Beloved Torchwood Shrine in Cardiff Bay Set to Be Removed After 17 Years

A long-standing memorial to Ianto Jones, a popular character from the BBC science fiction series Torchwood, is slated for removal from Cardiff Bay’s Mermaid Quay next month. The decision, made by Mermaid Quay management, cites health and safety concerns after nearly two decades of fan-maintained tributes.

A Fan-Built Legacy

The shrine originated in 2009 following the death of Ianto Jones during the events of Torchwood’s third season, Children of Earth. Fans erected the memorial near a location used in the series as a secret entrance to the Torchwood base. For 17 years, it has been a site for fans to leave flowers, memorabilia, and written tributes to the character and the show.

Maintenance and Future Plans

Carol-Anne Hillman, who has maintained the shrine since 2017, expressed her devastation at the news. She told the BBC she has spent hundreds of pounds on decorations and now has “11 or 12 bags” of unused items.

Mermaid Quay has stated that the memorial will be replaced with a dedication plaque after necessary repairs are made to the boardwalk. A similar plaque was added to the location in 2012. According to a statement given to Radio Times, “This work is required to ensure the lower boardwalk continues to provide a wonderful experience for all our visitors. We hope to work with the local community to explore a new plaque for Ianto once the maintenance works have completed.”

Enduring Connection to Cardiff

Torchwood, a spin-off of the 2005 revival of Doctor Who, was deeply rooted in Cardiff, with much of the series filmed in and around Cardiff Bay. The show aired from 2006 to 2011, shifting broadcast channels from BBC Three to BBC Two to BBC One, and eventually becoming a co-production with Starz Entertainment.

Gareth David-Lloyd, who played Ianto Jones, previously spoke to Radio Times about the shrine’s enduring appeal, noting that visitors often seek it out when visiting Cardiff.

A Reminder of Fandom

As Doctor Who continues production in Cardiff, the removal of the Ianto Jones shrine marks the loss of a significant fan-created landmark. The shrine served as a tangible connection to the show’s legacy and the passionate community it fostered.