1883 in Wales

This article is about the particular significance of the year 1883 to Wales and its people.

Incumbents

27 January – In the same storm, the James Gray is wrecked on Tusker Rocks, Porthcawl, and the Agnes Jack off Port Eynon. The Mumbles lifeboat puts out, and 5 of its crew are drowned in the rescue attempt, in which Jessie Ace and Margaret Wright assist.
16 February – Six million tons of rock collapse at the Welsh Slate Company's underground quarry at Blaenau Ffestiniog.
1 February – Five miners are killed in an accident at the Lewis Merthyr Colliery.
25 June – Six miners are killed in an accident at the New Duffryn Colliery, Rhymney.
July – The steamship Rishanglys leaves three seamen, who are believed to be suffering from cholera, on the island of Flat Holm; one of them subsequently dies.
21 August – Five miners are killed in an accident at the Gelli Colliery, Gelli, Glamorgan.
24 October – Cardiff University opens.
31 October – 18 people are drowned when the German barque Alhambra sinks off Holyhead.
13 November – Merthyr Tydfil-born Samuel Griffith becomes Premier of Queensland for the first time.
c. November? – Closure of Point of Ayr lighthouse.
Peak year for zinc production in Wales.
Penydarren Ironworks closes completely.
Welsh-Canadian artist Robert Harris is commissioned to paint the Meeting of the Delegates of British North America.

Football – Wrexham win the Welsh Cup for the second time in its six-year history.
Rugby union
*Wales take part in the inaugural Home Nations Championship
*First home international game played, hosted at St. Helen's Rugby and Cricket Ground in Swansea.
*First Wales match against Scotland. Wales lose by three goals to one.