Pre-industrial Barry

The early years were troubled ones for Barry, with constant Viking raids making life difficult. Barry Island, for example, was known to be a raiders’ base in 1087. Soon after this date the Normans arrived to divide the lands of the Vale of Glamorgan into manors and parishes. Barry became a sub-manor to Penmark and by the 12th-13th centuries had grown into a village and port with its own church, water mill and castle. Fragments of the latter dating from 13th & 14th centuries can be seen on the hill above Romilly Park.

The Black Death in the 14th century almost finished Barry. It was not until the 17th century that the population recovered sufficiently to be once again termed a village. The port became active again, with local ships trading as far afield as France.