Cwmdonkin Shelter, Swansea, Records

Scope and Content

Cwmdonkin Shelter minute books 1887-1970 (lacking 1908-1914); Annual Reports 1921-1924 and 1964-1965; commemorative pamphlet 'Cwmdonkin Shelter, 1887-1937' celebrating fifty years of the shelter c1937; financial records 1947-1955 and 1960-1965; correspondence 1960 and 1964-1965; miscellaneous papers including proposed rules of the shelter c1887, monthly house-report book 1956-1963, admission book 1952-1965 and correspondence and related papers relating to adoptions c1943-1960.

Access to some types of information may be restricted under the terms of the Data Protection Act.

Administrative / Biographical History

Cwmdonkin Shelter, Swansea was established in 1887. The shelter's objective was to provide temporary shelter for friendless women and girls in Swansea and to offer protection to those in vulnerable positions and exposed to potential danger. The women who were admitted were sent on to suitable homes if necessary for the long-term, or had suitable positions found for them. Others were enabled to return to their communities. Women of any religious denomination were accepted into the shelter at any time of day or night. The shelter originated in a house in Cwmdonkin Park which was let to the shelter by Swansea Corporation at a nominal rent. However due to the distance from the city centre and the expense of maintaining the premises the shelter moved to Clifton Hill in 1921 and again at a later date to Heathfield. From May 1967 Cwmdonkin Shelter was known as Cwmdonkin House.

Access Information

Accessible to all researchers by appointment. Please note that some collections contain sensitive information and access may be restricted.

Conditions Governing Use

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