Situated on the south coast of Pembrokeshire is the pleasant county town of Pembroke. The town evolved mainly to serve the formidable Norman castle, the mightiest in Wales!
Pembroke – Penfro
Situated on the south coast of Pembrokeshire is the pleasant county town of Pembroke. The town evolved mainly to serve the formidable Norman castle, the mightiest in Wales!
Brief History of Pembroke
In the early years of the Norman invasion of Wales, Rhys ap Tewdwr, Prince of Deheubharth (modern day Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire) made an agreement with the Normans and subsequently avoided invasion. However, immediately following Rhys’ death in 1093, Roger de Montgomery, cousin of William the Conqueror, invaded the area and built the castle. The original castle was made of wood, and due to the fact that it was protected on three sides by water and built on a hill, it was unconquerable to the Welsh. Two further sieges were successfully resisted and the strategic importance of the castle grew as Pembroke became the base for the Normans' campaigns in Ireland.
During the 12th century the castle was almost entirely rebuilt in stone, and in 1452 Henry VI gave the castle to Jasper Tudor. In 1457, Jasper’s nephew, Harri was born here; he went on to become the first Tudor king, Henry VII in 1485.
During the civil war, the castle underwent another attack, this time from Cromwell. Cromwell succeeded in taking Pembroke after he cut off the town’s water supply, the garrison surrendered and the town’s governor switched allegiance to the King. Cromwell then ordered that the castle be destroyed. The ruins that exist today have been restored over the last century.
Open Daily April – September 9.30-18.00
March and October – 10.00-17.00
November and February – 10.00-16.00
Tel: 01646 681510
Admission Prices: £3.00 Adults, £2.00 children, £8.00 family
Click here for more information on Pembroke Castle
Geography of Pembroke
Once described by Nelson as the greatest natural harbour in the world, the Milford Haven Waterway continues inland to form the river Pembroke, and on the southern bank sits Pembroke itself.
The centre of town is Main Street which runs from the train station and castle. The shops are housed in pretty Georgian and Victorian buildings.
Events in Pembroke
Events take place at the castle every weekend in the summer, please contact them for information. Tel: 01646 681510 Click here for more information on Pembroke Castle
Wining & Dining in Pembroke
Pembroke has a number of good pubs and cafés offering good food. Worth a mention though is the Waterman’s Armswith its lovely veranda overlooking the Mill Pond.
At Pembroke Dock, The Welshman’s Arms has fantastic food or for something a little more expensive, try the La Brasseria.
Nearby Attractions & Towns
Pembroke Dock – Doc Penfro Although mainly associated with the ferries, Pembroke Dock has a couple of noteworthy attractions, such as the Gun Tower on the harbour, another of Palmerston’s Follies, which now houses exhibitions.
Irish Ferries run a twice daily service to Rosslare which takes about 4 hours. For timetables and prices Click here for details
Churches
St. Mary's Anglican Church
The Vicarage, Lower Lamphey Rd, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4AF
Tel: 01646 682710
St. Michael's Church
The Vicarage, Lower Lamphey Rd, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4AF
Tel: 01646 682710
Haven Evangelical Church
1, Westgate Hill, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4LB
Tel: 01646 685684
The Priory Church
Priory Vicarage, Church Terrace, Monkton, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4LW
Tel: 01646 682723
Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Orange Way, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4DP
Tel: 01646 684673
Taxis
Castle Cars
35, Coldwell Terrace, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4QL
Tel: 01646 622440
Freds 4 Cars & Buses
101, Main St, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4DB
Tel: 01646 682226
Pembroke Taxis
97, Main St, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4DB
Tel: 01646 685444
Doctors
Drs Hannaford, Cox, Shallcross, Naik, Elliot & Siva
St.Oswalds Surgery, The Parade, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4LD
Tel: 01646 682374
Drs Helliwell J.R, Evans A.N & Bury R.N
within Castle Gate Surgery, Castle Terrace, Pembroke, Dyfed SA71 4LA
Tel: 01646 682640
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