • Taxi

    Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available in Cardiff city center, offering direct access to The Walk with typical fares from central locations ranging from £5 to £10 depending on traffic.

James Howell's House location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about James Howell's House

Origins of a Cardiff Commercial Pioneer

James Howell's House is intrinsically linked to James Howell, a key figure in Cardiff's retail history. Established in the 1860s, Howell's department store began as a drapery and furnishing business and grew to become a dominant commercial presence in the city. James Howell’s vision transformed the retail landscape, with expansions that unified frontages along St Mary Street and Trinity Street, making the store a landmark of Cardiff’s shopping district.

Architectural and Urban Development

The building at 1-25 The Walk, known as James Howell's House, represents part of this historical retail expansion. While the original Howell's store complex included various phases of construction and architectural styles, this site embodies the commercial ambitions of the late Victorian and early 20th-century Cardiff. The nearby Percy Building, completed in 1931 by architect Percy Thomas, and other structures contributed to the cohesive urban fabric around Howell’s.

Transformation and Adaptive Reuse

Over time, the Howell's business changed hands and eventually rebranded as House of Fraser in the 2010s before closing in 2023. The site at The Walk has seen adaptive reuse, reflecting Cardiff’s evolving urban needs. Notably, parts of the Howell’s complex incorporated historic features such as the former Bethany Baptist Chapel, blending heritage with commercial use. This layering of history is emblematic of Cardiff’s broader urban story.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

James Howell’s House stands as a testament to the city's industrial and commercial growth during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that helped shape Cardiff into a major urban center. The building and its history offer insights into retail innovation, architectural trends, and community life in Cardiff’s past.

Present-Day Context and Preservation

Today, James Howell's House remains a notable historic landmark in Cardiff. Though no longer a retail hub, it contributes to the city's cultural heritage and urban identity. Preservation efforts highlight the importance of maintaining such sites to connect present and future generations with Cardiff’s rich commercial and architectural history.

Exploring the Area

The location on The Walk places visitors near other significant Cardiff landmarks, offering a glimpse into the city’s layered history. The area invites exploration of Cardiff’s commercial evolution, from Victorian retail emporiums to modern urban redevelopment, making James Howell's House a focal point for understanding the city’s past and present.

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