The following pages provide an overview of the location of "Consuming (the) Victorians," as well as practical information about getting to and from Cardiff, the conference venue, and local attractions.

City of Cardiff

Cardiff is a vibrant and expanding capital with strong historical links to the Victorian era. The city is evidenced by two castles which were rebuilt in the 19th century, its monumental buildings, and docklands architecture characteristic of the early 20th century. Since gaining city status in 1905 and becoming the Welsh capital in 1955, Cardiff has continued to grow and diversify at a remarkable pace.

In addition to its rich Welsh heritage, the city is home to a large multicultural population. Expansions in the twenty years prior to the conference, particularly through the regeneration of the Cardiff Bay area, established the city as a commercial and administrative centre for modern business. The hosting of the Welsh Government has solidified Cardiff's central role in the political fabric of the UK, while its continuing commitment to the arts, sports, and culture is evident through the presence of the Wales Millennium Centre, the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and several major broadcasting companies in addition to two independent nation television stations.

Cardiff University

Cardiff University is an ambitious and innovative university with a bold and strategic vision. Located in a beautiful and thriving capital city, the institution is world-leading in research. The University was founded by Royal Charter in 1884 and was one of the founding institutions of the University of Wales. By 1972, it had taken the name University College, Cardiff. Following a merger with the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology (UWIST) in 1988, the public name of the university changed to Cardiff University.

In 2004, Cardiff University merged with the University of Wales College of Medicine, and in December 2004 the Privy Council approved a new Supplemental Charter granting full independent university status. The university is a member of the Russell Group and enjoys a reputation for research excellence across a wide range of disciplines.

Centre for Editorial and Intertextual Research

The Centre for Editorial and Intertextual Research (CEIR) was established in October 1997 as an interdisciplinary unit based in Cardiff University's School of English, Communication and Philosophy. The Centre's aim is to combine traditional literary skills with modern technological methodologies in order to investigate various aspects of the history of the book and textual cultures. The interests of members of the Centre range from medieval studies to postcolonial aesthetics, and they have pursued both analogue and digital resources while working on a number of significant editorial and bibliographical projects.

Travel Information

By Train

Cardiff Central station is well-connected to the national rail network, with direct services from London Paddington (approximately 2 hours), Bristol (50 minutes), Birmingham (2 hours), and Manchester (3.5 hours). The station is located in the city centre, a short walk or bus ride from the university campus.

By Air

Cardiff Airport (CWL) is located approximately 12 miles west of the city centre. Regular bus services connect the airport to Cardiff Central station. Alternatively, Bristol Airport offers a wider range of international connections and is approximately 1.5 hours from Cardiff by bus or car.

By Car

Cardiff is accessible via the M4 motorway. The university campus is located north of the city centre in the Cathays area. Parking near the campus is limited, and delegates were encouraged to use public transport where possible.

Eating Out

Cardiff offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and pubs within walking distance of the conference venue. The city centre and Cathays areas are home to a range of cuisines, from traditional Welsh fare to international options. Cardiff's vibrant food scene includes the historic Cardiff Market and numerous independent eateries.

Nearby Attractions

Delegates with additional time in Cardiff were encouraged to visit several notable attractions. Cardiff Castle, with its remarkable Victorian Gothic interiors by William Burges, was a particular highlight related to the conference theme. A detailed exploration of Burges's extraordinary work at the castle provides further context for the Victorian architecture of Cardiff. The National Museum Cardiff houses outstanding Impressionist collections, and the Cardiff Bay waterfront offers the Wales Millennium Centre and the Senedd (Welsh Parliament building).