Volume One - Into the Victorian Age - Some newspaper reports from the 1870's

There was a feeble attempt at decoration among the residents of the principal streets, only a few flags being hung out of the windows of three or four tradesmen ; but in the neighbourhood of the station there was a very well arranged and tasteful display of bunting, the road over the railway, West House, the station, the platform, being gay with flags of all countries and colours.

To enliven the proceedings, the band of the Penarth Rifles had been specially engaged, and, just before the time advertised for starting the first train, put in an appearance, led by Sergeant Inspector Parsons. The Penarth Artillery Band, under the leadership of Mr Paul Draper, also attended. Both bands accompanied the trains to Cardiff and back, the first train timed to leave Penarth at 7.35, and about that time the platform became crowded with a large number of people who intended to accompany it on its first journey. A still much larger number congregated on the bridge over the railway, from which standpoint they had a good view of the line and the platform.

With Taff Vale railway punctuality the train, consisting of five carriages, was set in motion, the engine-driver resigning his post for the time being in favour of Mr R. Forrest, agent of the Windsor estate, who, as the representative of Lord Windsor, thus had the honour of driving the first passenger train from Penarth to Cardiff. Penarth Dock station was reached at 7.40, and Cardiff at 7.50. The train left Cardiff for the return journey at 8.30, and arrived at Penarth at 8.45. On alighting, the passengers, at the instigation of Mr D. T. Alexander, gave three cheers for the success of the new railway, and three cheers for Mr Forrest, to whose exertions much of the success attending the completion of the line is due.

The following officials attended the opening :- Messrs J. Hurman, traffic superintendent ; J. Edwards, E. Edwards, J. Riches, Leyshon and E. Strange, of the Taff Vale Railway ; and Mr Allen, district superintendent of the Great Western. the Rev C. Parsons, the rector, and a large number of gentlemen and tradesmen of the place accompanied the train, which was run free. The guard was Richard Carpenter, and the engine driver Daniel Thomas. A banquet in honour of the event, which a large number of gentlemen attended, was given at the Penarth Hotel in the evening, and to this the agent of the Windsor Estate and the officials of the Taff Vale railway, who had assisted at the opening of the line, were invited." Cardiff Times [019] 23rd February 1878.