At the site of Swansea on the Tawe river, there was a small fort to raid the coast of Wales. In the 12th century, the Lord of Normandy built a castle on the site and the down of Swansea was founded. In the 13th century, the city had population of about 1000 and the city was often subject to fire and other problems. By the 17th century, the city's population had doubled. In the next century, the city began to develop rapidly, with theatres, large factories for zinc and copper production. A huge part of the ore was transported by Swansea Canal, which made it easier to reach the port. By the 19th century, the city was already overcrowded, with a population of 100 000. The 20th century began well, with slums being demolished to replace them with municipal houses, during the 1930 crackdown there was a very large percenttage of unemployment. During Second World War, the city centre was destroyed, but was soon restored, while the port continued to work. By the end of the century, all spheres of life began to flourish as to this day. At the moment Swansea population reaching almost 250 000.