Pembroke's Maritime Heritage

ONCE A GREAT PORT

Following the Norman Conquest, the town of Pembroke grew in the shadow of its great fortress and became one of the most important and prosperous ports in the Mediaeval Wales.

Under the terms of its charters it became a borough and was granted a monopoly on sea trade: the centre of trade for the whole of the Milford Haven Waterway. Pembroke became the most important town in Pembrokeshire and gave its name to our shire. (Haverfordwest was later to become County Town).

During its history Pembroke experienced periods of decline, but the 18th century again saw its resurgence as a port of note: trade was good and Pembroke flourished.  With the coming of the railway in the 1860s Pembroke as a port went into decline – trains provided a far easier way of transporting raw materials.  Sailing ships continued to use the Quay until the 1950s: now, thanks to the controversial barrage, boats are a rare sight

 

SOUTH QUAY IN OLD PHOTOGRAPHS

Once Pembroke's Quay was approached through the old North Gate.  This was sadly demolished in about 1825, the only gate to have survived the ravishes of the Civil War.  But even greater destruction to the South Quay happened in recent times when the distinctive Corn Mill was burnt down in the 1950s and the warehouses were demolished some time later (if anyone could tell me when, I would appreciate the information).

Here are some photographs to give some idea of what the Quay looked like before modern forces of destruction rendered it to a mere car park with very little left to tell of Pembroke's great maritime history. (To find out about the history of the port click here).