Blue plaque to The Vetch Field
Former home of Swansea City AFC
Location of plaque: Fixed to a pillar of the old William Street gateway which led to the North Bank terrace, the home terrace, where Swansea supporters gathered.
The Vetch Field was the site of the original stadium of Swansea City AFC, from 1912-2005. The odd shape of the field gave the place a unique atmosphere. It got its name because of the vetch fodder crop which was formerly grown there. The Vetch was already in use for sports and events before September 7th 1912, when it saw the first professional league match for Swansea Town AFC against Cardiff, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Over the next 93 years, many remarkable matches were to be played in the ground. The most notable period was between 1978-1981 when under John Toshack as manager the Swans made a spectacular climb from the Fourth Division to the top of the entire league.
The last league game in the Vetch was on 30 April 2005, when Swansea beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 gaining a promotion to the First Division. The last ever game was on May 11th 2005 with a 2-1 win against Wrexham, making Swansea the winners of the Football Association of Wales Premier Cup before the team moved to its present stadium.
The Vetch also saw Wales play in 18 football internationals, concerts by The Who and Stevie Wonder, championship boxing and rugby league matches.
Some of the famous players who played or worked at the ground include Trevor Ford, Cliff Jones, John Charles, Terry Medwin, Ivor Allchurch, Robbie James, John Toshack, Tommy Smith, Leighton James, Alan Curtis, Leon Britton, Roberto Martinez and Lee Trundle.
The Vetch today is a popular park which features a five-a-side football pitch, a playground and allotments. The centre circle of the old Vetch pitch is still marked out as the ashes of fans were spread there.
How to get there:
- Address: William St, Swansea SA1 3QS
- What 3 Words: smiles.guitar.public
- Nearest bus routes: Swansea Quadrant Bus Station bus stops. Go to Swansea Bus Times for timetables.
- Nearest Council Car Parks: The Quadrant MSCP and Oxford Street Car Park.