The photographer has certainly attracted a sizeable group of curious onlookers in this scene dominated by James Howell's store (right). The draper's original Cardiff premises opened in the Hayes in 1865 employing a mere five assistants. Relocating to St Mary Street in 1867 and the shrewd acquisition of adjoining premises allowed the frontage that we see here, constructed in 1879. Only a year prior to our photograph the store expanded 'inwardly' to Trinity Street. The farmer's son from Pembrokeshire was on course to create Wales' premier department store.
What do you remember about this?