Are you Cross?

My manor, West Cross in Swansea, is a 20th-century residential suburb, officially developed by the council from 1945 onwards on former farmland (Grange Farm) to combat housing shortages. Originally part of surrounding areas like Norton or Blackpill, it was transformed into a sprawling estate, featuring prefabricated homes and later, extensive private housing. 

We moved in 1970, on the BMS builder's estate @ the top of West Cross Lane, on the old Whitestone farm lands. It was all new, & I remember playing in the unfinished houses along the road, and hiding in the workmen's shed, building dens & mantraps in the hedgerows. We were surrounded by fields back then. 

I remember the prefab houses @ the bottom of the hill, similar to one on display at St Fagans museum of welsh life. Higher up the hill were 2 story versions, some of which have lasted to the present day.

Key historical aspects of West Cross include:

Development: Following the 1945 compulsory purchase of the 62-acre Grange Farm for £14,500, the area was quickly developed with council housing, including notable prefab and steel homes.

Original Landscape: Before the estate, the area consisted of rural land, including West Cross House, which was advertised for sale in 1807, and buildings like the 1863-built Brynhyfryd House.

Industry & Landmarks: The area formerly had a marble works (closed 1825) near the shore. It was also home to the Currant Tree inn, a 19th-century pub frequented by travellers.

Name Origin: The name is thought to stem from a grange or manor associated with an old religious order, rather than a crossroads.

Community: The area developed rapidly, with Bethania Baptist Church (1851-2001) serving as a focal point for the early community. 

 Sources:-

https://www.storyofmumbles.org.uk/stories/memories/20th-century/the-development-of-the-west-cross-housing-estate

https://sites.google.com/site/ahistoryofmumbles/west-cross-mumbles

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Cross?wprov=sfla1