1835- James Howells born in Fishguard, the son of a farmer. He became apprentice to a local draper.
1858- Moved to Milford Haven, again working as a draper, he also worked for Ben Evans Of Newport. He then went into partnership with D. Jenkins and set up a drapery in Pembroke dock.
1860- Moved to London and went into the service of William Tann and Co. He then met and married Fanny Logan and opened a linen draper shop of Edgware road.
1865- Learnt of suitable premises in Cardiff and was given a guarantee by Ben Evans. He opened a shop in Stuart Hall on the Hayes selling drapery.
1877- Moved to larger premises at 8 St. Mary's Street
1879- Expanded to 12 St Mary's Street with furnishings, Carpet, Millinery and a Mourning Department. At this time Howells employed 30 shop men. Expansion continued over the next 10 years with a Warehouse in Warton Street.
1883- The store now occupied 9-14 St Mary's Street. He then Acquired Briggs Brewery at the rear of St Mary's street. This was incorporated into Howells Building.
1890- the city population was 4 times greater than what it had been 40 years earlier. In 1890 it was evident that Howells planned to take over the whole block between St Mary's Street and Trinity Street. His plans were thwarted by existing tenants so he converted some stables that he owned on Charles Street.
1905- He was now trading in Iron Mongery, China, Glass and also had a hairdressing Salon. By now they were employing over 400 people.
1909- James Howells died leaving £31200
1930's- Howells continued to expand backwards, the building was not however all under one roof until the 1930's, when an award was won for the new architecture.
1960- The building was completed with the Baptist Chapel being incorporated into the main building. The Chapel entrance can still be seen in the men's wear department on floor 1 as you move upstairs to the Lingerie department you can see where the pulpit/ Organ would have been. The lingerie department is in the top gallery of the chapel.