Haverfordwest - 900 Years Old

Some nine hundred years or so ago hundreds of landless people, migrants fleeing the flooded Low Countries on the Continent made their way, at the invitation of King Henry I of England , to seek a new life in the south-west corner of Wales. We will never know whether they sailed up the Haven or made the perilous journey across south Wales; what we do know is that these Flemings, who originated in modern Belgium were intend in making a home in a strange land. Their leader, the redoubtable Tancard or Tancred, selected a rocky bluff high over the River Cleddau and here they built their first stronghold in around 1110 with rudimentary wooden walls and defensive ditches. Thus was founded the town of Haverfordwest.

From these mysterious beginnings very few documents survive. Nevertheless they frame a timeline of people, places and events which culminates in 2010 with the 900th anniversary of the town. The town of Haverford had the ‘west’added consciously in 1394 to differentiate the community from similar-sounding towns like Hertford or Hereford .During the Middle Ages and well into the Tudor and Stuart period it became the most prosperous town in Wales whose economy was sustained by being a major Port. The fine castle, three parish churches, priory and friary speak volumes of the importance of the town which later grew and developed into a classic fashionable Georgian town and still later a well-to do Victorian shire town.

The 2010 celebrations will be a most memorable year of events right through the twelve months and all tastes and interests will be catered for. Many town associations and societies will be playing their part in helping to organise events for which the 900 Committee are truly appreciative. The anniversary is an opportunity to look back with pride but also to a bright future full of confidence for Pembrokeshire County Town.

Haverfordwest 900 T shirts and Sweatshirts
Westcoast Clothing at 28 Quay Street, Haverfordwest and 85 Charles Street,Milford Haven. Tel: 01437 769003 or 01646 699337 or Mobile 07747 602056 Horizon Promotional Products at 49 Pembroke Road, Merlins Bridge,Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 765388 or 07812 997059.

'People Who Shaped Haverfordwest' is a book published by Haverfordwest Civic Society to mark the 900th anniversary of the founding of Haverfordwest. Written by historian Mark Muller, it is series of mini biographies of famous people who have had an association with the town over the last 900 years and complements the memorial stone to be erected in the castle grounds in the summer of this year. It retails at £9.95 and is available from Victoria Bookshop, Bridge Street, Haverfordwest.

900TH YEAR ROUND-UP BY MALCOLM GREEN (900 COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN)