Trade and Industry

Eddie Butler presents a series that reveals some extraordinary stories about Wales and the history of the world.

We know that Wales powered the world by exporting coal but did you know our lager quenched the thirst of the Empire and our tinplate kept food fresh for pioneers in the Wild West?

Globalisation is nothing new. From Swansea's Cape Horners to Newtown's woollen sleeping bags that clad the Russian army, Wales has long been at the heart of international trade.

The sea was our link to the world: a Roman anchor shows Anglesey's copper trade goes back a long way and the Newport ship is the largest 15th century boat ever to be found in northern Europe. Eddie Butler reveals the remarkable stories behind objects in museums across Wales.