Norman Conquest

 Not so here – William was never to conquer Wales.  What is now Pembroke was under the control of the Welsh king of Deuheubarth, Rhys ap Tewdwr who successfully kept the Normans at bay.

1093 not 1066 is the pivotal date in our history when Rhys was killed by a Norman force under Arnulph de Montgomery. Arnulph sailed up the Haven to where Pembroke now stands and threw up an earthwork which he surrounded with a palisade.

THE NORMANS IN PEMBROKE

The Conquest of Wales proved difficult.  In fact for over 200 years this land we occupy was the scene of civil war and insurrection – not an enviable place in which to live. It was strong enough to withstand a seige by the Welsh in 1094 under the command of Gerald de Windsor. After the seige of 1094  the surrounding area of South Pembrokeshire gradually fell under Norman control.

When Henry I succeeded to the throne in 1100, Arnulph plotted against him and lost Pembroke. Although intially dismissed, Gerald de Windsor was made Castellan of Pembroke Castle along with the hand in marriage of the Princess Nest, whose father Rhys ap Twdwr had previously ruled the land and whose beauty earned her the name "Helen of Wales".  Taken hostage, she became the lover of Henry and bore him 2 children.

Henry also granted Pembroke its first charter bestowing on it special privileges so as to encourage settlers who would in turn provide a ready supply of men to defend this newly won territory.  Pembroke became firmly established as the administrative & military centre of SW Wales. The Welsh were driven out of South Pembrokeshire, their lands colonized by English & Flemings making the area culturally English and earning it the name “Little England Beyond Wales”.

This new Norman colony was frequently under attack from the Welsh who did not relinquish their land easily. This led King Stephen to create the Earldom of Pembroke in 1138 to secure control of Pembroke. The first Earl, Gilbert de  Clare was granted palatinate powers

 “Neither had the king of England, as king only, anything to deal or meddle within the said county, but the Earls were free and absolute princes within themselves

GERALD DE WINDSOR & THE PRINCESS NEST

Nest was married to Gerald in 1105 and regained  control of Pembroke Castle.  Through her he obtained a truce with the Welsh princes which safeguarded Pembroke during the uprising of Gruffyd ap Rhys

Princess Nest, the Helen of Wales, led a colourful life. To read more about her click here.