Haverfordwest

Welcome to Haverfordwest, the historic county town of Pembrokeshire, a place where the deep currents of Welsh history converge with the practicalities of a bustling market town. As we stand here, we are at the geographic and…

The Western Cleddau river is the reason for Haverfordwest’s existence. For centuries, this tidal river allowed ships to bring goods directly into the heart of the town, making it the most important port in West Wales during the…

Dominating the town from its rocky outcrop is Haverfordwest Castle, a formidable Norman fortress established around 1120 by Gilbert de Clare. This castle was a crucial link in the 'Landsker Line,' a string of fortifications…

A short walk from the town center, along the river, lies the ruins of the Augustinian Priory of Saint Mary and Saint Thomas the Martyr. Founded in the late 12th century, this was once one of the most important religious houses in…

As we move into the 'upper town,' we encounter Saint Mary’s Church, widely considered one of the finest parish churches in Wales. Much of the current structure dates from the 13th and 15th centuries, reflecting the town's peak…

Returning to the heart of the town, we enter the market square and the main commercial streets. Haverfordwest has been a market town for over 800 years, and while the nature of trade has changed, the central energy of the town…

As we conclude our journey through Haverfordwest, we stand once again in the shadow of its great castle, looking out over a town that has served as a cornerstone of Welsh life for centuries. We have seen how the river Western…