FROM the Archive this week features the SS Valsesia which came to Barry with Italian coal.

In 1926 there was a general strike lasting nine days from May 3 to May 13.

The aim of the strike was to stop mine owners reducing pay and increasing shifts from seven to eight hours.

“It was estimated on the first full day of action up to 1.75 million people went on strike.

Not only miners took action, but other industries joined in sympathy - including bus, rail. and dock workers.

The SS Valsesia, described as a strike-breaking coal carrier, drifted onto rocks after failing to anchor and when the tide went out.

The ship broke into two.

“She was grounded at Friar's Point, Barry Island, for many months and was finally salvaged in 1927.

The Barry & District News would like to thank Cllr Shirley Hodges for the photograph and information.

If you have an old Barry photograph you would like to see included, with information about what it depicts, email sha@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk